Four Reasons Richard Keogh Might Not Sign...

Ok, so it`s the characteristically dead-beat news period - at least, it would appear so for reporters in Bristol and Carlisle - and here comes a hot-tip: the unsettled Richard Keogh could make a move back to his native Essex now that John Ward leads the U`s.

Young, versatile... contract rebel? Looks juicy, that, on the back page in bold type!
It`s not entirely a made-up-news tidbit, however, as Aidy Boothroyd was supposedly already in for the player before he himself departed for Coventry. (Look, he went there willingly, not as a punishment...!)

The volume of articles surrounding the player in recent days almost make you suspect that some people are wishing the story into existence - Essex hacks excepting, of course. They`re obviously saving space for the next blue and white blizzard of language and quotey-licious material bound to spring up out of that on-going Paul Lambert-to-Norwich typhoon.
Anyway, while they`re all tipping Richard Keogh as Ward`s first signing - he would be the right price, free, after all - this space offers a few easily spelt-out reasons why he wouldn`t return to his nearby Ipswich roots, where he used to serve as a ball boy.

They are, in no particular order: Alan Maybury, Phil Ifil, John White and Lee Beevers.

Colchester United have a dearth of right-backs, Keogh`s specialist position, of varying ages and experience levels. Ward says he will even give out-of-favor Maybury a second chance, even if he is the only one in that particular quartet known only for capabilities as a full-back.

The remaining three have duality at least going for them, as well as youth on their side, since Ifil also doubles up as a right-midfielder, while White and Beevers can apparently play either across the back or in a holding midfield role.

Look, I`m not saying with an inside knowledge or smugness that Keogh won`t sing - besides there are as mentioned other clubs interested. I`m just saying they`d be a queue for his position.

It`s a fact. A fact which, moreover, makes a good headline!




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