"Donny Dynamo" joins Club Doncaster.
Snooker player Chris Keogan is following in the footsteps of his heroes after celebrating turning professional by joining the Club Doncaster family.
The avid Doncaster Rovers fan, 24, came through qualifying in May to earn a spot on the World Snooker tour and will now compete against the best players on the planet as he moves towards his dream of a place in the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for the World Championship.
Chris, who will display the Club Doncaster logo on his waistcoat, said: ‘”I’m very proud of where I’ve come from and to be part of this family that represents the area is brilliant.
“I grew up watching Rovers at Belle Vue, freezing while watching players like James Coppinger, as well as the great days like cup finals and the play-off final at the Britannia Stadium.
“Qualifying for the Tour is still sinking in. To achieve this and give myself the opportunity to be among all these great players is a dream come true.”
The ‘Donny Dynamo’ knows the challenges ahead as he takes on the world’s finest snooker players, but with hard work hopes he can one day fulfil his dream of taking part in the season-ending World Championship.
He added: “I need to adapt quickly, playing against the best players in the world week in, week out, is going to be a challenge but it is one I am up for. I want to keep progressing and learning, and win as many matches as I can.
“It is the ultimate dream to play in the Crucible. Those were the matches I watched as a kid so to play there would be amazing. Ronnie O’Sullivan is the star attraction, but players like Stephen Hendry and Barry Hawkins – who you can see have worked really hard and it has paid off for them - are the people I admire and want to emulate. I don’t run round the table like Ronnie does, but I’m not too slow either. I am quite a relaxed player.”
Gavin Baldwin, Chief Executive of Club Doncaster, added: “We are delighted to welcome Chris into the Club Doncaster family, and will follow his progression with interest.
“This is another chance to expand our horizons in the local sporting scene , as we look to use the power of sport to help raise the area’s profile and inspire young people to be the best they can be.”