The Athletic have now revealed some big Sunderland manager news involving Roy Keane.
The Lowdown: Keane rumours
Indeed, Keane becoming the next permanent manager at the Stadium of Light looked all but done earlier this week, with The Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards reporting that a deal was ‘close‘ to bring him in, while Football League World reported that he was ‘in the driving seat‘.
Should Sunderland hire Keane?
Yes
No
Fans and media alike are desperate for an appointment to be made – Scott Wilson of the Sunderland Echo called it ‘unforgivable‘ for the Black Cats to play two crucial games in the promotion race without a new face in the dugout.
However, with further delay over a confirmed decision by the board, it seems as if they will now look at other candidates.
The Latest: Deal off?
As per The Athletic journalist Michael Walker, who also writes for The Irish Times, Keane ‘is no longer’ part of the board’s search for a new manager, following the departure of Lee Johnson:
“It appears Roy Keane is no longer part of Sunderland’s search for a new manager.”
The Verdict: Big blow
Indeed, it will come as a huge blow to the Stadium of Light faithful that the chances of Keane returning slipped away so fast.
Walker does not make it clear why the deal collapsed, although Football League World reported that his wage demands were ‘pretty substantial‘.
Of course, Black Cats fans will have fond memories of life with Keane as manager before, having got them promoted up to the Premier League from the Championship in first place in his first term on Wearside – he then kept them up in the top flight the season after (Transfermarkt).
When he left, his decision was thought to be accepted ‘reluctantly’, at least according to chairman Niall Quinn, but now a return to SAFC is unfortunately off the cards.
In other news, find out who Sunderland’s three worst players were against Cheltenham Town here!
About the Author
