After several further loan spells away from Crewe at Leek Town and Icelandic team ÍBV, Mellor broke into the first team at Crewe towards the end of the 2011–12 season. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–0 home win over Bristol Rovers.[4] He then played the full game as Crewe won promotion in the League Two play-off final at Wembley with a 2–0 win over Cheltenham Town. He was offered a new contract at the end of the season.[5]
He signed a new two-year contract on 16 July 2012, despite interest from Championship side Derby County, who offered Mellor a three-year contract.[6] Mellor with his father and representatives held talks with Derby after he was initially offered a one-year contract at Crewe,[6] with an angry Derby manager Nigel Clough saying "It must be difficult for him going back to the dressing room after all the things he said to us. And then when everyone was starting back for pre-season he decided to go to Ibiza with his mates for five days."[6]
On 31 July 2018, Kelvin Mellor signed for fellow League One side Bradford City on a two-year deal[10] On 26 May 2020 it was announced that he was one of 10 players who would leave Bradford City when their contract expired on 30 June 2020.[11]
Morecambe
On 13 August 2020, Mellor signed for Morecambe.[12] Following promotion with the club to League One, he signed a one-year extension in June 2021.[13]
Carlisle United
On 31 August 2021, Mellor signed a one-year deal with League Two side Carlisle United.[14] On 9 May 2022, Mellor was released by the club at the end of the 2021–22 season.[15]
Return to Crewe
On 20 May 2022, Mellor returned to his first professional club Crewe Alexandra on a free transfer following their relegation to League Two.[16] He started in Crewe's opening game of the 2022–23 season, a 2–1 victory over Rochdale at Spotland,[17] and scored in the following game, a 3–0 home win over Harrogate Town at Gresty Road on 6 August 2022.[18] On 12 May 2023, Mellor's departure was announced by the club.[19]
Accrington Stanley
On 21 July 2023, Mellor signed a one-year deal with League Two side Accrington Stanley.[20] After 26 appearances, he was released by Accrington at the end of the season.[21]
Back to Nantwich Town
Mellor, returns to Nantwich Town where he started his career in 2007. His return to Nantwich comes after working with the club in recent months at Nantwich Town Academy tie-in programme with Malbank Sixth Form in Nantwich.[22]
Career statistics
As of match played 29 March 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition