Tue 06 Feb - Posted in Feature
Time to read: 5mins
Senior Communications Officer Tom Loakes (@TomLoakes) takes a look at Richard Keogh's Derby County career to date and reviews just why his influence is as strong as ever.
Richard Keogh committed his long-term future to Derby County last week to further add to the feel-good factor at Pride Park Stadium - and it’s clear that he has a big part to play in the years ahead.
Derby’s talismanic skipper will be with the Rams until, at least, the summer of 2021.
His new deal will take him up to nine years of service with the club, after signing from Coventry City back in the summer of 2012.
Keogh spoke to RamsTV moments after putting pen-to-paper on Friday afternoon and made several interesting comments.
He pointed out in his interview with Colin Gibson that he believes he’s hitting the peak years of his career.
He said: “I feel like I’m coming towards my best years. I’ve got a lot to offer and I’m still excited to come in every day.”
How can we disagree with those comments?
Keogh has been a consistent performer throughout his time at Pride Park Stadium but there’s a feeling that he has been as influential as he has ever been in a Derby shirt this season.
The Republic of Ireland international has been a rock at the heart of the Rams’ impressive backline and he has forged an excellent partnership with Curtis Davies.
He’s getting better with age, he’s still only 31 as well, and looks like he’s enjoying his football as much as ever.
Experience plays a part, naturally, and over 500 career appearances to his name demonstrates the fact that he has plenty of know-how.
He’s playing with real confidence and a smile on his face too under Gary Rowett and, to be honest, why wouldn’t he be?
He is contributing to and leading a side which, after a slow start to the season, has serious promotion aspirations. On top of that, the side boasts an outstanding defensive record.
His manager spoke glowingly of him when reacting to his new contract and revealed his admiration for the Derby captain.
He said: “Since I have been here as manager he has been fantastic. He’s been a real leader and his performances, above all else, has meant he has been a regular in the team. I have nothing but high regard for Rich.”
It’s easy to forget, but Keogh has achieved so much in the 277 appearances he has made to date a Derby shirt.
He has two Player of the Year awards and a PFA Championship Team of the Year accolade to his name from previous seasons. That’s some going.
His time at Pride Park Stadium has also seen him forge an international career with Ireland.
After making his international debut in 2013, less than 12 months after joining Derby, he has since captained his country and also starred at the 2016 European Championships.
Another significant milestone, achieved last season, saw him surpass 500 games in club football.
Off the pitch, Keogh is settled in the local area and his son, Sebastian, was also born in Derby back in 2016.
“We have got a massive connection with each other, we’ve been through highs and lows and Derby County is a part of me now,” he explained.
“I’ve got a real connection with everyone at Derby, it will forever be in my heart.”
For all the highs Keogh has enjoyed with the Rams, he’s had to overcome a few challenging moments as well.
That’s part of life and, as ever, his response has been impressive.
The disappointment and heartbreak of the 2014 play-off final defeat cut Keogh deep in particular while he also had to deal with a change in captaincy ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.
Whatever the challenge, he has tackled it head on and conducted himself with a real air of professionalism.
That’s where Keogh deserves credit; he has the ability to answer any question asked of him in emphatic fashion.
If there’s a block to be made or a trademark burst from the back, Keogh isn’t one to shirk the responsibility.
Ultimately, that’s why he’s such a popular figure with Derby’s supporters and why the cries of ‘Keogh, Keogh, Keogh’ ring out week after week.
He also clearly relishes wearing the captain’s armband. He has demonstrated his leadership qualities over the years and, alongside a number of senior players in the Derby dressing room, is someone for the younger players to look up to and admire.
“When I came here, I said to myself that I wanted to be a part of the history of this club, and hopefully I will be but I’m not ready to stop there.”
I’ve been fortunate to be part of the media team at the club for eight-and-a-half years and during that time there has not been a more consistent performer.
In my opinion, he doesn’t get the credit he deserves at times, certainly externally. It’s quite easy to take for granted what he brings to the table given his level of consistency doesn’t dip; he’s so dependable.
When the curtain does come down on his Rams career in the future, he will forever be remembered as a player that wore his heart on his sleeve and gave his all.
Derby has been good for Keogh and Keogh has been good for Derby. It has been a natural fit from day one.
The beauty of it all is his Derby County story isn’t over yet.
There’s certainly another chapter he wants to write…and we all know what that is. Leading the club to the Premier League.
If and when it happens, it’ll be nothing short of what he deserves.
