Roy Keane admits interest in becoming Irish manager

The former Manchester United and Ireland captain said the idea of managing his country does ‘appeal’ to him. 

Keane over the years has been linked with the Irish management job whenever the position had come vacant, and this time it was no different after the sacking of Stephen Kenny last November. 

His name was linked alongside other former Irish internationals such as Lee Carsley, and Chris Hughton, the former being the current favourite for the job. 

Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Keane was asked by Gary Neville whether he’d want to get back into management, the Corkman replied, 

“I think so. Not that you’re going to get the Real Madrid job, but it’s got to be the right challenge, the right club, and the right contract, can you bring your staff.

I’ve had opportunities, but sometimes you get offered a contract and you have to look at it with self-worth, is it the right deal for you, whatever. I’d like to go back in, but I’m not desperate to sign any contract for anybody. 

Keane has been out of football management since 2019 after leaving his post at Nottingham Forrest where he had a brief spell as assistant manager, reuniting with Martin O’Neill where he had previously worked with the Derry man when he was Ireland manager between 2013-2018. 

The O’Neill and Keane duo led Ireland to the European Championships in 2016 and a World Cup play-off in 2017 before consistent poor results in 2018 saw both be removed from their posts after a lacklustre Nations League campaign. 

When asked about potentially managing Ireland, Keane responded, 

“Yeah, international football I enjoyed it when I was a coach there.  

I like the dynamics of it where you’re not in everyday and it’s not about brining players in and dealing with the board every week.

That does appeal to me, I did enjoy the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin (O’Neill), with the Irish team. We had a little bit success, and when you have success, then its brilliant but obviously there is disappointments. But yeah, that could be an option”. 

Chris Hughton sacked as Ghana head coach https://t.co/pK1OemMXPOpic.twitter.com/Dn5CP5sckW

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 24, 2024