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Football

27th Apr 2022

Ireland international backs Roy Keane to become Hibernian manager

Robert Redmond

roy keane hibernian

“Roy is first and foremost a winner.”

Daryl Horgan has backed Roy Keane to take over as the new manager of Hibernian. Keane, who has not managed a team since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011, has emerged as a surprise contender to take over the vacant role at the Scottish Premiership side.

Hibs are looking for a new manager after sacking Shaun Maloney. The former Scotland and Celtic winger had been in charge for just four months.

Horgan, who played for the Edinburgh team between 2018 and 2020, has backed Keane f0r the role.

Roy Keane Hibernian

Horgan backs Keane to take over at Hibernian.

The Republic of Ireland winger, currently played for Wycome Wanderers, worked with Keane at the Irish national team and has said he would be a good fit for Hibs.

Horgan believes Keane could potentially help the club close the gap on Celtic and Rangers.

“Roy is first and foremost a winner and he’ll already have a good idea of what’s required at Hibs and that includes the realistic potential for success,” Horgan told The Daily Record.

Horgan: Keane could help Hibs close the gap on Celtic and Rangers.

Horgan said that the standards Keane will demand of the Hibs players could push them to further success and potentially close the gap on the big two in Scotland.

“A European run and a cup final appearance would be regarded as brilliant but at some point, someone will have to break through that glass ceiling and why shouldn’t it be him?

“Someone has to be able to break through that Celtic and Rangers barrier which dominates Scottish football and I certainly wouldn’t bet against it being Roy Keane,” he continued.

“He will have that mentality if he does go in, it’s born in him to demand nothing but the best but he’ll also have an understanding of where Hibs are as a club.”

Roy Keane linked with becoming Hibernian manager.

Keane is interested in succeeding Maloney at Easter Road, according to The Sunday Times.

The former Manchester United is said to be enjoying working as a pundit for Sky Sports and ITV but harbours an ambition to return to the dugout.

Keane, who reportedly turned down the chance to become Sunderland manager in February, is said to have ‘discussed the Hibs job with friends’ and would be interested in potentially taking the role.

This season, Hibs reached the Scottish League Cup final, where they lost 2-1 to Celtic, and the semi-finals of the Scottish FA Cup, where they lost to Hearts. The club’s owner Ron Gordon sacked Maloney three days later.

Roy Keane’s career in management.

Keane began his managerial career as Sunderland manager back in 2006. The former midfielder guided the Black Cats into the Premier League as Championship winners in his first season.

In Keane’s second season, Sunderland avoided relegation from the top flight. The Cork-native left the club in December 2008, citing differences with owner Ellis Short.

Roy Keane Hibernian

Keane’s next job as a manager was with Ipswich Town between April 2009 and January 2011.

He was then the Republic of Ireland assistant manager under Martin O’Neill from 2013 to 2018.

Keane has not worked in coaching since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019, where he had been O’Neill’s assistant.

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