x

Keogh Appointed Blackpool First-Team Coach - Ipswich Town News

Former Town central defender Richard Keogh has rejoined another of his former clubs, Blackpool, as first-team coach.

Keogh, 37, hung up his boots earlier in the summer having ended his career with a short spell at Forest Green Rovers.

The former Republic of Ireland international was with the Blues during the 2022/23 League One promotion season, making 11 starts and five sub appearances in all competitions.

"I’m delighted to be coming back to Blackpool, and grateful to the gaffer, David Downes and the owner for this wonderful opportunity,” he told the Seasiders’ website, having previously spent time at Bloomfield Road in the season prior to his stint with Town.

"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.”

Head coach Neil 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 [to become Rapid Bucuresti’s assistant manager], 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.”

Harlow-born Keogh was an academy schoolboy and ballboy at Playford Road but left the Blues before making a senior appearance only to return late in his career.

What to read next:

Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.