Former England, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore has paid an emotional tribute to talkSPORT presenter Danny Kelly following his death at the age of 69.
Collymore described Kelly as a close friend and colleague who played a significant role in his life, particularly during a difficult period after his football career.
In a lengthy social media statement following confirmation of Kelly’s death on Wednesday, Collymore recalled how the broadcaster gave him an opportunity when he was struggling with serious mental health problems.
He explained that in 2008, he was spending much of his time sleeping and experiencing thoughts of suicide. Despite his difficulties, he occasionally prepared football news and gossip on his laptop in the hope that broadcasting opportunities might become available.
A Chance Radio Conversation Changed Everything
Collymore said his connection with Kelly began after he heard him presenting a BBC London programme that included a discussion about books.
While driving out of London after visiting a psychiatrist, Collymore heard his name mentioned during the broadcast and decided to phone in.
The pair immediately connected and spent around 10 to 12 minutes discussing football. Collymore said the conversation provided temporary relief from his mental health struggles.
Two years later, Kelly joined talkSPORT to present the weekday evening programme between 7pm and 10pm. Remembering their earlier conversation, he offered Collymore the opportunity to work alongside him as a co-presenter.
Collymore described the job as a lifeline that gave him the chance to discuss football, enjoy broadcasting and regain a sense of personal value after seven difficult years.
He said he believed Kelly’s decision to offer him the position had played a major role in allowing him to rebuild his life and career.
Collymore Remembers Kelly’s Kindness and Support
Reflecting on their working relationship, Collymore recalled the pair’s use of the phrase “Always fresh, never frozen”, which came from a Domino’s advertising read during their programme.
He said they continued greeting each other with the line until their final meeting in a pub while working on a talkSPORT broadcast approximately three years ago.
Collymore remembered that they hugged when he left and said he was grateful they had shared that moment.
He also praised Kelly’s knowledge, humour, honesty and ability to discuss subjects ranging from football and music to geopolitics.
Beyond their professional relationship, Collymore highlighted Kelly’s late-night telephone calls, personal encouragement, affection and continued support.
He said his feelings for Kelly extended far beyond gratitude for the broadcasting opportunity, describing him as someone whose kindness and encouragement had made a lasting difference to his life.
Collymore ended his tribute by thanking Kelly for giving him hope, support and someone to look up to, adding that he believed they would embrace again one day.
Laura Woods Also Pays Tribute to Her Former Colleague
Former talkSPORT Breakfast presenter Laura Woods was among those who remembered Kelly’s influence on their careers.
Woods said she had many positive memories of working with him, particularly during production meetings where colleagues would gather around him to hear his stories.
She praised his extensive knowledge, describing him as genuine and someone who always spoke openly.
Woods said Kelly challenged her in a constructive way and shared knowledge that helped shape her early development as a broadcaster.
She credited him with playing an important role in her career and said she would miss him.
talkSPORT Confirms Broadcaster’s Death
The broadcaster announced Kelly’s death in a statement released on Wednesday morning, describing him as a much-loved friend and colleague.
TalkSPORT said he had been an important part of the station for many years, bringing wit, warmth and extensive knowledge to its programmes.
The statement also highlighted his enthusiasm for football, music and life, as well as the kindness he showed to people around him.
The broadcaster concluded its tribute by recalling Kelly’s famous words to Collymore: “I love football, Stan. I love it.”
The station extended its condolences to Kelly’s family, friends and listeners.
Kelly Had Shared Details of His Cancer Treatment
Kelly had been receiving treatment after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, which forced him to step away from his talkSPORT duties in March.
He continued to update supporters about his condition, but revealed in August that his treatment had not gone as planned.
In a social media post, Kelly disclosed that he had been admitted to hospital seven times and had spent time in intensive care.
He described the experience as a difficult journey involving a rare medical syndrome, several brain scans, multiple infusions and a lumbar puncture. He also explained that some of his medical tests had been sent to London because of the rarity of his condition.
Kelly expressed gratitude to the intensive care nurses who had cared for him, particularly praising their dedication, compassion and humour.
He also thanked supporters and musicians who had sent messages of encouragement during his treatment, mentioning members of Dexys, the Waterboys, The Fall, Primal Scream, The Loft, The Coral and the Manic Street Preachers.
Kelly’s Career Spanned Football and Music Journalism
Kelly had been associated with talkSPORT since 2007 and joined the station permanently in 2008.
He presented the Trans Europe Express programme and regularly appeared on Hawksbee & Jacobs. He also hosted the Tottenham-focused View From The Lane podcast for The Athletic.
A passionate Tottenham supporter, Kelly became widely remembered for his reaction to the club’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Arsenal in the North London derby in 2008.
After Tottenham scored a last-minute equaliser, he celebrated live on air by telling Collymore: “I love football, Stan, I love it.”
Before establishing himself in sports broadcasting, Kelly worked in music journalism, editing NME and Q magazine. He also launched the Football365 website.
Tottenham and Broadcasting Colleagues Remember Kelly
Tottenham Hotspur also paid tribute to Kelly, describing him as one of the club’s own and a broadcasting legend.
The club expressed its condolences to his family and friends, adding that the wider Tottenham community was mourning his death.
Kelly’s close friend and longtime broadcasting collaborator Danny Baker remembered him as a great friend, an outstanding broadcaster and the funniest man he had ever known.
Baker said he could not believe he would never hear Kelly’s voice again.
TalkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams described him as one of the best broadcasters he had worked with, praising his kindness, humour and passion.
The View From The Lane podcast team also expressed its devastation, saying its members loved Kelly as much as he loved Tottenham.
