[Joe]

Roy Keane has been reported as being targeted for the next Sunderland manager position.

Great player, desire and he still has the hunger, but is he cut out for management and getting the most from players?

[gmanr26]

I didn't know he retired......
I only follow EPL so I guess thats why I didn't know, dont get Scottish league in JA

Originally Posted by Sky Sports

Roy Keane is reportedly set to be named the new manager of Sunderland.

The former Manchester United ace, who is thought to be in talks with Sunderland officials, would link up with former Republic of Ireland team-mate Niall Quinn at The Stadium of Light.

Quinn revealed on Tuesday that a new manager was lined up to replace him as boss, so that he could concentrate on his role as chairman.

Keane retired from football earlier this summer after a short spell at Celtic.

The 35-year-old was forced to hang up his boots on medical advice, but he always expressed his desire to go into management at some time.

Keane gained his coaching badges this summer and he is now set to take his first steps in management at Sunderland.

Quinn will be hoping the Manchester United legend can help transform Sunderland's fortunes after a disastrous start to the season.

Keane is expected to take charge for the first time in next Monday's home clash with West Bromwich Albion.

However, Sunderland are remaining coy on the speculation regarding Keane.

The club confirmed talks with "a high-profile figure" were ongoing with a view to an appointment.

A club statement read: "No new managerial appointment has been made at this time.

"The club is in discussions with a high-profile figure and is hopeful an announcement will be made in the near future."

Keane is expected to be assisted at The Stadium of Light by former Blackburn manager and Manchester United coach Brian Kidd.

[goldenHuddlestone]

I really don't think another first time manager is what Sunderland need although Kidd is being touted as his assistant.

[gmanr26]

Well SAF says OK

Originally Posted by Sky Sports

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is surprised to see Roy Keane enter the world of management so soon after retiring over the summer, but his former mentor is sure that Sunderland is a superb opportunity for the fiery Irishman.

Keane may be appointed Black Cats boss in time for the bank holiday game with West Brom after it emerged on Wednesday night that he had been in talks with former Republic of Ireland colleague Niall Quinn.

The shock move comes just two months after the legendary midfielder retired from playing whilst at Celtic, bringing an end to a glorious career that included a trophy-laden 12 years with Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Although their famous partnership was brought to an acrimonious end last season the Scot has always tipped his former charge to be a force in the managerial community, but Ferguson admits he was slightly taken aback at the speed of Keane's introduction to the cut-and-thrust world.

"It's a bit earlier than I thought," said Ferguson on Sky Sports News.

"But in some cases in football, tomorrow may never come.

"The opportunity is there to take the job and, if he is taking it, maybe that's uppermost in his mind.

"You don't want to be out of the game too long.

"I got the same advice when I was quitting playing, in case these moments pass you by."

Whilst Ferguson set off on his management career path with Scottish minnows East Stirling in 1974, Keane is on the brink of joining a club with a 49,000 seater stadium and high expectations of a swift return to the top flight.

With a setup worthy of The Premiership Ferguson is sure that Sunderland is a fantastic place for the enigmatic Keane to earn his trade, but the United boss had words of warning for the Irishman about the nature of the modern game for a young managerial hopeful.

"Sunderland is a great club with a great history, a fantastic support base and a good stadium," Ferguson added.

"Everything is there and apparently they've got a fantastic training ground. It's got most of the things correct about them.

"It wouldn't be easy, I don't think being a manager is today, it doesn't matter where you are.

"The way football is structured in terms of the media, agents, freedom of contract and players' power nowadays, it's completely different.

"It's not easy getting a job nowadays."

Ferguson also backed Keane's plan to appoint former Manchester United nubmer two Brian Kidd as his assistant at the Stadium of Light.

"He knows Brian and that's probably the route most people would go down to take someone they know."

[goldenHuddlestone]

And I'm sure Keano was waiting for his permisson

[gmanr26]

Originally Posted by goldenHuddlestone

And I'm sure Keano was waiting for his permisson

of course he was :P

no red devil..... present or former does anything without the permission of SAF

[goldenHuddlestone]

That's what he thinks anyway

[ClaretAVFCBlue]

Sorry but i find this hillarious - Quinn said he would bring in a ''Top Class Manager'' - as soon as it was rumoured with Keane i burst out laughin - what difference is this gonna make from havin Quinn in charge? the answer is none

He has no experience of being a manager - ok so Brian Kidd will assist him but thats even sweeter as kidd can hardly call himself a decent coach - its all a bit of Deja-Vu really with Ex-Utd players thinkin they have what it takes because they have worked under Fergie

Robson thought he had what it takes and took on Boro and got Relegated - Bruce with Blues @ 1st he looked tidy but last season just summed him up when it come to the crunch - Keane isnt the answer to take the reigns @ Sunderland its a huge job and i thought Quinn would of been professional over this and looked @ somebody like Alan Curbishley instead of takin a has been on who thinks will sort them out

Hardly a role-model either whats he gonna tell the players in the dressing room? ''Start a fight in the tunnel'' ''Kick and spit @ the opsition'' - oh Roy your my hero lol

[squid]

I think you are really starting to see the inexperiance of Quinn as a chairman here. So far he made a pigs ear of his time at Sunderland. You cant go about making promises about world class managers unless you have a few of them applying for jobs. You cant go and get the fans hopes up then try another untested manager. Keane is a big name, but that is all. He's not achieved anything in management yet. He needs to start telling his fans that there will be a rebuilding process there rather than a reveloution.

I hope Keane is a success, but it is unclear that he will be. Even at that it looks although he might be p***ed off already because this fued with Quinn has come back into the public. I wouldnt put it past keane to cancel the whole thing. But Quinn needs to get his act together with the press.

[waynelyp90]

I think this two combination of management will kill Sunderland.
As I am not a regular Championship fan, I am interested here just bacause Roy Keane is becoming a manager.
The period of strengthening the squad is real short now. Thus, it will be hard for him to correct things by now. Hope he will do well then...

[goldenHuddlestone]

Well it looks like it's happening. He's agrred personal setails and will sign a contract afetr today's match against West Brom. All I can say is Good Luck Keano.

[Joe]

I am one of Keane's biggest fans, he was Manchester United during the real successful days.

I just hope that this job works out for him.

[goldenHuddlestone]

I sdont think anyone wants him to fail but I for one think he will

[Joe]

I think he will fail too, but am hoping that I am proved wrong -- again

[Jedi Knight]

don't know if he has the temperament. man management is a highly developed skill that i'm not sure he posses. while there is no doubting his passion or committment time will tell if he posses the other skills required. Other great players have tried and failed at this game

[goldenHuddlestone]

I think he'll model himself on SAf

[Jedi Knight]

and the Great Brian Clough who i'm sure he worked under also. Just hope that time has mellowed him out a bit lol.

[goldenHuddlestone]

Yeah he did for Forest. He really did work under two of the best Managers England have ever seen.