Dean Keates

Dean Scott Keates (born 30 June 1978 in Walsall, West Midlands) is an English footballer, who plays as a midfielder, for Welsh side Wrexham. He has won promotion six times with three different clubs.

Career

Walsall

Beginning his career with his hometown club Walsall, Keates made his professional debut as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Plymouth Argyle on 12 October 1996. He made his first start for the club on 25 January 1997, playing the full game in a 3–1 victory over Notts County.^[1] He became a regular in the side the next season as, at the age of 19, he played in 48 games in all competitions, scoring his first goal for the club. Keates was a key member of the Saddlers' midfield in a successful 1998–99 season, playing in all but three games as Walsall won promotion to Division One as runners-up. Relegation followed the next year as Walsall struggled to adapt, though the club immediately won promotion back to Division One with a 3–2 play-off final victory over Reading at the end of the 2000–01 campaign, Keates playing for the full 120 minutes of the game, which ended in extra time.^[1] He played 15 games in the 2001–02 season as Walsall survived in the division, though he was released in July 2002.^[1]

Hull City

Keates subsequently moved to Division Three side Hull City, initially on a non-contract basis, in August 2002.^[2] By the end of September, Keates' displays had earned him a two-year contract, awarded to him by then-Hull manager Jan Mølby. Despite new chairman Adam Pearson's money being pumped into the club on new players, Keates endured a lukewarm season at Hull, playing in 35 league games as they finished mid-table.^[1] The next season, 2003–04, was more fruitful with Hull achieving promotion to the newly named League One as runners-up. Keates, however, played no part in the campaign after December 2003 – a knee injury that kept him sidelined proved his undoing, as he could not force his way back into the team.

Kidderminster Harriers

On 10 February 2004, Division Three side Kidderminster Harriers, now managed by former Hull boss Jan Mølby, signed Keates on a free transfer.^[3] He played in eight games as the Harriers avoided relegation back to the Football Conference. Though he played 41 games the next season, Keates and Kidderminster were relegated.^[1] He left the club at the end of the season, his contract having expired.

Lincoln City

On 1 July 2005, Keates signed for League Two side Lincoln City.^[4] He played 24 games, scoring four times for Lincoln.

Walsall Return

On transfer deadline day 2006 Keates re-joined former club Walsall on a free transfer after his contract was cancelled at Lincoln by mutual consent.^[5] Walsall were relegated to League Two at the end of the season. Richard Money was appointed as the Saddlers' new manager in May 2006, and under him, Keates was appointed captain. He played a key role in Walsall's promotion as champions back to League One in the 2006–07 season, scoring 13 goals. Keates was named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year for the 2006–07 season, as well as being named Walsall's Player of the Season.^[6][7]

Peterborough United

Keates was signed by League Two side Peterborough United on a three-year deal on 14 May 2007, having refused the offer of a new contract from Walsall.^[7] He played 78 league games, scoring 11 goals, as Peterborough achieved successive promotions to the Championship.^[1] Keates was released by Peterborough United on 31 December 2009, having not played a minute of football under new Posh manager Mark Cooper, and managing just 6 games and 1 goal against Newcastle at St James Park in the 2009–10 season even before Cooper's arrival.^[8]

Wycombe Wanderers

On 21 January 2010, Keates signed for League One side Wycombe Wanderers on a 6-month contract, ending speculation of a return to Walsall or a switch to League Two Torquay United. On 3 April 2010, he scored his first goal for the club against Huddersfield. He was released by Wycombe on 10 May 2010.

Wrexham

Keates signed for Conference National side Wrexham two days after being released by Wycombe. He was named captain for the season, and scored his first goal four games into the season with a 30-yard volley against Kidderminster Harriers. In 2010/2011 season captain Keates lead the side to a play-off semi-final against Luton Town but lost the 1st leg 3–0 and the 2nd 2–1.^[9] In the 2011/2012 season Keates remained captain for the season and played in some major matches, including the FA Cup 3rd round match at Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion. A draw at the Albion's American Express Stadium meant a replay was to be played at The Racecourse which Wrexham lost 4–5 on penalties, the only missed penalty being the first taken by Keates.^[10] Also that season he played in another play-off semi-finals in which Wrexham lost again to Luton Town. On 31 May 2012 Keates signed a new one-year deal alongside young striker Robert Ogleby.^[11]

Honours

Walsall

• 1998–99: Division Two runner-up (promotion to Division One)
• 2000–01: Division Two play-off winner (promotion to Division One)
• 2006–07: League Two champion (promotion to League One)

Hull City

• 2003–04: Division Three runner-up (promotion to Division Two)

Peterborough United

• 2007–08: League Two runner-up (promotion to League One)
• 2008–09: League One runner-up (promotion to The Championship)

Wrexham F.C.

• 2012–13: F.A. Trophy Winner

References

External links

• Dean Keates career stats at Soccerbase