Kelly opts for Crawley over Dale

LIAM Kelly has turned down the offer of a new deal at Rochdale to join Sky Bet League Two side Crawley Town.

The midfielder, whose contract with Dale is up this summer, had been offered new terms to stay at the Crown

Oil Arena, but has elected to play his football at the Broadfield Stadium from next season.

In total, the 27-year-old made 75 appearances for

Dale, scoring eight times.

Speaking on his move to Crawley, Kelly said: “I’m really delighted, it is great to have it done before pre-season, after speaking with him in pre-season, the gaffer was a massive part in my decision to come here.”

Crawley manager Scott Lindsey added: “This is a great signing for the football club, Liam is a very good footballer with great pedigree, he played in a team that got relegated last season but he was a very important and good player for them.

“I have known him for many years and he came on trial at Swindon when I was assistant manager and I always felt as if we should have signed him, he can knit things together well and is a lovely passer of the ball, I am very happy to have him on board.”