Keane Walks Away From Black Cats

By: Rob | December 4th, 2008

Roy Keane has stood down as manager of Sunderland in news that isn’ really that surprising. The former Ireland captain has left the club after 27 months in charge, and after leading the club from the lower reaches of the Championship to…well the lower reaches of the Premier League.

The writing as been on the wall for awhile – the refusal to sign a contract, the giant hint that he would just see out his contract and nothing more, the ridiculous beard – so no-one should be particuarly shocked. Riicky Sbragia has been placed in temporary charge, assisted by coaches Neil Bailey and Dwight Yorke.

Niall Quinn, the Sunderland chairman these days and former sparring partner of Keane has come out in support of his countryman, saying “Roy’s decision sums up his desire to always do what is best for the club, despite the club’s efforts to keep him”

So, what next for Keane? Maybe a little job coaching at Man United, while the rumours fly that he is to replace Sir Alex at the end of his tenure? Quinn has said only that the Prem hasn’t seen the last of Keane.

Has Keane been a sucess at Sunderland? Undoubtedly. They wer ein the doldrums of the Championship and in an incredible run lifted them up to Prem. However he’s spent around £70m, and bought in 33 players over those 27 Months, basically a new team for each of the season starts. Alot of them were big money signings like Kieran Richardson and Craig Gordon. The finshed just 3 points of the drop last season.

Very much his own man, I would be surprised if he’s out of the game for too long. I’d also be surprised, having read his autobiography, if he never takes charge of his country. Keane was always fighting to have a better set up for the ROI, and I would be pretty surprised if he didn’t – at some stage, I’m not saying right now – took up that chance.