Keane sees support to make managerial return at West Brom
Published:As scrutiny begins over Roy Hodgson’s first England squad selection, the betting regarding his successor at West Brom is hotting up, with Roy Keane backed into 5/2 second-favourite.
Keane has been out of work since being sacked by Ipswich by January 2011, though is believed to be eager to return to football management, with the Baggies post an appealing proposition.
Michael Appleton remains 2/1 favourite to take on the role at his former club, but a stream of money has seen Keane’s odds slashed, and the former Sunderland man would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity.
The former Manchester United midfielder has enjoyed a somewhat mixed managerial career to date, achieving promotion with Sunderland in impressive fashion, before his reign there petered out with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.
Ever a colourful character, Keane’s outspoken approach to management often saw him at loggerheads with players at the Stadium of Light, which would seem a contrast to the management style Hodgson has employed at the Hawthorns.
However, he showed impressive credentials when initially strengthening the side in the Premier League, and keeping them up comfortably in their first season following promotion.
It would be interesting to gauge how such an appointment would be received by West Brom fans however, considering Keane’s less than sparkling tenure at Ipswich in his last management foray.
After investing somewhat significantly in the playing squad, Keane failed to produce the results necessary to see his side challenge for promotion at Portman Road.
In fact, when his two-year spell at the helm of the club came to an end, the Tractor Boys were perched precariously in 19th place in the Championship, only three places clear of the relegation zone.
Such a pedigree could lead Albion fans to question Keane’s suitability for the role, though an undoubted potential as a manager could see supporters warm to the no-nonsense leader, should he justify 5/2 odds to land the job.
