Boss not Brad, just be patient
ROBBIE KEANE has jumped to Stephen Bradley’s defence and insists criticism of the Shamrock Rovers boss is bonkers. Rovers have lost six of their 10 league games this season and are already 18 points adrift of leaders Cork City in sixth place. Ireland legend Keane, 36, has a behind-the-scenes insight into Bradley’s management as he has been training with Rovers for the last six weeks to stay fit. His close pals and former Irish team-mates Damien Duff and Stephen Mcphail are first-team coach and Sporting Director respectively. “They’re definitely doing the right things and they have the right people in charge,” said Keane yesterday. “We always talk about giving young managers a chance don’t we? Rovers have done that with Bradley who knows the game inside out. “He’s very knowledgeable and wants to do things the right way. So if you’re going to give him a chance, well then let’s give him a proper chance instead of losing a few games here and there and people thinking ‘this is a crisis’.” Keane continued: “It’s a transitional period for them and people have to understand that. Things don’t just happen overnight. “They have a lot of good young players coming through who will do well eventually but it’s taking them time to settle into the league. “But being around it a bit, I see what the coaching staff are trying to do. “There’s no question sooner rather than later they’ll succeed and be a top team, but I think that will be more towards next year.”