Keith Southern

Early career: Everton and loan move to Blackpool

Born in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, Southern started his career at Everton where in the 2001–02 season he captained the club's reserve team. After playing in the Toffees' pre-season friendlies against Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town, on 6 August 2002 he was signed by then Blackpool manager Steve McMahon, initially on loan for one month at the start of the 2002–03 season. He made his league debut four days later in a 2–0 defeat to Bristol City at Ashton Gate. He scored his first goal on 7 September in a 3–0 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Bloomfield Road. He made a total of sixteen appearances during a three-month loan spell. Then in early November, Blackpool tried to sign him on a season-long loan deal, however, Everton blocked the move, preferring it to be made permanent.

Blackpool

On 8 November Southern signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Seasiders for an undisclosed fee. On 22 March 2003 he was injured five minutes into a 2–2 draw with Stockport County at Edgeley Park and missed the rest of the season. He had an operation on his right knee in April, then on 1 May he was named the Blackpool Gazette Player of the Year, jointly with Martin Bullock. He returned to action on 13 September in a 2–0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth. On 9 December in a Football League Trophy match against Stockport County, Southern collapsed midway through the second half and he needed keyhole surgery on his knee later that month…

Blackpool

Football League Championship play-offs: 2010 Football League One play-offs: 2007 Individual

Blackpool Player of the Year: 2003–04 PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2004–05 League One