Former Carlisle United favourite Richard Keogh has taken his first steps into coaching - in League One.

The 37-year-old, who retired from playing this summer, has joined Blackpool as first-team coach.

It sees Keogh return to the Bloomfield Road club having played for them in the 2021/22 season.

The defender called time on his playing days after a spell with Forest Green Rovers last term, and immediately declared his ambition to become a coach.

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley has now handed him an opportunity in his backroom staff ahead of the 2024/25 third-tier campaign.

He will work alongside fellow coaches Mike Garrity and Steve Banks.

Keogh, in a statement on Blackpool's website, said: "I’m delighted to be coming back to Blackpool, and grateful to the gaffer, David Downes and the Owner for this wonderful opportunity. 

“I’ve known for some time that once I hung up my boots I wanted to focus on coaching.

"I’ve been working hard for a number of years on my badges, and feel now is the right time to get back into the game, and to do that at a special club like Blackpool gives me a great feeling.

“Despite being at the club for one season as a player, I felt a real connection with the supporters, and could see just how much the club means to the people here. I hope to help the players as much as possible as we collectively strive for a successful season.”

Tangerines boss Critchley added: “We’re delighted to welcome Keysy back to Blackpool, as he takes his first steps on his coaching journey.

“After Iain [Brunskill]’s departure, we have been working hard to find the right type of person who can bring the personal qualities to enhance the back room team further.

"Keysy has an innate hunger to learn and having enjoyed such a successful playing career, we think he’ll be a real asset to the day-to-day environment at Bloomfield Road. 

“He made a great impression with his positivity and enthusiasm during his previous time here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him once again.”

Keogh made 95 appearances for Carlisle between 2007 and 2010, initially joining on loan from Bristol City before a permanent spell.

He went on to play for Coventry City, Derby County, MK Dons, Huddersfield Town, Blackpool and Ipswich Town, then joining Wycombe last summer, later linking up with Forest Green for the closing stages of the season.