3/1 To Win
Richard Keogh believes there is an exciting feeling surrounding Derby County after the club’s first team players returned for pre-season training on Monday.
Richard Keogh believes there is an exciting feeling surrounding Derby County after the club’s first team players returned for pre-season training on Monday.
Under a new regime, Paul Clement, the Rams’ Head Coach, met his squad for the first time as a group at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby since taking over in June.
As well as five new signings, Clement’s players held a team meeting, underwent their medical assessments before getting back out on the training pitches for the first time since May.
With a series of new additions to the playing and coaching staff, Keogh believes the club’s swift movements to build the new structure ahead of the 2015/16 season will benefit the club in the long run now that they have got a whole pre-season to work together.
He told Rams Player HD: “It’s good to be back, it’s been a good summer with international squad, but I’ve managed to get a decent break in.
“I’m excited to be back, to meet all the new faces and get back down to work.
“It’s an exciting time for the football club; we’ve got a new manager in and a lot of new players as well.
“It’s great that they’ve come in early and ready for pre-season so we can all gel together and put the work in on the training pitch.
“I’ve been keeping up to date with everything that has been happening whilst I have been away and I've seen all these great players walk through the door.
“The club deserves a lot of credit for getting the business done early so they can be here for pre-season and we can all get down to work together.
“Pre-season an important time to get to know each other a bit better and work on a few things.
“It doesn’t get any easier as you get a bit older, but I quite enjoy pre-season.
“It’s good to see all the boys again. You do miss it when you’re away, as much as you need a break.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in there, getting my boots on and working hard.”
Whilst Clement will be new to most of the squad at Derby County, the club’s Head Coach is someone that Keogh is familiar with.
The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international worked with Clement in the Under 21 set-up with Ireland and admitted he was someone he learned a lot from back then.
Keogh, though, is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with his former mentor following his glittering apprenticeship under Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Real Madrid.
He added: “I’ve worked with him in the Ireland U21s, he was a very good coach there. I’m sure, since then, he’s evolved himself and he’s an even better coach.
“I’m excited to work with him again. I learnt a lot from him when I worked with him during that brief time in the U21s.
“There’s a great excitement around the club and I’m looking forward to getting back down to work. I feel he can definitely improve me as a player.
“That’s what you want to do; you want to keep improving every year and every day you’re out there on the training pitch.”
