The come-from-behind 3-2 victory at Burnley maintained a 100 per cent record for the new boss and his influence has certainly been felt within the dressing room.
Former manager Neil Warnock was sacked in late December after just one win in 14.
The team drew two games while awaiting the arrival of Pardew from Newcastle and he has overseen three successive wins - one over Dover in the FA Cup - since being appointed.
"Alan has brought great experience to the club and it is that little push that the club and us players needed around us," said Kelly.
"We needed that key figure and he has brought that and what he has done in the couple of weeks he has been with us has been brilliant.
"We are all enjoying our training, tactically we know what we are doing and we are showing that in games with the confidence we have got.
"The two draws were key to confidence before Alan came in and the three wins we have under him now is showing in our play we have the confidence and it is a great dressing to be in."