Former Huddersfield Town, Derby County and Bristol City man seals Blackpool return

The 37-year-old hung up his boots at the end of last season, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year career in the professional game. He ended the campaign at Forest Green Rovers but was unable to prevent the club slipping into the National League.

He signalled his intention to venture into coaching and it has not taken long for the former Derby County captain to land his first role. Keogh has joined Blackpool, linking up with Tangerines boss Neil Critchley.

It marks a return to Bloomfield Road for Keogh, who spent the 2021/22 season on Blackpool’s books. He said: “I’m delighted to be coming back to Blackpool, and grateful to the gaffer, David Downes and the owner for this wonderful opportunity.

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“I’ve known for some time that once I hung up my boots I wanted to focus on coaching. I’ve been working hard for a number of years on my badges, and feel now is the right time to get back into the game, and to do that at a special club like Blackpool gives me a great feeling.

“Despite being at the club for one season as a player, I felt a real connection with the supporters, and could see just how much the club means to the people here. I hope to help the players as much as possible as we collectively strive for a successful season.”

Critchley added: “We’re delighted to welcome Keysy back to Blackpool, as he takes his first steps on his coaching journey. After Iain [Brunskill]’s departure, we have been working hard to find the right type of person who can bring the personal qualities to enhance the back room team further.

"Keysy has an innate hunger to learn and having enjoyed such a successful playing career, we think he’ll be a real asset to the day-to-day environment at Bloomfield Road. He made a great impression with his positivity and enthusiasm during his previous time here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him once again.”