Blackpool have sacked manager Neil Critchley after just two league games and have named a former Derby County captain as his interim replacement.
The Tangerines opened the season with hopes of promotion back to the Championship as they have begun their second consecutive season in League One.
In a club statement on Blackpool’s website, Owner Simon Sadler announced the decision which makes Critchley the second managerial casualty of the season following Preston’s sacking of Ryan Lowe after one game.
The sacking has given an ex-Derby County captain the chance to take over as interim manager in what will be his first role as gaffer.
Ex-Derby captain Richard Keogh takes interim manager role at Blackpool
Richard Keogh will enter into what is his first managerial role since retiring from football in February 2024 following his release from Forest Green Rovers.
The former centre-back will now be looking to develop his career in management as he joined Blackpool as a first-team coach in June and will now take over as manager.
The 38-year-old spent seven years at Pride Park making over 350 appearances for the Rams. Keogh also earned 26 caps for the Irish National team.
Keogh was desperate to get the Rams into the Premier League as captain with his best chance coming when he was part of Frank Lampard’s 2019 Championship playoff final side who fell 2-1 to Aston Villa at Wembley.
His time at Derby ended sorely after he was sacked as captain following a crash where he got into a car driven by another player who was drink-driving.
How Richard Keogh’s time at Derby prepared him for management
Keogh was always revered for his leadership skills. He was named captain just a day after joining in July 2012, so the Derby boss at the time Nigel Clough must have seen leadership from the off.
The 38-year-old remained Rams captain until he left which speaks volumes about his ability to command a dressing room.
During Keogh’s time at Derby, he would always be very vocal on the pitch, he liked to command the players around him but also encouraged them.
The biggest worry with Keogh as a manager would come from his tactical nouse, however, the former defender has earned several coaching badges and so may well be ready for his step into management.