KEANE COY ON CATS RETURN
Former boss in frame for hotseat
ROY Keane is staying tightlipped over a sensational Sunderland return – though the enormity of the job may have been brought home by yesterday’s humbling defeat against Doncaster at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats axed boss Lee Johnson in the aftermath of last weekend’s horror 6-0 reverse at Bolton, despite being third in the League One table and in the hunt for automatic promotion.
Since then, former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane, who bossed Sunderland from 2006-2008, has been heavily linked with the post, along with ex-Hull boss Grant McCann, former Norwich and Preston manager Alex Neil and veteran boss Neil Warnock.
Questioned about the Sunderland speculation in his role as an ITV pundit at Friday night’s FA Cup tie between Manchester United and Middlesbrough, Keane was unusually coy.
“I’ve got no control over that, so no comment,” said the 50-year-old, below. “I’ve made it clear over the last few years I’d like to go back in as a manager but, of course, a club has to want you, you have to want that club and, just as important, the contract has got to be right so we’ll see how things take shape over the next few days.”
If Keane is contemplating a return, then yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to bottom of the table Doncaster may make him think again.
In front of a crowd of 38,000 and despite bringing on Jermain Defoe for his debut on his return, the Black Cats crashed to a damaging loss that further hampens their prospects of going up by the automatic route.
They have now slipped to fourth place and quickly need to make a managerial appointment.
Keane followed his Sunderland stint by managing Ipswich from 2009-11 and has since been an assistant manager with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Speaking about the club’s manager search, Black Cats sporting director Kristjaan Speakman told the club’s ‘Unfiltered’ podcast: “We have internal members of staff but it is a big bridge to jump to go on and be a head coach, certainly for a club the size of Sunderland.
“We are also looking at who is out there who matches up with our style of play, who is progressing, who could come in and add value to our football club.”
Philosophy
Former Oldham, Barnsley and Bristol City boss Johnson took charge of Sunderland in December 2020 and led them to Papa John’s Trophy success at Wembley last term.
In a statement, the 40-yearold said: “Upon arrival, my remit was changing the playing philosophy at the club, reducing the average age of the first team squad, and all the while competing for and gaining promotion.
“I leave the football club knowing we were on the right path, which gives me incredible satisfaction.
“I tried to lead the team with honesty and integrity from the moment I stepped through the door. I am extremely proud of the hard work put in by a talented set of players and staff. Working together tirelessly on the training ground with such quality has been an honour.
“I have absolutely loved my time in the North-East and am very grateful for the experience of managing Sunderland AFC. Nothing would make me happier than to see the club rise back to the top.”