DEAN KEATES had an eventful first game in permanent charge of Wrexham – punching his assistant manager and dislocating his finger!
The veteran midfielder, 38, was named the Dragons’ new boss on Tuesday following the departure of Gary Mills earlier this month.
He didn’t have to wait long for his first game in charge as the north Wales outfit hosted high-flying Barrow later in the day, earning a point after a 2-2 draw.
However, the former Wrexham captain will remember the game for more than the late goal that denied his side a much needed three points.
Ryan Yates scored two minutes from time to give the Bluebirds a share of the spoils after Keates got slightly over excited by home goals from Curtis Tilt and John Rooney.
“I punched Andy Davies (assistant manager) in the face for our first goal and the second he dislocated my finger,” Keates told BBC Radio Wales. “We had to get the doctor to pop my finger back in.
“It’s been (a day of) highs and lows but I’m proud of the lads. Obviously we’re disappointed with the result but there’s something there to work with and we’ll go forward.”
