"I am delighted that Dean has agreed to sign for us. He is a player that has got a lot of experience of playing at a higher level and that was one of the reasons we have signed him. He's a tough tackler but has an eye for a pass.
"He's a player I have a lot of time for. Not only is he a good player but he is a great character to have around the place.
"He will add bite and creativity to our midfield and that something I think we need at the moment."
He is to sign a deal until the end of the 2004/05 season. The free transfer could be concluded in time for the 25-year-old midfielder to play for his new side against Cheltenham tomorrow evening.
Keates made 50 league appearances in a Hull City shirt with 4 goals to his name, all of which were scored last season. Previously he made over 150 league appearances for his home-town club Walsall where he came through the youth ranks before moving to Boothferry Park in August 2002 on a free transfer.