Former Bristol City, Derby County and Coventry City star lands first manager's job

Jordan Jones
By Jordan Jones

EFL and Midlands football writer

Published 21st Aug 2024, 10:34 BST
Richard Keogh (R) played for Bristol City during the mid-2000s. He is now the caretaker manager of Blackpool. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Richard Keogh (R) played for Bristol City during the mid-2000s. He is now the caretaker manager of Blackpool. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Richard Keogh (R) played for Bristol City during the mid-2000s. He is now the caretaker manager of Blackpool. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Bristol City defender Richard Keogh has been appointed as caretaker manager of Blackpool.

Keogh who retired from professional football earlier this summer returned to Bloomfield Road in June after being appointed first-team coach. He has now landed the big job albeit on a temporary basis after the Seasiders decided to sack head coach Neil Critchley.

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The 38-year-old will now take the reins for their upcoming League One fixture with Cambridge United, as they search for a new manager. Blackpool have lost to newly promoted Crawley Town and Stockport County in their opening two games, leaving them second from bottom.

A club statement posted on Wednesday read: ""Neil's dedication, commitment and tireless work ethic have been a real credit to the Club. Despite his best efforts over the past 12 months, there have been a number of disappointing results and performances which means that a change is needed to give the Club every possible chance of competing at the top end of the division this season.

“I will always be thankful for Neil’s wonderful efforts in guiding the Club to promotion to the Championship in 2021, and then comfortably keeping us in the division the following season. “I and all at the Club wish Neil and Mike the very best for the future.”

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Keogh had a long playing career, and the club where he made got his break at was Bristol City. He was signed after being released by Stoke City, and he went on to make 53 appearances in two seasons for the Robins.

Loans to Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town Town, Carlisle United and Cheltenham Town would also take place before he moved to Carlisle United in 2008 for an undisclosed fee.

The club where he made the most appearances was Derby County, racking up 355 appearances for the Rams over an eight-year period. Keogh's playing career this season finished with relegation from League Two, with former Robins boss Steve Cotterill unable to prevent Forest Green Rovers from dropping out of the Football League.

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Despite only retiring this year, Keogh has already earned several coaching badges, and spoke of his desire to become a manager once his playing career was finished. If Keogh wants the role or is kept a part of the coaching staff of the new manager then he will make his return to Bristol when Blackpool face Rovers on Saturday, October 12.

Related topics:Neil CritchleyCrawley TownStockport CountyChampionshipLeague OneDerby CountyWycombe WanderersCheltenham TownStoke CityFootball LeagueLeague Two

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