 By now completely out of favour, Kelly was fifth choice 'keeper behind Fred Kiernan, Christie, Len Stansbridge and Eddie Thomas and was unable even to get a match in the reserves, spending the whole of 1951–52 on the sidelines, with some time back in Ireland.Eventually, he was "rescued" by Exeter City, whom he joined in June 1952, spending four years in Devon before winding up his career at Weymouth.Kelly made four appearances for Ireland in international matches as follows