Harry Redknapp has come out in support of Lloyd Kelly and has praised his performance against Chelsea at the weekend.
Kelly returned to first-team duties against the Blues and played at the top of his game as Bournemouth kept a clean sheet.
Redknapp played for and managed the Cherries, joining the club in 1972 as a player, before becoming manager 11 years later in 1983, staying for 9 further years.
In his first season as a manager, he managed to stave off relegation as well as defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup.
The Englishman went on to have a glittering career as one of the most recognisable managers in the Premier League.
He hasn’t ever forgotten where he started, regularly returning to watch the Cherries.
What has Harry Kedknapp said about Lloyd Kelly?
Following the 0-0 draw, praise was always going to be put on the defenders, but it was Kelly who stood out on the day.
Redknapp featured the Cherries defender in his team of the week and outlined his reasons for doing so.
On his performance against Chelsea, he said: “I thought he put in an absolutely immense performance against Chelsea and showed why he’d been linked previously with a move away from the club.”
On deadline day Kelly was subject to strong interest from other Premier League clubs.
In the end, he stayed with Bournemouth and isn’t let it affect his game.
Discussing the defender further, Redknapp said: “He’s a real talent that puts his heart and soul into it for the full game.
“He was one of the key reasons why Bournemouth came away with a deserved point in a hard-fought 0-0.”
It is clear that the former Tottenham Hotspur boss believes in Kelly, saying: “I really think the sky’s the limit for this lad.”
In spite of any interest, the defender is staying with Bournemouth for the season it seems and with top performances, long may it continue.