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Keane's gone to the dogs

Robbo Robson | 09:41 UK time, Friday, 24 April 2009

Word has it that the real driving force behind Roy Keane's move to Ipswich was his dogs. They've been pestering needy clubs up and down the country in the hope that the Cork Clogger will stop making them gambol all over Cheshire.

"It's all that horrible growling and barking I can't stand", said one mutt. "We just want to let him off the leash so he can get rid of some of that excess energy," he added.

There's already been some worries voiced by Suffolkians but the dogs have been quick to reassure them. "Obviously we wouldn't dream of letting him in to the county without his muzzle on, but we've got great confidence that he'll thrive at Ipswich - he's always chasing tractors back home, as it happens."

Experienced Keane-watchers will be eyeing up his facial growth as a barometer of the great man's well-being. That unruly beard at the Stadium of Plight was so unpleasant that men sat in doorways with bottles of cider in brown paper bags were offering sober words of sympathy for the man.
Roy Keane
I realise it's rare for me to be showing any interest in a Championship side and I'm sure some of you smart alecs'll be telling me I'm eyeing up next season's opponents. But I wonder about Keane.

Man U fans'll tell you he never took a backward step on the pitch - and opponents'll tell you that they could barely take a forward one after playing against him. But off the pitch he seems altogether flakier to me.

He was sent home from the World Cup, after lamenting that Mick McCarthy wasn't even '(expletive deleted) Irish' - as if (a) having an Irish manager had ever served the Republic well before, and (b) it mattered a jot during Jack Charlton's time where the hell anyone was from as long as his crack squad of genealogists could prove some sort of Hibernian link. (I think Ray Houghton's granny once got stuck at Rosslare ferry terminal overnight and Tony Cascarino's great uncle once bought a bottle of poteen - that was enough for big Jack.)

'Course, McCarthy has taken Wolves up so that's delayed a steely touchline handshake for another season. Actually, with Mick 'n' Roy it'd be no handshake at all or one that went on for about 10 minutes, with a simultaneous staring competition.

The way Keane shuffled out of Sunderland doesn't bode all that well for the Tractor Boys either. And in both these cases, the mess he left was tidied up reasonably well - Ireland went on to do OK in 2002 and Sbragia's Sunderland will stay up despite many of Keane's purchases being very questionable.

Man United didn't suffer too greatly either when they offloaded him after he became more and more like the crotchety uncle no one wanted to talk to at the family dos.

This hasn't stopped the chief executive at Ipswich and the ambitious chairman from hailing Keane's arrival as a massive moment. We've already been pummelled by lots of chest-thumping from the pair of them.

The buzzwords are 'ambition' and 'potential'. But it's clear what Keane really brings to a football club. Matt Holland said it: "The fear factor."

That's right. Save for his bouts of unforgivable malice Roy was a great player. But most of all he was right scary. A Keano 'hard stare' makes Paddington's look downright girly. If Fergie uses the hairdryer what does Roy resemble? The jet engine off a Tornado?

In any case, what's so great about a manager being terrifying? If that was the object of the exercise, the top three managers in the Premiership would be Anne Widdecombe, Sly Stallone's Mum and - well, OK - and Ferguson.

I grew up with the Ipswich team of Beattie, Butcher, Osman, Thijssen, Muhren, Wark, Brazil, Gates and - confusingly - Mariner (all that guile, nous and quick feet and your centre forward's a great dopy lunk with all the subtlety of a Peter Reid team talk). Top side, that one, mind. And you could hardly call their gaffer a monster - Bobby Robson.

It's hard not to feel sorry for Magilton, who appears to have got a little stressed-out this season. But with two games to go and Norwich almost condemned to the drop this is not the best of times or the worst of times for Ipswich Town.

Which is not what you could say for the Canaries. If they do stay up, how will they respond to this injection of prestige - and almost certainly cash - into their East Anglian rivals? Well there's nothing much on the horizon for Norfolkians on a good day, except of a hell of a lot of sky.

I think Delia's going to have to dig a little deeper, isn't she? After that last cookbook telling you how to cheat (and I'd have thought there's a few Premier League forwards who were thinking of publishing a similar volume... Chapter One - See A Leg, Fall Over It) perhaps Deels will publish a book called 'Cooking for Blokes while the Missus Is Out Of An Evening.' That'd be a best-seller, and all it need be is a catalogue of telephone numbers for local Chinese Takeaways.
Roy Keane
Good luck to Keano, though. I'll say one thing for him. He was good post-match copy. He never brought a cartload of clichés to his interviews and anyone who's prepared to say his team's crap when they patently are gets my vote.

Let's just hope he assembles a team that doesn't defend like Liverpool, eh? Or rather let's hope he does! What has happened at Anfield? Has Kevin Keegan taken over?

There's no doubt that while United continue to grind out victories through almost Mourinhoesque mediocrity and two outstanding centre-halves, the 'Pool are playing footie of inspirationally unpredictable quality.

I think Rafa's giving them too many sweets and sugary drinks at half-time meself. And I'm not complaining. I hope they stay this giddy til the end of the season and but if they do they're going to have to set their sights a little Arbeloa.

Comments

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  • 1. At 10:41am on 24 Apr 2009, ChristianDailly_ReligiousMagazine wrote:

    Matt Holland is always right.

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  • 2. At 10:44am on 24 Apr 2009, Things were better under Harold Wilson wrote:

    Like the stuff about Delia - Robbo - very droll.

    Tend to agree with your assessment of Keane, but I love a press con where - for no reason - he starts laying into his team-mates who are now so-so managers (according to him, Bruce and Hughes fans) and saying he would be a sad man if he cared what Cascarino had to say about anything.

    He's lively, give him that.....

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  • 3. At 10:45am on 24 Apr 2009, gormo7 wrote:

    Personally i think he's abit mad in the head...... Think he will do well at Ipswich though.

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  • 4. At 10:51am on 24 Apr 2009, enland66 wrote:

    Hey Robbo, nice to see you're preparing yourself for life in the championship with an article like that ;-)

    Best bit : That unruly beard at the Stadium of Plight was so unpleasant that men sat in doorways with bottles of cider in brown paper bags were offering sober words of sympathy for the man.

    Made my morning!!

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  • 5. At 10:56am on 24 Apr 2009, cryin' white tears wrote:

    We've missed Mad Dog, good to see him back, even if it is with this mediocre bunch.

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  • 6. At 10:56am on 24 Apr 2009, Spitfire wrote:

    You did a disservice there comparing Keane to Ferguson. SAF is sure all terrifying but he does know the trick how to make other egos work for his ego.
    I suspect he even massages the gel to the tumbler, if that's what it takes to get some results of him. Plus he is as tough as a miners drill rod.

    Never really liked Keane. He is nothing more than a bully.
    As is with all the bullies, they fold as soon as they realise they will loose the fight.

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  • 7. At 11:00am on 24 Apr 2009, gottalovetherussian wrote:

    Hi Robbo,

    Speaking of managers, I have been wondering why the Middlesbrough fans aren't clambering to get old Stevey Mac back. I know he was rubbish managing England but he did a good job with your lot and has done a fantastic job over in Holland (taking FC Tweety bird to second is a decent achievement).

    Oh, and by the way,should the 'boro go down will this blog be focused on the Championship next season??

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  • 8. At 11:36am on 24 Apr 2009, TommyOnion wrote:

    i wonder if half of Ireland will all become Ipswich fans now?

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  • 9. At 12:05pm on 24 Apr 2009, detritus66 wrote:

    Only the half that no nothing about football

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  • 10. At 12:06pm on 24 Apr 2009, blobbing02 wrote:

    does this mean all the ipswich boys can play for ireland now??

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  • 11. At 12:11pm on 24 Apr 2009, jacksofbuxton wrote:

    I'm sorry that we let Jim Magilton go,and not in a very decent way either.As for Roy,aaaargh.Is there not a touch of the Keggie Keegles to him?Who hasn't he walked out on.

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  • 12. At 12:13pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Ha i have to laugh about the english opinions of Keane. Im sure if he was english there'd be no puttin him down he'd be a hero a "PHYSCO" that was one manager that never got stick for how bad and how drab he was.

    Whats also amazing is how the depth of difference in football ability between all the posters and indeed robbo and Keane, Distinguised footballer captain of one of the most successful teams in europe and learning managers, or ROBBO a bloke who writes a blog or indeed posters on the blog, you all clearly have more nous and are professionals in the football world.

    Put it this way eother way you put it its a bigger story and gets more reaction than most appointments would.

    Im sure if he was English he would be treated better in the media and yes he probably will get alot of Irish support as we like our footballers not boo them off the pitch!

    If he had of been english you lot would have had him as captain and probably would have won something instead of under achievin like always

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  • 13. At 12:19pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    I know I made spelling mistakes but this guy says "the half that (no) nothing about football" eh great spelling love the double negative I suppose its hard to drag the arms off the floor and hit the right buttons ha

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  • 14. At 12:21pm on 24 Apr 2009, Spitfire wrote:

    Re Dermot: What exactly did England miss out that Ireland achieved thanks Keane?

    MANU was a great team despite Keane. The greatest MANU player of my generation is Giggs, who if you'll google, is not English himself.

    Only the ability to kick a ball (or the footballer if you are Keane) does not a great man make.

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  • 15. At 12:25pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Tony Adams was a great manager eh what a record with pompey and then there was Ince he did a great job at blackburn didnt he, Stuart Pearce what a job he did at City think they set a goal scoring record when he was manager and Gazza Kettering what a job, and all these references of Keane looking like a homeless bum with that beard well GAZZA??????? Shearer is lookin great too eh, he didnt take the Newcastle job till they were as low as they could possibly go so as to say well when I fail they were in the mire already. John Barnes was another cracker of a manager wasnt he the list goes on and on.

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  • 16. At 12:27pm on 24 Apr 2009, John_Hicktons_Right_Boot wrote:

    Great blog as always robbo!
    Being a Blue Bell (and Boro boy) exile meself, in Norfolk, the only crumbs of comfort I have at the Boro's plight at the moment is the worse plight of Norwich.
    BTW the Delia Cookbook joke is top notch!! 'See a leg, fall over it' ha ha ha!

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  • 17. At 12:34pm on 24 Apr 2009, Willdink wrote:

    Another good blog Robbo, always makes me chuckle.

    Keane seems to be getting a bit of stick here, but whatever you've got to say about him at least he keeps it interesting. I'd take Keane over a non-personality like Brucie any day of the week, hope he does well with them and gets himself back into the preiership and onto MOTD where he belongs. Always entertaining!!!

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  • 18. At 12:34pm on 24 Apr 2009, Spitfire wrote:

    Re 15: So remind us if you will of the great record Sir Keane of the The Irish has.

    Why did he leave Sunderland when the real test start. Its not impossible to get promotion into EPL if the owner is willing to outspend the competition. Battling it out with the equal weights is where the grit is required. His record speaks for itself that he has walked out on every single occasion the going got tough.

    Attacking your team-mates for no apparent reason but self promotion tells one a lot of your integrity.

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  • 19. At 12:42pm on 24 Apr 2009, hatchet-harris wrote:

    "as if (a) having an Irish manager had ever served the Republic well before"

    Correct statement Robbo, however I think the reason Roy made that comment about McCarthy not even being "(expletive deleted) Irish" is because it would simply annoy him, not because being Irish should be a requirement for the job. Judging by the subsequent departure of Keane, I think it worked!

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  • 20. At 12:56pm on 24 Apr 2009, alwaysindoubt wrote:

    #3 I'm undecided whether you were deliberately trying to be funny with those two statements or not - but it made me laugh anyway.

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  • 21. At 12:59pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    If you posters didnt give a monkeys and thought Keane wasnt that great then why are you posting on here, if i didnt care about GAZZA's current problems I wouldnt post about it, Its clear you either love him or hate him and thats why your posting here.

    Its sad though your all so qualified at football your wasting your time posting on a blog from your bedroom, you clearly should be captaining UTD or winning titles.

    Ha why is it that FERGIE always says Keane was his best purchase ever even Cantona says the same, your all just haters!

    Gazza was brutal he was and is an Alcoholic beat his wife and he was always injured and a failed manager yet you all love him to bits????????

    says it all really

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  • 22. At 12:59pm on 24 Apr 2009, ChampionsAgainandAgainandAgain wrote:

    Keane got sent home because he complained about inaducate conditions when the team showed up for training e.g. no balls , and that goes for mccarthy too he called up keane on front of the squad and demanded an apology what did he think was gonna happen , if you ask me mccarthy set him up but anyway thats history now good luck keane a true legend

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  • 23. At 1:01pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    McCarthy played for Ireland captained Ireland and he declared being irish himself he wasnt picked to play he was already there before jack. he is Irish just with a crap accent

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  • 24. At 1:03pm on 24 Apr 2009, DoubleDragBack wrote:

    The only thing he's done which appalled me was walking out on his country. I'm Scottish and know that if we had a player as gifted as him and he threw a hissy fit on the eve of the world cup I would never forgive him. Chris Boyd is off my Xmas card list right now and vicariously Stephen Ireland (he's even called Ireland yet he wont play for them! Mental). Keane was terribly naive in his 3rd season at Sunderland but I have a suspicion he'll do alright at Ipswich. He is certainly not daft, just a bit mad.

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  • 25. At 1:10pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Nice to see some of you are sun readers ha, quotes from the paper popping up here, the gospel id say the editors were ruddin theyre hands great, anyway what have mark hughes and brucie done??? they havent been successful medeocre at best, and as for hughes City were better under the plank Stuart Pearce.

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  • 26. At 1:22pm on 24 Apr 2009, nunca caminero solo his armband said™ wrote:

    as a fellow corkonian i hope keaneo does well with the tractor boys .. p.s. the nickname for cork people is 'the rebels' of which i think everyone will agree roy is def a rebel

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  • 27. At 1:23pm on 24 Apr 2009, RobH_BFC wrote:

    Dermot.. belt up, you daft racist.

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  • 28. At 1:25pm on 24 Apr 2009, JustAnOpinion wrote:

    Dermot, chill out! People don't have to be an exceptional football player to have an opinion on football matters. It's obvious that like the man but that's no reason to get so excited about others that don't.

    You have your opinions and are happy to express them. Why don't you let others do the same without the hissy fit?

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  • 29. At 1:26pm on 24 Apr 2009, ZEUSFC wrote:

    13. At 12:19pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:
    I know I made spelling mistakes but this guy says "the half that (no) nothing about football" eh great spelling love the double negative I suppose its hard to drag the arms off the floor and hit the right buttons ha

    .......................................................................

    just a small point...
    "the half that (no) nothing about football" is NOT a double negative, it's a spelling mistake of the work K-N-O-W

    "the half that DON'T KNOW nothing about football" would be the double negative.
    if you're going to correct people, at least get it right!

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  • 30. At 1:26pm on 24 Apr 2009, schnickelbop wrote:

    Thanks for your patronising words on the Irish national team. Keane's comments about McCarthy 'not even' being Irish were in relation to his questioning Keane's patriotism. If Fabio Capello questioned John Terry's loyalty to his country I have no doubt half of England would be up in arms; "Where does he get off...", "Who does he think he is..." etc. Roy made a fair point there. Mick McCarthy was and is, as they say in Cork, 'a langer'.

    As for Ireland doing 'OK' at the World Cup without him, getting knocked out in the second round is mediocre at best. If a certain someone had been on the pitch, that wouldn't have happened. Any assumption otherwise is ill-informed.

    One more thing: Ray Houghton's father is from Donegal so the link isn't as tenuous as you suggest, it's the equivalent of Owen Hargreaves playing for England. Strangely enough, you failed to point that out.

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  • 31. At 1:28pm on 24 Apr 2009, GazUtd wrote:

    I'll disregard the mistakes Robbo (he never said that to McCarthy) and ask you this one simple question...

    Would you rather have Keane managing Boro than that bastion of looks and personality that is Southgate?

    Seeing as they will be going up directly against each other in The Championship next year I suppose we will see who is better. If Southgate survives that long of course.

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  • 32. At 1:28pm on 24 Apr 2009, JustAnOpinion wrote:

    Sorry, Robbo, didn't comment on your blog. Are you of the opinion that Keano will get Ipswich promoted to the Premiership?

    I'm also interested in whether your blog next year will continue to be Premiership related if Boro do go down.

    Cheers and have a great weekend.

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  • 33. At 1:29pm on 24 Apr 2009, brad55000 wrote:

    Dermot, Pipe down
    Gazza was and is loved for what he done on the pitch not off of it. Keano was an animal on the pitch eg haaland tackle plus others and he was an idiot off the pitch hence the mcarthty world cup incident!! His ego is too big and when the going gets tough he just walks away!! Dont think anyone is questioning his footballing ability, its the way he conducts himself that is questionable!!

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  • 34. At 1:30pm on 24 Apr 2009, mcgiggsy wrote:

    Roy Keane is an absolute legend. If ever a club with true potential had the need for a driving force towards success then Ipswich have chosen well....very well. Who can forget his semi final performance versus Juventus and his countless other never give in games that dragged his team to victory. Ipswich players will be wondering just what is ahead of them...some with trepidation i shouldnt wonder, however if they want success then Keane is the bloke to get it out of them.

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  • 35. At 1:30pm on 24 Apr 2009, LoveQPR wrote:

    Robbo,

    Another great blog as every week. If the Boro do go down, you will get the chance to go to exciting places such as Ipswich and QPR :-)

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  • 36. At 1:34pm on 24 Apr 2009, LoveQPR wrote:

    Re: Dermot

    Yes Roy Keane was a great player and a fantastic captain at United. It's a shame there are not more players of his type around these days. The reason the media are on his case is because of the things he says and his "psycho" mentality - it has nothing to do with nationality.....

    And as for your comments about Gazza, yes he was all the things you say he was OFF THE FIELD but on the field he was one of ythe best players we are likely to see in our lifetime.

    Now I will leave to carry on your English bashing and your hissy fits :-P

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  • 37. At 1:34pm on 24 Apr 2009, Iamnezzy wrote:

    Stadium of Plight eh Robbo?, remind me, where are Boro again? ;-), good blog though by the way! :-), as for Keane, i'm sure he will have a positive influence on them as long as he can learn from his mistakes, especially regarding transfer dealings, which being very kind, were hit & miss.

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  • 38. At 1:39pm on 24 Apr 2009, DougCoglan wrote:

    I remember him likening being a pundit on Sky Sports to going to the dentists - and laying into Richard Keys for trying to see something that isn't there in regard to attacking Arsene Wenger, going on to say Wenger will be remembered in a hundred years whilst the pundits and presenters will not be.

    As a player I thought he was vile. As a manager he's been very open and honest - got a lot of time for him, probably the best to listen to.

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  • 39. At 1:56pm on 24 Apr 2009, ToffeShippers wrote:

    Really enjoy your blog here in Thailand Robbo, informed and to the point. I always thought of Keane as all mouth and no trousers as he keeps reminding us with his half wit comments and walk outs, good player but his brain is in neutral off the pitch. I wish Ipswich well as the the team you quoted were a really good entertaining side, Bobby Robson was an inspirational manager who took the side as far as humanly possible and was treated abominably by the clique at Lancaster Gate when he was in the most successful England Manager of recent years. Keep on blogging Robbo, great stuff, also to fellow posters your remarks are usually refreshing and not the usual drivel seen on other sites

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  • 40. At 2:03pm on 24 Apr 2009, dyrewolfe (a.k.a Residual Smog) wrote:

    "There's already been some worries voiced by Suffolkians but the dogs have been quick to reassure them. "Obviously we wouldn't dream of letting him in to the county without his muzzle on, but we've got great confidence that he'll thrive at Ipswich - he's always chasing tractors back home, as it happens."


    Brilliant!


    As for Boro, I think Mark Lawrenson got it right when he said West Brom would get relegated, playing good football.

    That'll be the Boro...without the good football...

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  • 41. At 2:03pm on 24 Apr 2009, gormo7 wrote:

    #20 - alwaysindoubt

    Haha you noticed my intended humour then, about the only one i think!

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  • 42. At 2:14pm on 24 Apr 2009, Starfire_99 wrote:

    As Dermot seems to be making a habit of bashing English Managers:

    Psycho lasted 2 years at Man City, which for most prem managers this day is a good run, as well as the fact he's still managing England U21s after being there 2 years, and has Capello's backing.

    Adams and Ince are just starting out on their managerial careers and Keane? I'd say he became a victim of his own success in a way. He performed a miracle of transforming Sunderland from no hopers into winning the Championship, then kept them comfortably in the Prem the following year. I think expectations got on top of him and he choked.
    But I'd chalk that up as a learning experience.

    Sparky made a mistake leaving Blackburn, but while he was there he had them competing in Europe.

    Besides, why single out Gazza for his off pitch antics? George Best was no better but he'll be remembered as a Footie legend.

    Anyway, Cheers for a good giggle as always Robbo

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  • 43. At 2:16pm on 24 Apr 2009, Starfire_99 wrote:

    Oh and for anyone thinking of pointing out I've lumped Keane with the English managers, don't bother, I know he's Irish.

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  • 44. At 2:24pm on 24 Apr 2009, MackemLad15 wrote:

    TommyOnion wrote:
    i wonder if half of Ireland will all become Ipswich fans now?:
    what do you mean? there most of our fans! (sunderland).

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  • 45. At 2:25pm on 24 Apr 2009, Spitfire wrote:

    Is anyone else worried about the eerie absence of replies from Robbo?

    Looks like the Beeb gave him some PC treatment after his previous outing.
    Would be a shame if he were to change just because he does not always (or ever) comply with the bandwagon.

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  • 46. At 2:28pm on 24 Apr 2009, MackemLad15 wrote:

    i can't stand how keane has a "gut feeling" about this, he said the same about us and a year and a half later all we saw was his back. i genuinely wish him luck, but i personally think he is a coward and will never succeded to the top of the managerial world.

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  • 47. At 2:33pm on 24 Apr 2009, Signon77 wrote:

    But here's the thing about Roy that makes no sense to me.

    Given his ultimate failure leading Sunderland up the Premiership table how can he convey the impression that he might be able to lead Ipswich into the promised land of the Premiership within his very first year? Surely the prudent thing would be to wait and see how it goes?

    Yes, he achieved this feat with Sunderland but I'd be amazed if he achieved promotion in similar fashion next season.

    Engaging blog as ever, Robbo!!

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  • 48. At 2:43pm on 24 Apr 2009, DazzlinDapsy wrote:

    This just proves that people cannot be satisfied either way. The guy admitted he had made mistakes at Sunderland, that he was no longer up to teh job, that he was leading them to relegation and resigned honourably before that happened. Resigned while there was still hope - not three games to teh end of the season - Resigned in the knowledge that there were better managers out there who could save Sunderland from the drop.

    Keane is no quitter but even he has admitted he is human.

    Would you have rather he stuck there stubbornly even when he had ran out of ideas? And lead Sunderland into relegation?

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  • 49. At 2:45pm on 24 Apr 2009, HM_Murdoch wrote:

    The difference between Gazza and Keane:

    Gazza threw himself into tackles because he was 100% committed to winning the ball and keeping it.

    Keane admitted to deliberately attacking another pro with malice.

    That's why people love Gazza.

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  • 50. At 2:46pm on 24 Apr 2009, Talltim1 wrote:

    Dermot, will you stop? You're becoming an embarrassment to Irish soccer supporters, hell, to Irish people in general. From the comments before you started ranting, any of the criticisms of Roy Keane were made based upon his past actions, not the fact he is Irish. Stop reading between the lines. You are becoming what you purport to be standing up against in your posts. Now, as an Irish man, who has not had a career in soccer (am I still allowed to comment Dermot?), I wish Roy the best with Ipswich. He has had a chequered career as manager. He did a great job in dragging Sunderland from the bottom of the league to promotion to the Premiership, but his dealings in the transfer market were questionable and his the circumstances of his eventual departure from Sunderland will give the Ipswich supporters cause for concern.

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  • 51. At 2:55pm on 24 Apr 2009, 20Ts38Gs wrote:

    Jeez Dermot, time of the month or what! There wasn't a single reference to Keane's nationality being the reason for people's dislike of the Man, yet you launch into a crazy tirade that heavily suggests that it's the sole reason, you should go back to bed and try getting out the right side this time.

    In terms of Ipwich's immediate goals Keane in my opinion is a good signing for them. No one can deny the lift he gave Sunderland, not just the team but the whole town. He'll be sure to bring more attention to Ipwich, whether it's good or bad is irrelevant as any media attention tends to draw in bigger crowds and cash which you'd expect to improve the team performance.

    A two year contract is about right though, I think once the novelty of Keane wears off the players & fans he may yet again struggle to get the best out of them, I hope i'm wrong though as I'm a fan of Keane.

    Eccentricities aside I think he has great potential, if he can master the art of man management and continue to develop his tactical knowledge then he could be as good as Martin O'Neill - SAF & Arsene are in leagues of their own, Martin O'Neill & Rafa I would place in the next tier, that's the best Keane can aspire to......unless new UEFA rules allow managers to scare players into signing for them, then he can be the best manager ever!

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  • 52. At 3:03pm on 24 Apr 2009, DazzlinDapsy wrote:

    Why does everyone forget that despite the fact that Keane made mistakes in some of his signings (Kenwyn Jones and Richardson were fantastic buys by the way) every manager does! (Sir Alex includive - remember Veron and Djemba Djemba anyone?)that the main reason he left was he longer had teh support of the new chairman - who would have sacked him anyway!

    Rafa has signed 90 players since joining Liverpool as mananger remember?
    1 Fernando Torres
    2 Robbie Keane
    3 Ryan Babel
    4 Xabi Alonso
    5 Dirk Kuyt
    6 Albert Riera
    7 Andrea Dossena
    8 Peter Crouch
    9 Lucas Leiva
    10 Jermaine Pennant
    11 Martin Skrtel
    12 Craig Bellamy
    13 Luis Garcia
    14 Jose Reina
    15 Dan Agger
    16 Mohammed Sissoko
    17 Fernando Morientes
    18 Yossi Benayoun
    19 Diego Cavalieri
    20 Alvaro Arbeloa
    21 Sebastian Leto
    22 Jose Miguel Gonzalez
    23 Gabriel Paletta
    24 Mark Gonzalez
    25 David Ngog
    26 Scott Carson
    27 Mikel San Jose
    28 David Martin
    29 Antonio Barragan
    30 Besian Idrizaj
    31 Jack Hobbs
    32 Alex Cooper
    33 Alexander Kacaniklic
    34 Krisztian Nemeth
    35 Andras Simon
    36 Victor Palsson
    37 Gary Mackay Steven
    38 Vitor Flora
    39 Andriy Voronin
    40 Nikolay Mihaylov
    41 Emmanuel Mendy
    42 Marvin Pourie
    43 Dani Pacheco
    44 Nikola Saric
    45 Lauri Dalla Valle
    46 Gerardo Bruna
    47 Hakan Duyan
    48 Damien Plessis
    49 Peter Gulacsi
    50 Charles Itandje
    51 Philipp Degen
    52 Vincent Lucas
    53 Ryan Crowther
    54 Mihail Alexandrov
    55 Robbie Fowler
    56 Ryan Wilkie
    57 Javier Mascherano
    58 Miki Roque
    59 Nabir El Zhar
    60 Mark Smyth
    61 Jay Smith
    62 Stephen Darby
    63 Craig Lindfield
    64 Adam Hammill
    65 Danny Guthrie
    66 Paul Anderson
    67 Lee Peltier
    68 Fabio Aurelio
    69 Jan Kromkamp
    70 Boudewijn Zenden
    71 Mauricio Pellegrino
    72 Godwin Antwi
    73 Robbie Threlfall
    74 Ryan Flynn
    75 Calum Woods
    76 Paul Willis
    77 Danny O'Donnell
    78 Ramon Calliste
    79 Steve Irwin
    80 Martin Kelly
    81 Ronald Huth
    82 Jordy Brouwer
    83 Francisco Manuel Duran
    84 Emiliano Insua
    85 Ray Putterill
    86 Martin Hansen
    87 Jay Spearing
    88 Dave Roberts
    89 David Mannix
    90 Antonio Nunez
    How many of these came good? And he's won only 2 trophies since joining liverpool as manager more than 5 years ago

    It is all too easy to criticise Keane but so far all he has done has been true to his nature. Many players go out to hurt others deliberately but how many are forthright and honest enough to admit to it?

    Keane wears his heart on his sleeve, this I think is his main offense but I would rather have Keane than some slippery, smooth-talking back-stabber!

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  • 53. At 3:04pm on 24 Apr 2009, Bergysdeftflicks wrote:

    I'm not sure RK is all there in the head but its good in some ways that hes back. Its always fun to hear him after his teams latest defeat. Im not sure his players will ever have any great respect for him though. Honesty is OK but only to their faces not via the TV or the press.

    Hes starng;ey typical of the school bully really. A lot of noise, lots of threats, a fearsome face, aggressive demeanour but to the more intelligent, it can be seen that behind the bravado and the exterior theres not much to be frightened about. His haughty mannerisms and derogatory words display a somewhat insecure individual in my opinion.

    Tough luck Ipswich but never mind, he wont be there long.

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  • 54. At 3:31pm on 24 Apr 2009, Malicious_Whistle wrote:

    Good luck to Ipswich and good luck to Keane. They'll both need it.

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  • 55. At 3:35pm on 24 Apr 2009, sneakyprice07 wrote:

    #52 Can't quite believe you named 90 players bought by Liverpool but I agree with the point of the article!

    I liked Keane as a player (best Man Utd player of his generation in my opinion) ... and I think once he realises players won't be as good as him, he will mellow to become a great manager.

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  • 56. At 3:39pm on 24 Apr 2009, smond1104 wrote:

    Dermot:
    "Its sad though your all so qualified at football your wasting your time posting on a blog from your bedroom, you should clearly be captaining UTD or winning titles"

    This coming from the guy whos left the most posts! Think he missed his calling as a manager (wouldn't have much success as Irish manager cos he's not from the north of England!)

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  • 57. At 3:41pm on 24 Apr 2009, Phillius wrote:

    Nice one Robbo. My first thoughts upon seeing the presss conference footage were "good, the beard's gone"!

    Let's hope the good times return to Portman Road.

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  • 58. At 3:46pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    just in reply,the reason why i get so up about Keane is obviously im a fan and i think alot of posters just dont like him because A.He´s Irish B.He was the UTD captain for a period where they were most successful.
    C.He was actually good.

    I think Robbo comparing him to a homeless bum was well outta order, I compared the case was more likely to GAZZA what with him portraying the part so well drunk homeless wife beater etc etc oh and drug addict he cant even speak what was he ranbling on about on MOTD.

    Ye see most of the english posters dont like that cos they hold him in such regard.

    I think if we were to take the mick as demonstarted outta english hero GAZZA etc you see the reaction it gets.

    GAZZA was always injured he always went for tackles 100percent go way outta that he went for the player too.

    What about GAZZA´s flute playing episode for Rangers???????

    He was a nut

    Alot of people also comment on what a bad player he was?????

    He will always be picked in the UTD team of all time no doubt.

    Im just defending the man as nobody else here seems to be doing it

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  • 59. At 3:47pm on 24 Apr 2009, DenistheGenius wrote:

    Roy is an interesting case, if nothing else... can it be anything but good for Ipswich?
    he'll bring some mystique to the club - mystique means attention, attention brings money, money brings players, players bring results... well, sometimes they do.

    Robbo's silence is a bit worrying... we should form a search party immediately.

    hey, maybe he's busy interviewing for the soon-to-be open managerial position at Boro! always felt Middlesrobborough had a nicer ring to it.

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  • 60. At 3:53pm on 24 Apr 2009, DazzlinDapsy wrote:

    #59 Nice one!

    Middlesrobborough!

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  • 61. At 3:54pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Post 42 Ince has been a manager longer than Keane????

    So has Adams he was a coach under Arry then he the Manager he was at some other foreign club for awhile too so dont give me those lads are only starting.

    Keane will do a good job as a manager, he hasnt put names down on a team sheet and yis all have him finsihed, same thing yis did during england games booing your own players shouting abuse at them???

    Classy

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  • 62. At 3:55pm on 24 Apr 2009, i_luv_d_egg_chasing wrote:

    keane is an enigma one of the last interesting characters in the game

    you either love him or hate him , hence all the comments here on what would usually be a v low key managerial appointement.

    love him or hate him everyone knows he is good for the game and everyone deep down is happy hes back even if they dont admit it because football is in the business of entertainment and he bring this and then some

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  • 63. At 3:58pm on 24 Apr 2009, Y2J wrote:

    #52

    You make a good point but why the bizarre listing of Rafa's signings?? It doesn't even illustrate your point. A large proportion of those players are youth players who are still currently at the club (many on loan).

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  • 64. At 3:58pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Here here i love the egg chasing!

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  • 65. At 4:03pm on 24 Apr 2009, Spitfire wrote:

    I love the search party idea to locate Robbo!

    We should start with A&E in the North East of England.
    Look for an opinionated middle aged man in a footie shirt.
    Brought in for treatment on cutss, bruises and a couple of broken bones resulting a minor incident involving a recently shaved former boxer.
    Minor injuries involved dog bites.

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  • 66. At 4:04pm on 24 Apr 2009, DazzlinDapsy wrote:

    #63

    The bizarre listing my good friend is to demonstrate the reality of how many bad players managers often sign to get a good one.

    Listing Rafa's signings (yes he holds the record for the most signings / time) brings this sharply into focus and underscores the point that for someone just venturing into management, maybe Keane didn't do as badly as we all hope...

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  • 67. At 4:14pm on 24 Apr 2009, Y2J wrote:

    # 66

    My point is that about a third of those players are still at the club as youth players, so we can't make a judgement on them as 'bad players' really can we?

    i don't want to turn this into a chat about Liverpool because it's about Keane but i think the comparison you make is a little harsh... especially considering the shambles Rafa inherited from Houllier. Rafa needed to sign a lot of quick-fix short-term players to start with whilst at the same time building up a better youth team for the future, so what you list is pretty much a combination of those 2 things.

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  • 68. At 4:20pm on 24 Apr 2009, valedictory wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 69. At 4:28pm on 24 Apr 2009, DenistheGenius wrote:

    #65 - that's the idea! add into the description a faraway stare of hopelessness, nonsensical mutterings, tail firmly between legs...

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  • 70. At 4:38pm on 24 Apr 2009, i_luv_d_egg_chasing wrote:

    valedictory - now thats gettin a little racist whereas the other guys was just ethnic criticism ...

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  • 71. At 4:39pm on 24 Apr 2009, leolikewinter wrote:

    Roy Keane is the next best thing to still having Richard Naylor at the club.

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  • 72. At 4:44pm on 24 Apr 2009, derobyrne wrote:

    Im reply to comment 49 Im guessing he must have been on holidays for the 1991 cup final when it looked like Gazza was trying to hospitalize half the Notts Forest team in the opening minutes before ultimately injuring himself. Alot of accusations can be leveled at Keane but as a footballer he certainly got the maximum from what talents he was given - the same cannot not be said of Gazza who ultimately cut a sad figure on match of day 2 last week from what was possibly the greatest talent of his generation.

    The comments about Keanes walkout of the World Cup always amuse me, it would be like a soldier refusing orders from general custer - is he bright or is he a coward???

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  • 73. At 4:48pm on 24 Apr 2009, I'm not super genius...or are I? wrote:

    I wonder what Southgate is like when his team are doing poor (i.e. every weekend) whatever he says it's clearly not working.

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  • 74. At 4:48pm on 24 Apr 2009, TNeile wrote:

    Dermot. Check your keyboard. There is a period and a comma, both handy and ready for use, down in the right hand bottom corner. A period is put at the end of a sentence. A comma is put in the middle of a sentence to separate one thought from another. It's customary to use them so readers of your rants can distinguish where one thought ends and another begins, loosely speaking. Or: Dermot check your keyboard there is a period and a comma both handy and ready for use down in the right hand bottom corner a period is put at the end of a sentence a comma is put in the middle of a sentence to separate one thought from another it's customary to use them so readers of your rants can distinguish where one thought ends and another begins loosely speaking

    I guess you're right, there's no difference. My mistake.

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  • 75. At 4:49pm on 24 Apr 2009, i_luv_d_egg_chasing wrote:

    68 has been left in by the moderator yet my comment referring to mild ethnic criticism by dermot is intolerable ? i do not understand this ?

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  • 76. At 5:06pm on 24 Apr 2009, Theo Logical wrote:

    ~~~~~
    they're going to have to set their sights a little Arbeloa.
    ~~~~~

    *groan*

    Nice article, Robbo, but haven't you heard of the technique of ending with a high? a little Arbeloa? Is that the best you could come up with?!

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  • 77. At 5:09pm on 24 Apr 2009, somyteaminterestsu wrote:

    Dear DazzlinDapsy - Comment No. 52
    I am an Irish Liverpool supporter who also thinks, wait for it shock horror, that Roy Keane is a legend. I was enjoying the debate Robbo's writing skills and Keanos reputation had encouraged and then i came to comment number 52, your bitter little anti Liverpool shopping list. it's Friday evening man,Thirsty Thursdays hangover should be well gone and the happy mood of the weekend should be upon us, and in the main from all the witty comments attached to this blog this is the case, but isn't there always one.
    What can you tell me have a list of Liverpool players got to do with the controversy our Roy tends to court when his name is mentioned???? and where does it fit into this blog.

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  • 78. At 5:34pm on 24 Apr 2009, leelewin wrote:

    Hey Robbo, I feel you were a little harsh in your assessment of Keano; the only thing this guy lacks is diplomacy skills and perhaps the ability to relax… He is more like a young Ferguson than any other manager in the game! He takes no prisoners and suffers no fools! The jovial Mick McCarthy would annoy anyone who was serious about winning!

    Keano is an intelligent, articulate and ultimately very demanding guy; he just wants players who will sacrifice anything to win! The problem at Sunderland was the players; they all seemed so content with Premiership mediocrity and unwilling to put in that extra bit of graft! Keano understands that the difference between a good player and a great player is ‘work ethic’ and ‘professionalism’ – he is a young manager and still trying to find the best way to instil that in his teams!

    I am a Mancunian and a Man U fan, and would love to see Keano come back home to Manchester, but I actually think he’ll get Ipswich promoted! The championship is about grit, character, organization and fitness; you can guarantee that, come August, Ipswich will have an abundance of all of those qualities!

    Lee

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  • 79. At 5:35pm on 24 Apr 2009, Starfire_99 wrote:

    Dermot.

    Keane, Ince and Adams have been managers/ coaches (as you're splitting hairs now) for what, 4 years or so now? or there abouts anyway.

    So actually yeah, seeing as SAF and 'Arry are into their 60's and plying their trade, they are at the beginning of their managerial careers.

    I've written none of these guys off, Keane included, as you so claim, and don't go pulling the 'you're biased because you're English' card, because:

    A:It's boring, and
    B:I'm an Irishman as well.

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  • 80. At 5:37pm on 24 Apr 2009, leelewin wrote:

    Well said Dermot!

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  • 81. At 5:39pm on 24 Apr 2009, leelewin wrote:

    sorry, lol, that was actually for Starfire_99, not Dermot...well said Starfire; these guys are still learning - ease off!

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  • 82. At 5:45pm on 24 Apr 2009, weedave1 wrote:

    Keane was a great player and so far has been resonably successful as a manager (and good copy). Sunderlamd were bottom of the championship when he arrived (with no points I think-maybe wrong) he guided them to the prem and then keept them up. When he left it was due to break down in relanship with the new chairman and not their postion in the leaque really. Robbo you say he made questionable signings, what different players has RS brought in? Its not as if they have dramtically climbed up the league since keane went is it!!!

    As for walking out on Ireland, he was sicking up for is follow pro's agianst the irish FA for send them to shoddy facities. When Mick McCarthy didnt back him admittedly he went too far and a bit mental, but he was only demanding high standards, which is always a good thing!!

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  • 83. At 6:04pm on 24 Apr 2009, indecident wrote:

    I often wonder what all this talk is of Roy Keane trying to be like Fergie.

    Keane is nothing like Fergie. SAF has an air of diplomacy at times, he's very smart with the media and the mind games and his man management is second to none.

    Keane scares the crap out of people. Keane isn't trying to be like SAF in that respect, he's trying to be like Clough!

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  • 84. At 6:07pm on 24 Apr 2009, gsmw96 wrote:

    Let's get down to the nitty gritty, magic magilton lost the plot,the fans, far too many games and presided over the worst set of results in recent times.However he was a cheap option at the time.His best was just not good enough .The arrival of Marcus Evans and his money always meant that when Jim couldn't deliver the door would be open and the boot would be applied.Renewal of season tickets is very low so high profile manager required to rake in the cash.I hope Roy Keane will shake /sort and boot out the timwewasters,under acheivers and if that means ruffling many feathers so be it. Roy will demand success and we all hope he has learned from his mistakes.He's had 4 months to reflect and now he's got the experience so watch him get to grips with task ahead.I wish him well and can't wait for next season.

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  • 85. At 7:12pm on 24 Apr 2009, leelewin wrote:

    Sorry indecident,(comment 83) but I couldn’t disagree more! Sir Alex has not always been the media savvy character he is today! In fact back in the 80s he was famous for his outbursts and disciplining of players! Roy Keane does himself no favours at times with regards to man management, but he will, like most managers, develop that part of his game as he gets more experience! Mark my words; Ipswich will get promoted next season and I hope they do because they are a good club!

    Incidentally has anyone heard anything about Bolton's chairmans proposal for two premier leagues!? Crazy or what? I’d be interested in what Robbo thinks about that!

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  • 86. At 7:17pm on 24 Apr 2009, DazzlinDapsy wrote:

    #77 I am not anti Liverpool, just anti-Benitez.

    He has been in Liverpool over 5 years and delivered only 2 trophies yet he makes more noise than every other manager.

    Perhaps Wenger and Ferguson are entitled to some chit chat but even they do not make as much noise as he does. I can still stomach Mourinho, he delivered 6 trophies in 3 years for Chelsea.

    Despite all of Benitez's noise making, Liverpool are at the brink of another trophyless season! This annoys me.

    Noise making must be backed by concrete achievements. In a few weeks we will all have forgotten about any 4-4 draws. I will be asking what he achieved for the club and for me that comes to lot of noise but little substance!

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  • 87. At 7:23pm on 24 Apr 2009, leelewin wrote:

    Dazzil Dapsy hits the nail on the head with his last comment! So TRUE!

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  • 88. At 8:10pm on 24 Apr 2009, youngskyman wrote:

    As a makem I am grateful for what keano did for us. We were knackered until he came. Got us promoted, kept us up and probably would have done again. He will bring life to Portman Road like he did for us. I was dissapointed he left but *"*t happens. I hope he does well with the tractor boys and takes them into the prem just like another ex makem manager has done for Wolves (well done guys). Just hope were still there when he does and he gets a good reception at the SoL.

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  • 89. At 8:12pm on 24 Apr 2009, Robbo Robson wrote:

    My first reaction to 2 premier leagues was B******s to that, the Boro wont manage to stay in either of em.
    Re the Fergie/Keano comparisons - I doubt Fergie's much of an arm around the shoulder type of bloke, even with the gelled tumbler and his hissy-fits. But such a response is even less likely with yer man Roy. Getting a dressing-down from Keano must be a little bit like that scene in Reservoir Dogs ('Torture you? That's good... that's a good idea')

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  • 90. At 8:25pm on 24 Apr 2009, Seancorkman wrote:

    Can I just quickly say to Dermot that Roy Keane has done pretty well for himself in terrible old 'anti-Irish' Blighty. He was adored by thousands of English football fans, paid a fortune by English football clubs, got a nice little house with some English neighbors, has chosen to spend his entire adult life there. He has along the way happened to break some bones, alienate his national side, storm off in various hissy fits and sometimes, just occasionally perhaps shown a little insensitivity and lack of humility. The reaction to those things is absolutely NOTHING to do with his Irishness!!

    Please Dermot, don't just trawl up daft old untrue anti English sentiments. We're over all that nowadays aren't we? You can't have a tug of war with only one person pulling. Let go and talk about the football.

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  • 91. At 8:26pm on 24 Apr 2009, AustinWDC wrote:

    Ipswich are to be congratulated on appointing Roy Keane as Manager. They will win the Championship or be promoted next season. They will qualify for Europe in their 2nd season in the Premiership. Roy Keane and Ipswich will attract quality players because of Roy and the nice climate in Ipswich. Roy did a great job at Sunderland. It was expensive to attract quality players to Sunderland as top players did not want to play there. He probably had to pay more than if it was a more southern club. Also Niall Quinn and the Board approved his purchases.
    Roy was correct to quit Sunderland if the atmosphere changed with the new majority owner. As regards Ireland, Roy was upset with the incompetent people with no business skills running the FAI. The facilities and arrangements they made in 2002 were attrocious. He fell out with the messenger, Mick McCarthy, when the FAI was the culprit. His actions got results, as the FAI got a consulting group to improve their setup and now Giovanni Trapattoni is their manager. In 2002 Roy's skills were diminishing due to a hip operation, so when you add it all up he was correct to speak up. He wanted to leave and gave the manager the option of sending him home. Nevertheless, the blog is so extensive that it is a testament to how well he regarded by all the posters. Everyone knows that he has high standards, is a no nonsense person and expects results. Ipswich will be one of the top clubs in England in 3 or 4 years and Roy will be given the Freedom of the City. Sorry, but I appreciate someone like Roy who doesn't accept B.S. and incompetence.

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  • 92. At 8:37pm on 24 Apr 2009, Spitfire wrote:

    So thats where the good man's been hiding all afternoon.
    Watching Reservoir Dogs.

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  • 93. At 8:50pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Can I just quickly say to Dermot that Roy Keane has done pretty well for himself in terrible old 'anti-Irish' Blighty. He was adored by thousands of English football fans, paid a fortune by English football clubs, got a nice little house with some English neighbors, has chosen to spend his entire adult life there. He has along the way happened to break some bones, alienate his national side, storm off in various hissy fits and sometimes, just occasionally perhaps shown a little insensitivity and lack of humility. The reaction to those things is absolutely NOTHING to do with his Irishness!!

    Please Dermot, don't just trawl up daft old untrue anti English sentiments. We're over all that nowadays aren't we? You can't have a tug of war with only one person pulling. Let go and talk about the football.

    Ive nothing against england i have english family and support an english team most of our national team if not all go through the system there so dont start saying im racist!

    My point is if he was English youd adore him and wouldnt criticise him the way you have, When GAZZA was sacked from kettering it was very quiet on here oh poor GAZZA none of the english lads on here went through him thats all im sayin not racism more like your BIAS,

    Most of you lads are anti Keane as youve no connection to him that was my point your english or your ABU and him being Irish or the ex captain or Man U or if your a Newcastle fan your not gonna have nice things to say about him. In a football rivalry sense. Dont start throwin the racism card at me. Hes a media dream and its a big story a big thing when Keane is around and like most people have commented the football world is a better place when Roy Keane is in it or would you rather Ronaldo dive on the ground demand more money dont bust a gut for your team mates is me hair all right playing for you or managing you???

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  • 94. At 9:02pm on 24 Apr 2009, kenny_burns_kneecap wrote:

    Drat, you're there Robbo. Thought you'd been savaged by two Labradors.

    The thing I like about Royston is that he doesn't give a monkey's about what people think, he just wants to win. And he's an honest gent about it too: Can't remember him diving, spitting, shirt-pulling or feigning injury. True, a number of vicious tackles, but they were in the open for all to see, and he took his punishment. He gave it, and he took it and he never hid. And he seems to have carried that honesty and integrity into his management career. Good luck Roy, good to have you back in the game. A true football man, and one of the very few who really did give '110%'.

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  • 95. At 9:25pm on 24 Apr 2009, ncmurrda wrote:

    I'll continue my post when I stop laughing over the 'Gelled Tumbler' ...Classic!
    Ok (pulls self together). As a Norwich fan, it pains me to admit it, but I feel Ipswich have done rather well here. Better than they had (sorry Jim), and look at the anticipation this has caused. Could, just could, be a very good appointment indeed.

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  • 96. At 9:52pm on 24 Apr 2009, Seancorkman wrote:

    Of COURSE it's racist Dermot! By definition.... you introduced the subject of 'race', of Keane's Irishness. No one else did. I'm Irish! Writing this from Dublin now. Countless players, English players, get knocked, criticised, pilloried. You're right to mention Ronaldo's antics. Can't bear them either. But he gets flack not because he's Portuguese. Or Drogba - pathetic diver. But not because he's black! As I said, Keane gets the response he does, good and bad, because of who he is and what he's done, NOT because he's Irish.

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  • 97. At 9:59pm on 24 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Of COURSE it's racist Dermot! By definition.... you introduced the subject of 'race', of Keane's Irishness. No one else did. I'm Irish! Writing this from Dublin now. Countless players, English players, get knocked, criticised, pilloried. You're right to mention Ronaldo's antics. Can't bear them either. But he gets flack not because he's Portuguese. Or Drogba - pathetic diver. But not because he's black! As I said, Keane gets the response he does, good and bad, because of who he is and what he's done, NOT because he's Irish.

    So because you say im racist then I must be???

    and I guess on a law of averages theres no racists on here? theres no people who hate Keane cos hes Irish? or resent Keane cos hes Irish?

    Were the people who smashed up lansdowne racist? could it be possible that some of them may be posting in here it being a football blog an all?

    No way not at all

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  • 98. At 10:07pm on 24 Apr 2009, Seancorkman wrote:

    There might be, but most of the comments haven't been about that. They've been about him as a man. I really don't think that there is any real anti Irish sentiment going on around Keane. I suppose one or two half wits might seize on that, but as you say 'the law of averages' - there'll always be someone. I tell you there's a thousand times more anti English stuff in Ireland than there is anti Irish stuff in England. Look at Shay Given - he's worshipped in England! Robbie Keane, despite his spell at Liverpool, everyone loves him! Loads more. That's all i'm saying. I don't think we have to be so touchy that there's an anti Irish agenda under things, when there just isn't.

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  • 99. At 10:27pm on 24 Apr 2009, arcticandy wrote:

    Funny stuff, well the bits of it I understood anyway.

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  • 100. At 10:43pm on 24 Apr 2009, SenorBlobby wrote:

    #37 we are at the Riverslide....

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  • 101. At 11:53pm on 24 Apr 2009, leelewin wrote:

    Ding ding, ok Dermot and Sean, back to your corners; for the record, calling Dermot racist is a bit much! I re-read his blogs and he hasn't said anything to warrant that! I am English and I think he has a point; if Rooney weren't English there is no way the English fans would idolize him as much as they do; he would get away with nothing!

    It isn't racist; football is about tribalism - whether national pride, regional pride, or just being proud of our respective clubs, it is what makes it all so enjoyable!

    Keane is hated by some because he is an Ex-Man United Star, less so because he is Irish!

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  • 102. At 11:56pm on 24 Apr 2009, gonnascore1or2 wrote:

    Post #6 Too True.

    Keane bottled it at the World Cup cos thought it would be too tough, and the same at Sunderland. If I were the Black Cats I wouldn't be praising him for a job well done-it was a job incomplete.

    Keane thought it may get a little difficult so he bolted. He's got this hard man outlook, but he's a poor excuse for a man, and nothing against Ipswich but I hope, and reckon he will, fail miserably there.

    His ex teamates are so far having great managerial careers, Keane's been lucky in his first post and will be seen for the failure of a manager he is by the end of next season.

    My betting is he'll get halfway through the season, and when it looks like Ipswich have little chance of being promoted, he'll do one, like the spineless bully he is! Rant over(can ya tell I don't like the guy?)

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  • 103. At 00:32am on 25 Apr 2009, leelewin wrote:

    LOL, Gonascore1or2, you can tell you don’t like the guy!

    However, having watched the guy week in and week out for years as a united fan I can honestly say I have never seen a person who thrives under pressure as much as Keano, with the exception of maybe Stephen Gerrard!

    In fact, the bravery he has shown in the past is evident in that he stands by his morals; he also showed great courage on the pitch through out his career – Calling Keano ‘spineless’, even if you don’t like the guy, shows how little you understand the game! Keano was a warrior!

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  • 104. At 01:42am on 25 Apr 2009, bulmers04 wrote:

    I think a very intriguing little aside to this Keane appointment revolves around a certain Alex Bruce. Should be an interesting conversation between them re Keane's comments on his dad's management skills. And also Alex Beuce has played for Ireland and is even less Irish than big Mick. Food for thought.

    This is the real test for Keane and I honestly dont know if the great man will succeed. I also don't understand why he has chosen Ipswich after such a short time out of Sunderland. I believe he should have bided his time and done a little more reflection because he really seemed to be losing the plot at end of decent achievement with sunderland (which all happened to fast by getting promoted to quick with sub-prem players on well paid 2 year contracts - this was his problem there)

    If he fails here or loses his head I think it will have been a quicker than deserved demise for the man and almost certainly his last job. If I were him I would have looked to try my hand at a coaching job or assistant manager, kept a low profile and not neccessarily in England. Why oh why didnt he try to get out of the media spotlight and lower his exposure? I wonder if this article would even have been written or replied to as much if he had created a gap between 'old hard mad roy' and 'a more settled mature headed roy' by leaving his return to spotlight for another year or 2.

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  • 105. At 02:58am on 25 Apr 2009, gofromrdab wrote:

    What happened at Anfield? Liverpool will win premier league in 2011 when Kenny Dalgiesh is manager again

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  • 106. At 07:32am on 25 Apr 2009, bedsyboy wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 107. At 09:18am on 25 Apr 2009, barnetlad wrote:

    As a Norwich fan I am upset at Roy Keane's appointment. Ipswich might start winning games under him without the benefit of dodgy penalties.

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  • 108. At 10:13am on 25 Apr 2009, tcfootiefiend wrote:

    Firstly I offer my compliments on the article - very funny.
    But why did Keane take the ipswich job? I do not believe he thinks it is a second chance to do what he failed to achieve at Sunderland - he is not that stupid.
    At Sunderland he was blessed with supporters, investors and a patient, intelligent chairman that should have enabled a top manager to create a competitive premiership team. I honestly believe he walked away because he realised he could not do the job. He knew he had made bad signings and yes - he had become a bully.
    That is not to say he will not be a good manager one day. But any top footballer wanting to become a manager no longer gets the chance to hone his skills before falling under the media spotlight. It is a bit like pop stars. Gone are the days when they spend years touring the clubs actually learning to play their instruments and perform. Anyone with an ounce of talent is 'marketed' before their time.
    Maybe it is too much to expect someone who earned 100K+ per week to do his apprenticeship at some lowly club who could not afford to pay him that a year but my guess is that Roy knows he has to take a few steps back and re-evaluate what it takes to manage a football team.
    Ipswich will never have the finance to support life in the Premiership and have already gone bankrupt once trying - unlike Sunderland.
    Forget the hype - let him learn his trade in peace - and in a few years 'Mad dog' will be ready for a Premiership assignment.

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  • 109. At 10:47am on 25 Apr 2009, raszobbo wrote:

    #14 There's no need to google giggsy to know that he's welsh...

    Great blog as always Robbo...

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  • 110. At 10:57am on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Ding ding, ok Dermot and Sean, back to your corners; for the record, calling Dermot racist is a bit much! I re-read his blogs and he hasn't said anything to warrant that! I am English and I think he has a point; if Rooney weren't English there is no way the English fans would idolize him as much as they do; he would get away with nothing!

    It isn't racist; football is about tribalism - whether national pride, regional pride, or just being proud of our respective clubs, it is what makes it all so enjoyable!

    Keane is hated by some because he is an Ex-Man United Star, less so because he is Irish!



    THANK YOU, thats all im saying!

    Its BIAS to the highest order! I cant see a better player in the premier league today than Roy in his prime, Gerrard maybe comes close but Keane never nearly signed for Chelsea???????

    Roy in starting out in his career and of course he makes mistakes.

    From my time on here ive notice how Rooney was been compared to being better than MARADONNA and PELE and then the England bloggers were all yeah yeah he is, then weeks later hes getting booed off the pitch by England "FANS"

    OF course some of you dont like him cos hes not one of your own theres nothing racist about saying something like that, I think if people start spouting RACIST then they should look at themselves for having racist thoughts and comon lads lets not get into that debate.

    Im a Roy Keane fan I think he was a huge player one of the best and hes a up and coming manager whos intensley scrutinised by the press.

    I think it would be outta order on a football blog to dis GAZZA a hero to many england fans for his MENTALITY or his PROBLEMS they dont like that so when i dont like reading ROBBO calling Roy Keane a bum a looking homeless or a complete lunatic or a loser all of these hes not.

    He also does a huge amount for charity here in Ireland and doesnt want media cover for it. He does alot of work for guide dogs for the blind.

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  • 111. At 11:03am on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    And as for what some poster said about Keane taking over and Alex Bruce being the captain and he said this about his dad and that about sparky????

    How old are you the newspapers probably asked him and then spun it have you heard it out of KEANES MOUTH? Nah dont think so.

    Anyway hes right he was probably asked would he like to be as successful as Bruce or Hughes???? eh theyre arent exactly successful dont always believe what you read in The Sun.

    Man City are dire and well Wigan aint too bad

    PS Danny Dyer??? proper hard geeeeeeeeezzzzzzzer and that lad with him on Soccer AM id be embarrased

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  • 112. At 11:19am on 25 Apr 2009, concretekickabout wrote:

    "Of COURSE it's racist Dermot! By definition... As I said, Keane gets the response he does, good and bad, because of who he is and what he's done, NOT because he's Irish."

    I have to agree with Dermot actually. What he is saying is that Keane is not pilloried BECAUSE he's Irish, but rather because he ISN'T ENGLISH. There is a subtle difference, and it's certainly not racist. More the bias he mentions.

    I do think it's a fact that English football regards it's heroes through rose-tinted glasses. Funny the poster who mentions "leg end" Gazza as never playing foul on the pitch. I have the image of Gaz grappling the sack of Vinnie Jones burned on my retinas.

    Funny the posters who derogatively call him a "bit mad", yet adore the likes of Psycho and Terry Butcher. People don't love Keane exclusively because of the Haaland stuff. We winced with the rest of the world. People love him because he always makes a difference. Because he dragged the games by the scruff of the neck. Because he keeps its fundamental ethos working class and raw. Because he is not afraid to challenge egos. Because he is a legend.

    Malice players like Savage will never be a legend. It takes a lot more than bad tackles to define a player.

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  • 113. At 11:40am on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Bravo, exactly what i was getting at but as soon as i tried to defend him and make a point i was shot down and called a racist.

    Dont forget that Keane was seriously hurt when he tried to play the ball against Haaland in the first tackle he was out for a year nearly and Haaland stood over him screaming in his ear he was faking it trying to avoid being booked, when your a pumped athlete a machine as im sure you could call Keane he wanted vengance he wanted to hurt him and theres plently of players that want to hurt other ROONEY is a great exmaple i think Keanes tackle was worse than it looked and dont think in the heat of the moment that Keane wanted it to be like that.

    But in saying that i cant defend him but i know there are some people on here that would call him PHSYCO as s good thing if he was your player.

    ROONEY throws in some shocking tackles when hes playing and he does go for the player and when he gets up and the opposition player rolls on the ground as a result the fans chant ROONEY ROONEY and also when he plays for England.

    ROONEY stated before the game with Liverpool that he hated Liverpool so is it possible that he wanted to kick the living day lights outta players and hurt them comon you know he did,

    And what about Chopper Harris hes a celebrated hacker someone who wanted to hurt people and you celebrate that mentality but when its Keane hes a thug a bully.

    You cant celebrate Stuart Pearce Chopper Harris Terry Butcher Wayne Rooney for their "Hardness" and then say well Keane is this or that! Theres loads more players who play hard and hurt other players yet when we highlight your adored player your offended???? by your players i mean liverpool fans man utd fans England Ireland Scotland fans.

    I could think long and hard and look back especially into the 90's and 80's and see England legends who went out and hurt people on the pitch and what about these players EDU was it the Arsenal lad he was seriously hurt Keane never did something like that! and that lad think it was Taylor was it he never got nothing thrown at him if it was KEANE he would got banned

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  • 114. At 11:42am on 25 Apr 2009, reviewsaver-co-uk wrote:

    Nice blog.

    I think regardless of who you are and what you have achieved in your playing days you should not just walk into a club job at premiership or championship level with no managerial experience whatsoever. In saying that its up to the clubs owner who they appoint but I know if I was the owner of a football club I would be looking for someone who has some managerial experience. What makes a great player a great manager? Hardly any have succeeded to be great coaches.



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  • 115. At 11:46am on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Nobody ever mentioned Eric Cantona jumping into the crowd and trying to take out a fan????????

    Julian Dicks????

    Razor Ruddock???

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  • 116. At 11:59am on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Keane marked his unveiling as new Ipswich manager in typically forthright fashion, claiming the likes of Bruce and Hughes had yet to prove to be successful managers because of their lack of silverware.

    However, Bruce said that he took no offence to the comments.

    "I'm sure it was taken out of context, but the one thing I have always said about Roy is that, even in a little sleepy town like Ipswich, he is back-page headlines, over two or three pages," he added.

    "I've known him since he was 20-years-old, so if there is somebody who can understand him a little bit, I know where he is coming from.

    "And he's right! We haven't won anything. Two promotions means nothing in his book. You have got to win the Premier League and the European Cup as a manager to be a success in Roy's eyes.

    Hughes was similarly unruffled by Keane's remarks.

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  • 117. At 12:07pm on 25 Apr 2009, TrotterUSA wrote:

    Do they have prawn sandwiches in Ipswich?

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  • 118. At 12:21pm on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Gazza is guest on Irish TV tonight Tubridy Tonight, no doubt he'll be asked about Keane what with it being a topical issue at the moment, also im sure we'll hear the nitty gritty of his life.

    Hope theres subtitles!

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  • 119. At 12:50pm on 25 Apr 2009, Tess_sgs wrote:

    #112 - I thin you'll find it was Vinnie Jones grabbing Gazza, not the other way round.

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  • 120. At 1:37pm on 25 Apr 2009, pete_in_halstead wrote:

    Keano was a bit of a dirty player, but every great side needs an enforcer. He does have a tendency to walk out, but then I've walked out on several jobs when I was younger. Sticking to your principles isn't a crime.

    As far as I'm concerned Keano did a lot better job at Sunderland than I expected - it was his first job. Have they done better since he left? I think we know the answer to that.

    I can't say that I warm to the man, but there's no gainsaying his achievements.

    BTW it's Southend you need to go to for your prawn sandwiches. Ipswich it'd be more likely kippers.

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  • 121. At 1:41pm on 25 Apr 2009, pete_in_halstead wrote:

    Great quote from Bruce btw. And that's why people like him. Roy is too gobby for people to like.

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  • 122. At 2:27pm on 25 Apr 2009, ronrafferty wrote:

    Robson obviously doesn't like the idea of Roy Keane.
    When Roy took over Sunderland they were going nowhere.He got them up and bought some decent players.Sure he spent seventy million on thirty three players which is just over two million a head.If all these players were sold Sunderland would make a handsome profit.
    OK he walked out because he had a breakdown of relationship with the greysuits at Sunderland.So what.Clubs get rid of their managers at the drop of a hat and don't give a toss how the manager feels about it.
    If I was an Ipswich supporter I would be thrilled at having Roy as manager.I'll bet that Robson will change his opinion if/when Roy gets Ipswich promoted into the PL.I for one will be watching with interest 'cos I still hope that one day Roy will be managing United.

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  • 123. At 2:50pm on 25 Apr 2009, cactus99 wrote:

    Great blog

    Obviously we wouldn't dream of letting him in to the county without his muzzle on

    Chapter One - See A Leg, Fall Over It

    Classics

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  • 124. At 4:56pm on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Keano was a bit of a dirty player, but every great side needs an enforcer. He does have a tendency to walk out, but then I've walked out on several jobs when I was younger. Sticking to your principles isn't a crime.

    As far as I'm concerned Keano did a lot better job at Sunderland than I expected - it was his first job. Have they done better since he left? I think we know the answer to that.

    I can't say that I warm to the man, but there's no gainsaying his achievements.

    BTW it's Southend you need to go to for your prawn sandwiches. Ipswich it'd be more likely kippers.

    I wpuldnt say Keane was a dirty player id say he was a midfield enforcer and in general tackels like that fly in in that area it what he was trained to do. I would call Didier Drogba a dirty player a cheat of Christiano Ronaldo a dirty player a cheat for all his diving and impetuos behaviour id also call players who roll on the ground clutching their legs when the other team are attacking in order to get the game stopped dirty players, granted Keane went through Haaland but other than that its a contact sport.

    By your reckoning then Rooney is a dirty player and any player that repeated fouls is a dirty player, John Terry then is a dirty player he likes to give people a good kick Paul Ince was a dirty player I think youll find Defensive midfielders tend to get booked and break up play.

    Rooney is a dirty player hes always going for the man, Ronaldo for his diving and clutching his leg Scholes is always at it, Ashley Cole theres another whos always rolling on the ground theres a whole host of players that we could name

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  • 125. At 5:03pm on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    That ROBBO lad is a bit of a phantom eh?

    He was out of order comparing Keane to a homeless dude and questioning his mental state.

    What about GAZZA then ROBBO sound as a pound eh????

    At least Keane wasnt sacked for being drunk on 48 different occasions and the majority of us understand what Keanes talking about.



    Paying over the odds is what ye have to do when you cant get players for love nor money.

    And all this talk about Keane being disrespectful??? what

    Alex Ferguson doesnt use any expletives in the dressing room? Becks got split open by SAF in the dressing room during one of his rants.

    Fergie has one of the worst tempers in football and alot of people forget that or like to forget that when it comes to Keane.

    I can just imagine ferguson beggin players in his fairy outfit to pretty please with sugar on top run a little faster and mark that @'.l'****['['; out of the game?????

    Dream on lads you just love to put Keane down and im sure this is not the first time youve done so.

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  • 126. At 5:55pm on 25 Apr 2009, Starfire_99 wrote:

    Is this still going on..?

    Winning start for Keano at Ipswich today I see.

    Ah Vinnie Jones...his record of being booked after 3 seconds of play doesnt look like it'll ever be beaten..

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  • 127. At 8:04pm on 25 Apr 2009, MulvanyStrasse wrote:

    Who put the ball in the English net? Rayo, Rayo, who the ball in the English net? Rayo, Rayo Houghton.
    What you seem to forget is that 8 million people in Britain are of Irish descent. John Barnes and Terry Butcher weren't born in England. Typical Brits, you love the rules until you start losing, then the rulebook goes out the window.

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  • 128. At 9:29pm on 25 Apr 2009, bulmers04 wrote:

    Dermot, you're the only child in here. Grow up, I haven't read a newspaper let alone the sun all week and I only picked up on the Bruce thing on here. I don't usually come on here but if you are the type of Irish person that is supposedly representing the rest of Ireland's view on here then i'm a little embarrassed to be Irish.

    Is the recession getting you down so much you can't go out and release some of that built up tension this weekend?

    Honest to God, I have no interest in coming on to these blogs again if this is the type of stuff that goes on.

    I bet you voted 'No' to Lisbon too!!!

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  • 129. At 9:46pm on 25 Apr 2009, Dermot wrote:

    Your arguement or your point was weak at best, it was non factual you picked up something here or there and then you said oh alex bruce this that?????????

    There was no actual fact to what you were saying

    Now your the one acting childish your sayin im not coming back on here as some kind of threat???

    And then you get into name calling and insults dragging up lisbon????

    My point was that people on here put him down cos he wasnt one of theirs wasnt english wasnt liverpool or wasnt newcastle and most of the time was captain when he kicked their ass's in the league so they have a fond disliking of him.

    They were slaggig him but when the same was said of their HERO GAZZA or Ince or ROONEY for tackles and taking a man out and singing ROONEY ROONEY when the man was on the ground holding his leg!

    You were just refering to stupid stuff that was oh what about this and what about that!

    And Fergie tippy toed around players? He split Beckham open for cripes sakes! IF you only knew what was being said in the dressing room by the GENTS SAF and ARRY the air would turn blue!

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  • 130. At 10:37am on 27 Apr 2009, Ceannair wrote:

    "Ireland did okay in 2002.

    This is precisely the garbage attitute that got Keano so riled up!

    We LOST to a p**s poor Spanish side after a penalty shoot out that we would not have had to go to had we had the great man in the side.

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  • 131. At 10:53am on 27 Apr 2009, gormo7 wrote:

    omfg Dermot will you ever shut up - someone please ban him for the sake of everyone else. English/Irish/British whatever, your a t1t

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  • 132. At 12:02pm on 27 Apr 2009, Rovers Return - "COME ON ENGLAND!" wrote:

    " Ithink Rafa's giving them too many sweets and sugary drinks at half-time meself. And I'm not complaining. I hope they stay this giddy til the end of the season and but if they do they're going to have to set their sights a little Arbeloa."

    Love it mate!

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  • 133. At 12:27pm on 27 Apr 2009, palace_mark wrote:

    Is Dermot actually Roy Keane himself, just without the grammatical skills??

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  • 134. At 1:11pm on 27 Apr 2009, LazyRunning wrote:

    Roy Keane "a bit of a dirty player?"

    Generally I don't think he was any worse than any other hard tackling midfielder, and was such a good player that it was rare to see him do a late tackle.

    However, his tackle on Haaland, where he deliberately set out to break Haaland's leg in revenge for an incident in a previous match, was disgusting.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzEGkmY-Vio

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  • 135. At 2:17pm on 27 Apr 2009, chippy23dec78 wrote:

    #12 Never liked Keane when he was playing – probably because he didn’t play for my team. He might’ve been a fruitcake at times but he didn’t half get those around him to raise their game. I would have loved having him in my team, just as most people would have, 10 years ago. Having said that, the walking away from jobs is part of his dark side and there’s no guarantee that it won’t happen again.

    I think Dermot’s got a bit of a point in the way the tabloids never let the truth get in the way of a cheap story when it comes to Roy Keane. A bit like how they target Wenger from time to time. Maybe those two come in for special treatment because they’re not English, although you’d hope not. Having said that, with some of our ‘journalists’, you never know. It's seems to be a tactic of the tabloids to make sure they stop just short of going too far, be a bit friendly with the person in question for a short while before cranking it up again. I'd feel dirty inside if I had to do that for a living. Then again, if he’s not bothered about what Cascarino’s got to say, I’m sure he couldn’t give a monkey’s about the opinion of most of the leeches scribbling for a living.

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  • 136. At 2:18pm on 27 Apr 2009, SeanieGilbo wrote:

    "Is Dermot actually Roy Keane himself, just without the grammatical skills??".... I was thinking the same thing palace_mark although assumed he had perhaps a "close" relationship with the big man himself!?

    Reading more into it, I think he may have also been spurned by Gazza at some point in his life!?!

    Good article Robbo, not as funny as usual, perhaps thats understandable as you prepare for the big drop.

    In betwixt all the drivel that 'Dermot' said, someone had mentioned that football was, at its core, entertainment and it needs it characters. I agree. I hated Keane at Man Utd but am pleased to see him back in football, shame it isnt in the premiership. However, he does seem like a young manager looking to learn his trade in the lower leagues (well NOT the premiership) unlike the likes of Ince and Adams.

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