Wolves (1999–2005)
Keith Andrews began his professional career as a trainee at Wolves, eventually progressing into the first-team and making his debut in March 2000. The following season he was promoted to somewhat of a regular under Dave Jones, and in the final game of the campaign against QPR he became the youngest player to captain Wolves for over a century. However, with the likes of Colin Cameron joining the gold and black that summer, Andrews reverted back to playing a bit-part role. After Wolves’ relegation in 2004, he rejoined the starting XI, but upon his contract expiring, he left, having netted just one goal for the club.
Oxford United (2000 - loan)
Stoke City (2003 - loan)
Walsall (2004 - loan)
Hull City (2005-2006)
After leaving Wolves, Andrews joined Hull City, but in just his second game for the club, coincidentally against the old gold, he suffered an injury that kept him out for almost four months. However, upon his return, Andrews became a pivotal piece in a Tigers side that eventually finished 10 points clear of the relegation zone. That proved to be his only season at the club.
MK Dons (2006-2008)
Andrews’ career then took a surprising turn. Having played in the Premier League and Championship, he dropped all the way down to League Two to join MK Dons to become their club captain. Play-Off heartbreak ensured the side missed out on promotion in Andrews’ first campaign, but the following year, under Paul Ince, the Wolves Academy graduate scored the winning goal against Stockport County to secure promotion back to League One. He was also handed League Two Player of the Year that campaign, meaning the club simply couldn’t hold onto him.
Republic of Ireland (2008-2012)
12 years after making one sole appearance for the Republic of Ireland’s U17 side, Andrews was handed a first senior cap against Poland in November 2008 - just reward for his form at the time. Ever present during Ireland’s 2010 World Cup qualification campaign, Andrews went on to play every game in the Euro 2012 group stages. He received a late red card against Italy in the final game, but the Irish Times believed Andrews was “arguably Ireland’s best performer in the tournament”, and he was named Ireland’s Player of the Year for 2012. In total, he earned 35 international caps, scoring three goals.
Blackburn Rovers (2008-2012)
That dip into League Two put Andrews in the shop window of Premier League clubs, and his unusual route back to the top flight was completed when Blackburn signed him for a fee rising to £1 million. Initially a back-up option, injuries and impressive form from Andrews led to him being handed a spot in the starting XI on a regular basis, and he mustered up 33 appearances and four goals in his debut campaign. The addition of Steven Nzonzi reduced Andrews’ game time slightly the following year, before he made just six appearances in all competitions in 2010/11, although that was partly due to injuries.
Ipswich Town (2011 - loan)
West Bromwich Albion (2012)
After handing in a transfer request at Blackburn, Andrews joined West Brom in January 2012 on a six-month contract. Less than two weeks after joining, Andrews scored his first goal for the club, which incidentally came against Wolves, and he helped them to a top half finish in the Premier League in the process, their second best ever in the competition.
Bolton Wanderers (2012-2015)
Andrews’ short spell at West Brom was followed by time at Bolton Wanderers. With the club relegated to the second tier, Andrews became a mainstay in 2012/13 as they narrowly missed out on the play-offs on goal difference. However, he lost his place in the team once Jay Spearing signed in the summer of 2013. He went on three more loan spells before retiring to take up a role as First Team Coach at MK Dons.
Brighton & Hove Albion (2013-2014 - loan)
Walsall (2014-2015 - loan)
MK Dons (2015 - loan)
