While opportunities have come the way of Freddie Potts, Lewis Orford and Preston Fearon during West Ham United’s pre-season tour, Patrick Kelly is taking a different route in his pursuit of first-team minutes.
Impressing off the bench against Manchester United in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat in New Jersey, West Ham boss Graham Potter was as good as his word.
Potter promised Freddie Potts that he’d get a chance after a superb loan spell at Portsmouth. A chance he took during an eye-catching cameo at the MetLife Stadium. The Hammers have a ‘special’ talent in Preston Fearon too – at least, according to captain Jarrod Bowen – while Potter has taken a closer look at Ezra Mayers, Kaelan Casey and Lewis Orford since training resumed following the summer break.
There are only so many places available in the West Ham United roster, however, and only so many minutes to go around.
So, while initially Patrick Kelly planned to spend the summer alongside Graham Potter and co, a three-year contract offered up by Barnsley proved too good to turn down.
Patrick Kelly leaves West Ham United as Barnsley boss hails midfielder
Kelly won the League Two title with Doncaster Rovers last season.
After a highly-successful loan spell in which he established himself as a firm fans’ favourite in South Yorkshire, the tigerish, 20-year-old midfielder steps up a division.
While fellow Northern Irishman Michael Forbes joins Kevin Nolan’s Northampton Town on a season-long loan deal, Kelly brings a permanent end to his West Ham career.
Much to the delight of Barnsley’s sporting director; Mladen Sormaz confident that The Tykes have boosted their promotion hopes with the addition of a footballer with ‘top midfielder’ potential.
“Patrick is a player we’ve tracked for some time. He brings a different profile to our midfield and we’re thrilled to bring him to Oakwell on a permanent transfer,” Sormaz tells the official Barnsley website.
“He’s shown real maturity for his age, with a strong grounding at West Ham and valuable senior experience contributing to Doncaster’s title win last season.
We believe he has all the attributes to develop into a top midfielder and we’re excited to help him take the next step in his career here at Barnsley.”
“We’re really pleased to add Patrick to the group,” adds Conor Hourihane, head coach at Oakwell and one of the finest playmakers in the EFL during his time at Plymouth Argyle, Aston Villa and Derby County.
“He’s a dynamic, intelligent midfielder who fits the way we want to play. He’s had a brilliant grounding at youth international level and has already tasted success in a promotion-winning team, which will stand him in good stead.
“We’re looking forward to working with him and helping him settle into the squad.”
Kelly explains West Ham exit as Conor Hourihane plays major role in League One switch
Kelly joined West Ham back in 2022 from Coleraine. He did not make a single senior appearance in the claret and blue kit, though the youngster did feature 38 times for a Doncaster side who now join Barnsley in League One.
“It’s a really good feeling. I’m really happy to get it over the line and I just can’t wait to get going,” Kelly said when explaining his decision to leave the Hammers for the Tykes.
“I was coming into my last year [contracted to] West Ham. There was the option to go out on loan to a few clubs, there was quite a bit of interest from League One and Scotland.
“But, having a good chat with my agent, we felt going permanent may be the best step for me. Thankfully, West Ham co-operated.
“I loved my time at West Ham. I had a really good three years there.”
Kelly was part of the West Ham side which battered Arsenal 5-1 in the FA Youth Cup final back in 2023.
“I felt that, as soon as I spoke to the manager, it was a pretty straightforward decision,” Kelly adds. “He just kind of spoke to me about where he sees me playing and helping the team, and the team’s goals.”
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