Republic of Ireland manager, Roy Keane has been linked with the vacant managerial job at West Bromwich Albion. The Independent reports that the former Manchester United player has emerged as one of the dark horses, along with Martin O’Neill, to take over the managerial position at the Hawthorns.
The Baggies have recently sacked their manager, Tony Pulis after a poor start to the season. West Brom have just won two matches this season and are in danger to be dragged into a relegation dogfight. They have not won in any of their last eleven matches in all competitions. West Brom fans are begging for a change and it is possible that Roy Keane might be the man to take over, which will, hopefully, bring some stability to the club.
The Independent has also confirmed that West Brom officials have been in contact with former Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew who is keen to make a come back to the Premier League. The French manager was sacked by Crystal Palace less than a year ago but remains adamant to make a return to English football.
Adrian Chiles, a celebrity West Brom supporter has approved the idea of a Keane/O’Neill partnership during an interview with the BBC. He stated, “In a dream scenario, I’d have Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane come in, but if they’re listening they’ve probably just spat their tea all over their breakfast tables,”.
Both Roy Keane and Martin O’Neill have not put pen to paper on a new contract, which would extend their stay with the Republic of Ireland national team and it is still unclear whether the duo would continue to work together after their current role comes to an end.
Roy Keane has already had some experience in the Premier League. He used to be the manager of Sunderland and took charge of 100 games for the Black Cats. His record at the Stadium of Light consists of 42 wins, 17 draws and 41 losses.
He went on to manage Championship club Ipswich Town later on in his managerial career where he had a stint of 81 matches. His record there was pretty similar in numbers when compared to his time in the Premier League. The Irishman won 28, drew 25 and lost 28 matches with Ipswich Town in the Championship.
It is evident from previous records that Roy Keane may not be the ideal candidate to save West Bromwich Albion from a possible relegation. But a duo of him and Martin O’Neill will excite a lot of Baggies’ fans and might be enough to prolong West Brom’s time in the Premier League.
