Derby County is pleased to announce that long-serving club captain Richard Keogh has penned a new long-term contract with the club.


The 31-year-old two-time Rams Player of the Year has signed fresh terms that extends his stay at Pride Park Stadium until the summer of 2021.

He becomes the fifth senior figure to pen a new deal with the club, following Joe Ledley, Craig Forsyth, Scott Carson and George Thorne in committing his future to Derby, whilst the club’s manager Gary Rowett also signed a new extended contract.

Keogh has been in impressive form at the heart of a Rams defence that has kept 16 clean sheets in the Sky Bet Championship – 10 of which have come in the last 13 league outings.

Since joining ahead of the 2012/13 campaign from Coventry City, the Republic of Ireland international has clocked up over 250 appearances for Derby in all competitions, helping the club to two play-off finishes.

Speaking glowingly about Keogh, Rowett, 43, says the centre back is someone that ‘portrays his values’ each and every time he steps out on the pitch.

He said: “He has been a fantastic servant for this football club over the last few years and he was very keen to commit his future for the long-term.

“I have nothing but high regard for Rich and it’s fantastic that we have been able to tie him down for longer.

“He is a real link for me to the dressing room and, in particular, is someone I’ll sit down with regularly and chat over a few things. I have a good relationship with him and you need a strong relationship with your captain as a manager.

“You want someone who is going to portray your values out on the pitch and he does that really well.”

Keogh added: I wanted to commit myself to the club and hopefully I can finish my career here, that would be amazing.

“We have got a massive connection with each other, we’ve been through highs and lows and it’s a part of me now.

“My son was born here, and I’ve got a real connection with everyone at Derby, it will forever be in my heart.

“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 feel like I’m coming towards my best years, I’ve got loads to offer and I’m still excited to come in every day.”

Look out for an exclusive interview with Richard Keogh across dcfc.co.uk and RamsTV.