Keane is traditionally a defender/defensive midfielder, but he is a versatile, pacey and strong-minded player that is good on the ball, which allows him to also be used in a wing-back role or as a more attacking midfield player.

The 26-year-old most recently spent time with Gainsborough Trinity where he made over 30 appearances during the 2021/22 season scoring three goals during his tenure.

Being capped ten times by the Republic of Ireland at U19 level, Keane has international experience, but not only that, having featured for Stafford Rangers, Basford United, Leamington, Boston United, Alfreton Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Nuneaton Town, Worcester City and Notts County, the midfielder has vast experience in domestic football as well.

With over 160 footballing appearances under his belt, Keane was overjoyed with joining the club, he said: “The success that the club and the squad have had over the last couple of years is no secret, but the thing that appealed to me the most was when I watched Long Eaton play Gainsborough [Trinity] in the FA Cup last season, which I thought that Long Eaton deserved to win over the two legs to be honest.

“When I saw that Long Eaton got promoted last season, I instantly knew that this is the level I want to be at and have played at. I spoke to a few other clubs, but honestly the thing that drew me to Long Eaton was the enjoyment I have heard from players that I know at the club – Callum Minkley and Tom Cursons – both of them have loved it, and I have not heard one person say one bad thing about the club or the manager, and at non-league that is a rarity as it can be quite a toxic place at times.

“My brother used to be play with the manager [Ian Deakin] a few years ago, and he told me that Deaks was a top bloke and that I would love to work under him. Kallum [Keane] my brother used to play for Long Eaton a few years ago too – I am not sure how long he was there, but I know he was nursing a few injuries during his time, and like I say, not him nor anyone else has had a bad thing to say about the club.”

Reflecting on his career so far and how beneficial his experience will be moving forward, Keane added: “A majority of my non-league career has been in the Conference North (National League North), but due to relocation and travelling it just took a toll, and like when I was at Kidderminster Harriers, they were full time, and I was having to travel every day from Nottingham, so when I got there I was like a zombie.

“It’s been a bit of a geographical struggle being within the Nottinghamshire area, but that is why I am excited that Long Eaton have started coming back up the leagues - at one point, Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire non-league football used to be a little bit of a hot spot, you had Eastwood that were flying, Hucknall, Long Eaton, Ilkeston and Basford, those kind of teams, and now they are all starting to work their way back up.

“Honestly, I am just really looking forward to getting going, and it will be a nice change playing football and being close to home for once as well.”

Keane joins the club following a season out of football, whilst the Nottinghamshire-born midfielder nursed a knee injury during the 2022/23 season, he noted: “Well, last season I picked up an injury right at the start of the season which resulted in me having to have an operation on my knee, so for the first couple of matches they might not get the 100% version of me, but that is part of the reason I signed, because I spoke to other managers and none of them were as understanding as Ian knowing that I have been injured for a while and want to be able to work my way back in.

“In terms of targets, firstly I want to get as many games under my belt as possible in pre-season, recoup some fitness that I have lost from last season, then personally, I want to play in as many competitive games as possible, stay injury free and improve on my tally of goals and assists that I got when I was playing in centre midfield for Gainsborough.

“When it comes to team targets, I think most people looking in from the outside would say that after back-to-back promotions Long Eaton might struggle at step three, but I disagree, because you look at the team and the way the team is run by the management team, and there is obviously something ticking.

“I don’t see why we can’t look to push for a play-off spot again – I don’t want to sign for a club that expects to lose every week – one; the manager won’t accept that, he is a winner and wants to win, then two; the group togetherness, from what I have heard, is incredible, all the lads get on, all the staff get on, it is all a joint effort.

“Looking at the clubs I have played for in the past, the ones that have done well are the ones that have a squad where everyone gets on, there is no bad eggs in the changing room and everyone has the same idea of how to play, which is why I have heard such great things about Long Eaton.”

Having also played for Derby County and Wolverhampton Wanderers academy at a young age, being utilised as a left winger, left wing-back and a flat left back, Keane has the ability to work in many areas of the pitch, however, he joins up with Deakin’s squad with the idea of playing in central midfield which he enjoyed during his time at Gainsborough.

Cieron will therefore be determined, ready and raring to go ahead of the 2023/24 pre-season with the Blues, to show the rest of the squad and the fans what he has to offer.