Wycombe Wanderers centre back Richard Keogh has revealed it was a ‘no brainer’ to re-join the club after having a chat with manager Matt Bloomfield.
The 36-year-old, who turns 37 in August, signed for the Chairboys after becoming a free agent following his departure from Ipswich Town in June.
His arrival at Adams Park comes nearly 18 years after he made his debut for the team under the stewardship of John Gorman.
And just like nearly two decades ago, he hopes to ‘improve and learn’ in Buckinghamshire.
Bloomfield on signing Richard Keogh: "He’s proper Wycombe so he gets the club." 👇#Chairboyshttps://t.co/rbwgHmfdZe
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 7, 2023
READ MORE: Former Wycombe hero reportedly joins League Two side on pre-season tour
He told the Free Press: “Matt [Bloomfield] played a massive role in me coming back as he’s a great guy and that’s really important.
“When you speak with someone, you want to have a good vibe and that’s what I got and more importantly, he’s a good manager, coach and person.
“That counts for a lot.
“Once we spoke, it was a no brainer.”
On his previous spell during the autumn of 2005, where he joined the Chairboys on a one-month loan from Bristol City, he said: “It’s great to be back and it’s funny how football works.
“Was back here in 2005 so it shows how time in football goes so quickly, but I’m happy to be back.
👋 Our new number 16.#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/Yxw9efbIs6
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) July 4, 2023
“I've settled in well with the boys by putting in the hard yards in and it doesn’t matter how old I get, I love being out there and working hard.
READ MORE: 'He’s here to play' - Matt Bloomfield on Richard Keogh signing for Wycombe
“There’s a good vibe around the place and it’s exciting.
“I came here at the start of my career which was great for my development.
“John Gorman was manager and I came here to improve myself, not just as a footballer, but as a person too.
“That loan really helped me for when I returned to Bristol City so that’s the beauty of the loan system.”
Very excited to have signed for @wwfcofficial. Looking forward to the season ahead. Let’s get it 💪#Chairboys pic.twitter.com/rOz1EW2zGz
— Richard Keogh (@RichardKeogh_6) July 4, 2023
READ MORE: 'He’s one of the best coaches I’ve worked with' - Matt Bloomfield on Richard Thomas
Finally, on the season ahead, he added: “Of course, we’re going through a transitional period, but the boss wants to put his own spin on things.
“The squad will evolve, we’ll be competitive, and we’ll be showing others what we can do.
“Even though I’m coming to the end of my career, I still want to learn and improve every day so I want to better myself.”
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