Blackpool Football Club is delighted to welcome Richard Keogh back to the Club as First-Team Coach.
The 37-year-old announced his retirement from professional football this summer and will strengthen Neil Critchley’s coaching staff ahead of the start of the 2024/25 campaign, working alongside Mike Garrity and Steve Banks. Keogh brings vast on-pitch experience to the backroom staff, with over 650 EFL appearances and 26 international caps for Republic of Ireland to his name.
The defender made a lasting impression on the Seasiders’ support during his 2021/22 Sky Bet Championship season at Bloomfield Road, when he made 31 appearances in Tangerine. Now, Keogh embarks on his coaching career to work alongside the staff he featured under previously, as the Seasiders’ recorded their highest league finish since 2013.
On his appointment, Keogh said:
“I’m delighted to be coming back to Blackpool, and grateful to the gaffer, David Downes and the Owner for this wonderful opportunity.
“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 said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Keysy back to Blackpool, as he takes his first steps on his coaching journey.
“After Iain’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.”