Boss Kelly's delight as Weledji joins Scarborough Athletic after leaving rivals Whitby Town

Boro fans have had to remain patient as the club work to finalise a budget before Kelly can rubber stamp his new acquisitions, but Kelly has landed his first addition in pacy defender Weledji and the boss believes fans’ patience has been rewarded.

“The addition of Kieran is a real statement of intent for us,” declared Kelly.

“We had to beat off interest from several clubs to land him and I think the fans will be delighted with the addition.

“He’s a brilliant signing for Scarborough Athletic and I am delighted that we have managed to get him to join up with us.

“The system and style of play I want us to use next season will suit Kieran down to the ground and I believe he will be a massive asset to us.

“We’re adding a player of real quality to the squad and I’m confident Kieran is worth the wait for the supporters.

“They are being incredibly patient at the moment while there are so many uncertainties surrounding the short term future and when the new season will even get under way.

“The club have been fantastic with me to date and we have been in regular contact as we work to move things forward.”

Kelly has also been busy behind the scenes in recent weeks and has spoken to all of his players from the 2019/20 season and while he believes some may end up leaving, he’s confident the majority will stay put as he looks to put together a squad capable of pushing for promotion from the Northern Premier League.

“I’ve been in contact with all the players, they’ve been great with me ever since I came into the club,” added Boro boss Kelly.

“Ideally I’d like to keep everyone at the club, but I’d expect one or two to maybe leave, but we will have to see how things pan out.

“We’re seeing a lot of clubs doing business and announcing signings, although these can’t be made official until July 1 anyway and who knows what will happen in the near future or even when the new season will eventually be allowed to get underway.”

The former Oldham Athletic and Halifax Town manager insists he’s been very busy behind the scenes, planning meticulously for the pre-season preparations, talking to current players and potential new signings and also formulating plans for when action is allowed to get back underway and the players can return to pre-season training.

Kelly (pictured right) added: “I have been incredibly busy behind the scenes getting things ready for when the FA, the league and indeed the board give us the green light to get going.

“Things are in place and ready to go once we get the permission to go ahead and I’m really excited for what the future holds at Scarborough Athletic.

“The fans have been fantastic and very patient when all they want to know is who we’re signing, who is staying or leaving and what is going on.

“All I can say to the fans is I am looking to build a squad capable of pushing on and this addition is testament to that - and there is plenty more to follow as well.

“The board have been great and we’re working closely together to plot things out going forward.”