“We’re disappointed” - Steve Bruce makes Blackpool FC claim after Barnsley, Richard Keogh development | OneFootball

Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has expressed his disappointment following Richard Keogh's exit

Blackpool manager Steve Bruce has expressed his disappointment following Richard Keogh’s Bloomfield Road departure.

The 38-year-old has joined fellow League One side Barnsley, as assistant manager to Conor Hourihane.

A former Blackpool player, Keogh returned to the club last summer to take up a role within the coaching staff. He also led the Tangerines on an interim basis earlier in the season following Neil Critchley’s dismissal.

Steve Bruce highlights disappointment following Richard Keogh exit

After making over 750 career appearances, Keogh will have been a crucial aspect of the Blackpool backroom staff, with his experience in the game vital across a full season.

However, the Tangerines have lost their valuable asset to a direct competitor, with Barnsley finishing just six points and three places behind Blackpool in League One last term. Both sides will be targeting the play-offs next season, making the blow even more severe.

In a statement to the club website, Bruce expressed his frustration over the move, but understood Keogh’s decision to progress his career.

"Richard has been a great asset to the staff since I arrived, and I'd like to thank him for all of his hard work," said the Blackpool manager.

"Naturally, we're disappointed to see him leave, but his new position allows him to be closer to his family and continue to progress in his coaching career. We wish him the very best for the future."

Keogh addition a key move for Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane was appointed as interim boss at Oakwell following Darrell Clarke’s departure in March, and after impressing in the period that followed, was given the job permanently.

The 34-year-old picked up points in five of the 10 games he took charge of last season and has now made changes to the club’s backroom staff to suit his personal preferences.

Speaking to the club website about the addition, Hourihane said: "I’ve known Richard for a number of years, he is a natural leader and his reputation as a coach has grown massively in the past year.

"I’m looking forward to working with him again and I know he has the experience, and the skill set required to help me implement my vision for how I want the team to play."

Keogh’s wealth of Football League experience can only be a good thing for the Tykes, and due to his recent playing career, he can relate to the squad more than a coach who has been out of the game for decades.

Coupled with Hourihane, the duo make up one of the EFL’s youngest manager combinations. This could bode well for the club, with the Tykes hoping new ideas and a fresh outlook on coaching can carry the side back towards the play-offs next term.