Roy Keane is being lined up for a return to Sunderland – over 13 years after his previous stint as manager at the club came to an end.
Keane is reportedly on the shortlist for the Black Cats, who parted company with previous boss Lee Johnson on Sunday.
The former Manchester United captain has not held a head coach role since 2011, but is reportedly open to a return. As per the Daily Telegraph, Keane has always wanted to return to the dugout but had not been given the opportunity to do so by owners wary of his confrontational reputation.
The Irishman has been entertaining fans as a pundit on Sky Sports since his last managerial role with Ipswich Town. Known for his unenthusiastic demeanour, he has become part of an unlikely comedy duo alongside the eternally excited Micah Richards.
Sunderland considering short-term contract for Roy Keane
The Daily Telegraph has reported that Sunderland have asked Keane to consider a short-term deal to the end of the season. If Keane was happy and could then guide the club to promotion, Sunderland would offer a contract extension.
The same report claims that Keane is open to a deal but nothing has been agreed upon as yet. In addition, the Irishman would also potentially have to choose between his lucrative punditry gigs at Sky Sports and ITV, and a position at the Stadium of Light.
The Sunderland job became vacant following Lee Johnson’s sacking last Sunday.
A 6-0 defeat at Bolton was enough to bring to an end Johnson’s 14-month spell at the club.
Sunderland are fighting for promotion this season, but have slipped to third following a three-game winless run. If he does take the job, Keane will need to reverse that form quickly.
Roy Keane enjoyed his best period as a manager at Sunderland
Keane enjoyed his greatest managerial success at the Stadium of Light.
In his first managerial job, Keane won promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge in 2007.
However, he resigned the following campaign, citing differences with Sunderland shareholder Ellis Short and club chairman Niall Quinn.
Following his Sunderland departure, he endured a difficult spell in charge of Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys started the 2009/10 season without a win in their first 14 league games and could only muster a 15th place finish in the Championship.
There was little improvement in the following two seasons and Keane was sacked as a result.
The Irishman would later claim taking the Ipswich job was his biggest regret in football.
Since his time at Portman Road, he has been an assistant manager three times – first at Ireland under Martin O’Neill, next at Aston Villa under Paul Lambert and finally at Nottingham Forest under O’Neill once more.
Keane was linked to the vacant Celtic job last summer, with the role eventually going to Ange Postecoglou.
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