New role on cards for Keogh at Terriers

FORMER Derby County captain Richard Keogh is in talks about extending his stay at Huddersfield Town – and a possible new role.

Since Keogh’s acrimonious Rams departure in October 2019, the defender has played for MK Dons and Huddersfield.

He joined the Terriers in January on a deal until the end of the 2020-21 season.

The Republic of Ireland international made 21 appearances for MK Dons and the same number for Huddersfield, having recovered from the serious knee injury he sustained in a car crash, which led to his Derby exit.

Keogh had his contract terminated with immediate effect in October 2019 on grounds of gross misconduct.

The car crash resulted in Derby team-mates Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett being convicted of drink-driving.

Keogh, who played 356 times for Derby, was a passenger in the back seat of one of the vehicles.

The 34-year-old – who was out of action for 12 months – has now won his compensation claim against the Rams.

He lost an initial appeal against his sacking and took the matter to the EFL’S Player Related Dispute Commission (PRDC) where he won a payout only for Derby to contest the decision with the League Appeals’ Committee (LAC).

But that appeal was dismissed and Keogh has secured a pay-out of about £2.3m from Derby, according to The Guardian.

Huddersfield announced their retained list, with nine senior players leaving the club.

As for Keogh, the Yorkshire club said that contract discussions were ongoing and that a “mentoring” role was potentially on the cards.

“Further discussions are planned with centre-back Richard Keogh regarding his contract beyond the 2020-21 campaign,” the Terriers confirmed. “The 34-year-old has experience spanning over 650 games and a role combining a mentorship position for Town’s younger players transitioning into the first team alongside his playing contract is on the agenda.”