Manchester United legend Roy Keane told former teammate Gary Neville that he had been approached by one team over a sensational return to management.
Roy Keane’s last spell as a manager came to an end in 2011 after his ill-fated spell with Ipswich Town resulted in his dismissal from the club.
The 52-year-old former Manchester United captain entered the world of coaching and management after his legendary playing career ended in 2006.
Keane took charge of Sunderland in 2006 and led the Black Cats back to the Premier League after capturing the Championship title in the 2006-07 season.
However, the United legend stepped down from his role as Sunderland head coach in 2008 after 27 months in charge at the Stadium of Light.
Following his managerial spells with Sunderland and Ipswich Town, Keane held multiple assistant manager roles before leaving coaching behind.
He was assistant manager to Martin O’Neill for the Republic of Ireland, as well as holding the same role for Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in the past.
Keane responds to Neville over management
Roy Keane has flirted with the idea of returning to management, despite being an active figure in the world of punditry for Sky Sports and ITV.
The Manchester United legend was even linked with a sensational return to Sunderland in 2024 before speculation over the move was squashed.
Keane had also attracted interest from the Republic of Ireland and was even tipped to take charge of the national team.
The former United midfielder’s teammate John O’Shea is currently interim manager for the Republic of Ireland after Stephen Kenny left his role in 2023.
Speaking on the Stick to Football show, Keane finally confirmed that he had been approached by the Football Association of Ireland over a role at the national team.
When asked by Gary Neville if he had spoken to the FAI, Keane said on The Overlap: “Yes. You speak to lots of teams.
“Just because you speak to people, it doesn’t mean to say… The hardest part is getting the deal done.
“Lots of people and lots of clubs that I’ve spoken to over the years are just wasting your time.
“It’s a bit of PR, they’re ticking a few boxes. They want to link you with the job and you meet people and as soon as you sit down with them and they start talking numbers, you are like, ‘Really? Come on.’
“I don’t mean with Ireland, I’m on about club jobs, so if you were going to sit down with people and have a conversation, then be serious, but a lot of people aren’t serious, they’re time wasters.”
Keane talks Republic of Ireland
Keane opened up about his relationship with former Republic of Ireland head coach Martin O’Neill and his appreciation for coaching the national team.
“I did enjoy the international set-up when I was working with Martin as a coach,” he said.
“I like the dynamics, the flow of international football.
“It wasn’t 24 hours a day, but you’re still working at a good level, so if you’re on about dream jobs, I suppose – it’s a bit silly saying it, but maybe the Irish job.
“But obviously I think that ship has sailed as well.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/nG7RQV3