Blackpool fan favourite Richard Keogh completes move to Ipswich Town

The 35-year-old makes the move to Portman Road for an undisclosed fee, penning a one-year contract.

The Seasiders had already knocked back two bids for the centre-back, but Keogh was keen to make the move to Suffolk to be closer to his family.

The defender was born in Essex and came through the youth ranks with Ipswich as a youngster.

“It’s amazing to be back,” Richard told Ipswich’s official website.

“I started my football journey here and I have so many memories from my early days, so I can’t wait to get back out on the Portman Road pitch in front of the fans.”

The former Derby County man was a popular figure among the Blackpool fanbase, who will be sad to see him depart.

However, the Seasiders do have options in the centre of defence in Marvin Ekpiteta, Rhys Williams, Jordan Thorniley and Doug Tharme, while James Husband can also fill in there if required.

Keogh made 31 appearances under Neil Critchley last season and struck up a strong relationship with Ekpiteta.

However, he’s yet to feature this season after suffering a groin injury during the pre-season friendly against Everton.

“Richard is a fantastic addition to the group,” Ipswich boys Kieran McKenna added.

“He is respected in the dressing room and has been through the highs and lows in football. He will be valuable to us over what is a long season.

“His experience at club and international level is great, and he can still contribute having played a good number of games with Blackpool last season. He is an intelligent player and reads the game very well.

“He had a little niggle not too long ago, but is fit now and will join up with the group immediately.”

Keogh’s departure means the Seasiders now have 26 ‘senior’ players contracted to the club.

The maximum allowed as per EFL regulations once the squad lists are submitted next month is 25, meaning further departures are inevitable.

Speaking after last night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Barrow, head coach Michael Appleton suggested there could be another departure before Saturday’s game against Swansea City.