Another celebrity appointment sounds like kiss of death

EVERYONE remembers what happened the last time, yes? That we need to ask that question is staggering, but the very odd attraction to celebrity assistants persists. Robbie Keane (left) is a far different character to his namesake Roy, and having Keane the younger on the Mick McCarthy management team that will be formalised this afternoon will definitely cause excitement.

For a team that has become moribund, the inclusion of Keane will at least bring energy and a reminder of better times.

But what about coaching?

The new manager will, one presumes, be expected to drill his team in an effective way of playing. And to do that, he will, one guesses, require coaches with the skills to prepare a side for the challenges of international soccer.

Nobody knows if Robbie Keane is capable of doing just that.

Roy Keane’s role remained a mystery throughout the five years of O’Neill’s rule and towards the end, he was tangled in controversies.

If O’Neill hoped that Keane’s illustrious playing past would inspire the current generation, it didn’t work.

Hoping that Robbie Keane can do something similar under Mick McCarthy does not sound like a convincing plan.

The new manager needs coaching insight, not gestures to win popular appeal.