Keith Keane

Keith Keane

Another local boy who rose through the ranks at Luton after joining straight from school, signed as a professional in August 2004, by which time he had 15 league appearances under his belt at Luton, since making his debut as a substitute in the LDV Vans Trophy against Rushden & Diamonds in November 2003. 

Keith was a genuine utility player, initially starting out as a full back, in place of Kevin Foley who had moved onto Wolves. He scored his first goal for Luton, a last minute winner at home to Bristol City. Keith was the cream of the latest crop of Hatter youngsters and was recognised with Republic of Ireland under 21 caps, as well as being named Young Player of the Season in 2005/06, winning goal of the season with his fine strike against West Bromwich Albion in 2006/07 and winning Luton Town Player of the Season in both 2007/08 and the 2008/09 seasons, the latter of these starting with a 30 point deduction, relegating Luton before a ball had been kicked and ending with Luton Town lifting the Johnstone Paint Trophy. With the Hatters struggling to get out of non-league Keith Keane was often tempted away by clubs as many as 3 divisions above Luton Town, but Keith remained committed to getting The Town back into the Football League. His time at Luton will be remembered for his 98th minute winner in the 2009/10 season against promotion rivals Oxford United, where he scored directly from a corner in the 98th minute, and then was sent off for a second bookable offence due to his exuberant celebration. However, his time at Luton Town finally came to a close at the end of 2011/12 season after a second successive Playoff Final defeat. Keith had played 285 times for Luton Town in a decade of first team action, and upon the expiration of his contract, he joined League 1 Preston North End where he played 64 times, before a succession of loan moves to Crawley Town and Stevenage and then moving permanently to Cambridge and then Rochdale where he finished his professional career in 2018. 

Keith trained as an electrician following retirement and has played Semi-Professional football for Spartan South Midland League Luton based team, The 61 FC.