Rushall Olympic bring in veteran ex-Walsall and Wrexham midfielder Dean Keates

RUSHALL OLYMPIC will be hoping veteran midfielder Dean Keates’ promotion experience rubs off on the rest of their squad after he signed a deal with the Evo-Stik NPL Premier side.

The 38-year-old, born and bred in Walsall, returns to the area with the Pics for the first time since leaving the Saddlers nine years ago.

He started his career with his local side, making his debut 20 years ago before going on to play over 150 times, helping the club to two promotions to the old Division One.

Keates also enjoyed a promotion to League One wth Hull City in 2003-04 before returning to Walsall in 2006, netting 13 goals as the Saddlers went up from League Two.

His fifth and sixth successes came while with Peterborough United, the Posh enjoying back-to-back promotions to make it to the Championship in 2009.

Following a brief spell with Wycombe Wanderers, the midfielder joined Non-League outfit Wrexham in 2010 and enjoyed a five-year spell with the north Wales club.

Keates became a fans’ favourite at the Racecourse, making over 150 appearances and captaining the club as they won the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2013.

He spent last season with Welsh Premier League side Rhyl following his Wrexham release but now returns to the West Midlands with Rushall.