MK Dons have signed Irish international defender Richard Keogh.
Keogh, who has made over 500 club appearances during his career, as well as 26 international caps, signs on at Stadium MK after completing his medical on Thursday afternoon.
He joins on a free transfer following his departure from Derby County and becomes Russell Martin’s fourth signing of the Summer Transfer Window.
“I’m delighted to be here,” Keogh told iFollow MK Dons. “Once I spoke to Russ and saw the vision and playing style he has – it just felt like the right fit for me.
“I can’t be more excited, it’s a fantastic set up here and I really believe in what Russ is trying to build here - I think it’s going to be a perfect fit for me. When I saw he got the MK Dons job I was always keeping an eye out for how he was doing, to do what he did in the short space of time, to change the philosophy and the culture in that period was fantastic
“We want to play an exciting brand of football and when you do that – people buy in and feel excited about it. I can’t wait to get on the shirt and I’m looking forward now, I’ve missed a lot of football and you’re getting someone who is going to be excited, hungry to play and push this team forward.”
Keogh spent the early years of his career with Bristol City, where he experienced loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, Carlisle United and Cheltenham Town. The 33-year-old made 45 appearances for The Robins before departing for Carlisle on a permanent transfer in 2008.
After two seasons with The Cumbrians, Keogh moved to Championship club Coventry City, before in 2012, joining Derby County.
The Defender became synonymous The Rams and would over 350 appearances for the club during his seven-year stint at Pride Park. Keogh would also win two Player of the Year Awards during his stay, while he was also named Derby County’s Players’ Player of the Year on three separate occasions.
Russell Martin said: “I’m really pleased, this is one we’ve worked really hard for. Once I knew he was available I was desperate to bring him in. I know how much he’ll bring on and off the pitch, I think he’s exactly what we need in terms of the dressing room, and I think he’ll bring as much off the pitch as he will on it.
“I’ve talked a lot about the culture we’re trying to build being just as important as anything and he’s going to add a huge amount to us. He was desperate to come here and sees the project we are trying to build – that’s so important that someone wants to be part of this football club.”
Martin added, “He probably turned down more lucrative offers to play here and, for me, it’s a massive signing and it’s a statement from him to say he wants to be part of it. He’s been my number one target in that position for a long time – so I’m delighted to have it over the line.”
