The talented midfielder was reunited with Jan Molby in February 2004 after the Dane had initially signed Keates when in charge of Hull.

Keates was seen as an important squad member at the Division Three promotion chasers but wanted regular first-team football and a return to the Midlands.

The diminutive playmaker, who is also sharp in the tackle, was born in Walsall and played for his hometown club over six seasons as they switched between Divisions Two and One.

Keates played more than 200 games in total for Walsall and scored 13 goals, collecting plenty of experience before a free-transfer move to Hull in the summer of 2002.

He was a regular in his first campaign but they failed to gain promotion as expected and his chances were more limited with manager Peter Taylor this season.

A good passer, the determined Keates was brought in to aid Harriers in their battle against relegation, though his campaign was cut short by a knee injury.

League appearances/goals: Walsall (96/97) 2, (97/98) 33/1, (98/99) 43/2, (99/00) 35/1, (00/01) 33/4, (01/02) 13/1, Hull (02/03) 36/4.

This season: 8 games, 2 goals, 1 yellow card, 1 red card (Hull 11 games, 6 substitute appearances, 1 yellow card).

Status: Summer break.

Average Shuttle rating: 6.9 (1 star man award)