Blackpool have confirmed the departure of first-team coach Richard Keogh, who has taken up a new role at League One rivals Barnsley.
The 38-year-old leaves Bloomfield Road after a year on the Fylde Coast, reuniting with former Villa teammate Conor Hourihane. The move allows Keogh to work closer to his family while continuing his development in senior coaching.
Keogh, who made 31 appearances as a player for the Seasiders and returned to the club in 2023 as part of Neil Critchley’s backroom staff, briefly stepped in as interim manager earlier in the season. After Critchley’s dismissal just two games into the League One campaign, Keogh oversaw four matches before returning to his coaching duties under newly-appointed manager Steve Bruce.
Part of Blackpool coaching setup
During his time on the touchline, Keogh formed part of a reshaped coaching setup alongside Steve Agnew and Stephen Dobbie. Despite the upheaval, Keogh was well regarded for his professionalism and leadership, traits that made him a natural candidate for a bigger role elsewhere.
His next chapter will be at Oakwell, where he joins Conor Hourihane’s backroom staff following the midfielder’s permanent appointment as Barnsley manager. Hourihane, who succeeded Darrell Clarke after a caretaker stint, is beginning to mould his support team ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Keogh’s appointment marks a reunion between the two, who were once teammates under Steve Bruce at Aston Villa.
“Disappointed to lose a top professional and a great presence in the dressing room,” Bruce admitted. “But we completely understand his decision and wish him nothing but the best at Barnsley.”
Keogh’s playing career was one of consistency and longevity. After emerging through the Stoke City academy, he had stints at Bristol City, Carlisle United and Coventry City before cementing his legacy at Derby County, where he played 356 matches over seven years. He later featured for MK Dons, Huddersfield Town, Ipswich Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Forest Green Rovers before retiring in 2024.
His single campaign as a player at Bloomfield Road came in 2021/22 during Blackpool’s stint in the Championship. After hanging up his boots, he quickly transitioned into coaching, a path that now sees him at the heart of Barnsley’s rebuild.
Writer’s View
Richard Keogh’s exit is a natural progression for both the coach and the club. While Blackpool continue to evolve under Steve Bruce, Keogh’s desire to be closer to home and take on more responsibility makes Barnsley an ideal fit.
His extensive playing experience and emerging coaching pedigree will be valuable assets at Oakwell. For Blackpool, it’s a chance to further reshape the backroom ahead of a key summer—one that could define Bruce’s tenure at the seaside club.
