3/1 To Win
Defender lands Derby County's Player of the Season Trophy.
Richard Keogh has capped off an impressive first season at Derby County by being named as the Rams' Player of the Year by the fans, completing a clean-sweep of awards in the process.
For the fifth year in a row, a player has been named as Derby County's Player of the Year in their first season with the club - with Keogh adding his name to an illustrious list of players to have lifted the famous Jack Stamps Trophy.
Keogh claimed the Supporters Club Player of the Year Award last week, before picking up the Club Player of the Season Trophy on Wednesday evening at the Rams’ annual End of Season Dinner.
Derby fans voted in their hundreds via email format and also through the Rams' official Facebook page in an online poll, during the last fortnight.
Keogh came out on top, with Republic of Ireland international midfielder Jeff Hendrick finishing in second place, while top goalscorer Jamie Ward picked up third spot.
26-year-old Keogh will be presented with the Jack Stamps Trophy on the Pride Park playing surface prior to this afternoon's npower Championship game against Millwall.
Born in Harlow, he arrived at Pride Park for an undisclosed fee from Coventry City in July 2012, and marked his competitive debut for the Club with a goal against Scunthorpe United a month later in the Capital One Cup.
He has weighed in with five goals this season and his fine form was also recognised in February 2013 as he gained his first full cap for the Republic of Ireland in their 2-0 friendly win over Poland in Dublin, as a second half substitute.
In Shaun Barker’s absence he has worn the captain’s armband this season and led by example.
Prior to today's game with Millwall, Keogh has played every minute of every game for Derby this season and is one of just two players to have achieved that feat in the Championship this season.
Manager Nigel Clough said: "When we were in the market for a new central defender last summer Richard was our top target and he’s been everything we thought he would be.
“We needed a leader and we’ve certainly got one.
"It was pretty clear when we went to watch him he is a respected character and he has the respect of all the players and staff here.
“Derby supporters have seen great centre-backs over the years such as Roy McFarland, Colin Todd and Igor Stimac, and they seem to appreciate good defenders.
“Richard's form has been excellent this season and at 26 there’s still scope for him to improve and get even better as well.”
18-year-old midfielder Will Hughes has also been named as the Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year and will also be presented with his award prior to kick-off today.
Clough added: “Will’s a great example to our Academy with the rise he’s had.
“For a lad who has played for the majority of the season at the age of 17 you can’t do anything other than praise him and his intelligence on and off the pitch sets him apart a lot other footballers.”
