3/1 To Win
Despite the result, Saturday was a proud day for Richard Keogh.
The central defender became the 29th Derby County player to reach 300 appearances for the club, a milestone last reached by Michael Forsyth in the mid-1990s.
It is an achievement to be admired, especially in the modern game where commitment and dedication to a single club is sometimes lacking.
Keogh joined the Rams from Coventry City in June 2012 and has seen the club expand and grow over the past six years.
“To play that many games in a short amount of time is something I am proud of and I like to think that I have been pretty consistent in how I’ve played,” Keogh told RamsTV. “Every player has ups and downs in a season when you play that many games, but I think overall my game has been good and consistent.
“I had that run as well when I started 100 or so games in a row, so there have been so many nice milestones along the way. I still have a lot left in the tank so hopefully there are a few more.”
The defender is right. Consistency is key. What does Keogh put his consistency down to?
“I train hard every day, I’ve always been told that you have to train how you play and the older you get you have to do a little bit extra recovery-wise to make sure you feel good,” he replied.
“Also changing certain aspects, my diet has changed a little bit which has helped me. This year I am probably the lightest I have been for a while which is weird in that sense, but it just shows if you make tweaks it can certainly help.
“I just think the way as a character and my desire to just get out there and play. I just want to help my teammates really and help the club. I think being that selfless person that has probably helped a little bit.”
In those six years as a Rams’ player, Keogh has been involved in some memorable matches. He will never forget his first, a 5-5 draw with Scunthorpe United.
He’s won two Player of the Season awards for the club and he highlighted the moment he realised Derby County had a special place in his heart.
“The play-off season,” he said. “Everything about that season, how we played as a team, scoring the goals we did, the amount of points we got. That was the moment I knew that this club was a great club.
“I’ve seen the club grow and I think I’ve been a big part of that and in return they have helped me grow as a player. I’ve enjoyed every season, there are so many ups and downs as a player and it is about overcoming them and just trying to improve. It’s been a great journey, so far.
“Who knows when it is going to end but I have got a lot left in me and a few years left on my contract as well. When I signed it I wanted to commit myself to this club for as long as possible because I think people can tell how much it means to me when I go out and play.
“The fans have been amazing with me and we have had a fantastic relationship ever since I walked through the door so hopefully I can rack up a few more and see where it takes us.”
The only disappointment for Keogh was Derby could not mark the special occasion. “It would have been nice to get a positive result in my 300th game,” he commented. “I think the penalty was soft at best and if you get a penalty for that I think we will see a lot throughout the season.
“It was a tough one to take in that sense, but I felt like we could have been better with the ball. I think a draw would be a fair result but this is the Championship, things happen and we are lucky we have a game tomorrow where we can hopefully put it right.”
