How long will Roy Keane stay at Ipswich Town?
SO what do we make of Roy Keane?
How long will he be around? Can he make Ipswich Town become a success again?
He’s been in charge at Portman Road for coming up to 10 months now having arrived amid a blaze of publicity and a shed load of optimism.
Results-wise it hasn’t happened for the Irish footballing icon with Ipswich Town suffering their worst start to any season and failing to gain a victory until the last day of October.
Such is the charisma that surrounds him and the way he handles himself in the media - never afraid to speak his mind - Keane has kept Blues fans on his side.
This is a remarkable feat in itself and one that bodes well for the months – possible years – ahead.
There are many however – some within the club – who are somewhat surprised that Town owner Marcus Evans has been so lenient.
Most owners would have become jittery and made a move by now – you just have to look at QPR and Peterborough as examples of that.
But thanks in many ways to the careful vetting by previous chairman David Sheepshanks, Ipswich have a man at the top who is as close in the 21st century to following the Cobbold-related principles that have made Ipswich Town FC what they are as possible.
Sheepshanks could – and possible almost did at one time – have eased the crushing financial woes that bugged his latter years in the boardroom hot seat by ‘selling out’ to any hobble–di-hi who came along flashing the cash.
But he maintained principles that John and Patrick Cobbold would have been proud of, and Town have a man at the helm who is a sharp and decisive businessman, but someone who has values.
So where does this leave Keane now that things are beginning to look up?
Number one he loves the area and his wife and five children are settled, something that did not happen during his time at Sunderland when his loved ones remained in the Manchester area.
Number two, and another plus, he has his players playing for him – and enjoying doing so.
Number three his track record at Sunderland still points in his favour having shaken them up and gained promotion to the Premier League on the back of a successful run that one feels could happen here as well. The man’s energy and desire to win can drive this along.
Number four he gets on well with Evans and chief executive Simon Clegg. It was a breakdown in trust with the hierarchy at the Stadium of Light that led to his departure from the north east.
Number five, and not so positive this one, is the surprising fact that despite his public persona he questions his own managerial ability. He has yet to convince himself that he can become a top manager. He seeks this and is determined to achieve it. But there is still some proving to do.
The signs are that if Ipswich move up to around mid-table by the end of the season, Keane’s position will remain secure.
But he will be left in doubt what is expected of him in 2010/11.
posted on 12 February 2010 11:51 byElvin King
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