Roy Keane linked with Championship job to replace ex-teammate

Roy Keane could be stepping back into management very soon.

Roy Keane has been linked with Championship side and Premier League regulars, West Brom, as he was spotted in the crowd during their 1-0 loss to Preston last night. The former Manchester United captain has not been in management or coaching since his short stint as assistant manager with Nottingham Forrest in 2019. Keane's former teammate is currently the West Brom boss, but has been struggling lately, and with the pressure mounting, speculation has turned its focus to potential replacements should the vacancy emerge. The Irishman was recently linked with a return to Sunderland, who he had previously managed, but turned down the role in the end. Although very successful and popular as a pundit with both Sky Sports and ITV, the Cork native has been very vocal about his urge to return to the hot seat.

Roy Keane recently admitted that he was interested in returning to management.

Speaking to Gary Neville on his podcast, The Overlap, Keane admitted that returning to management was an ambition of his. "I can't see a club giving me a real good opportunity to get back into it. I think those days are over for me. "I count my blessings, because as you know there are a lot of ex-players looking to get back into it." Keane wouldn't be lacking any experience managing a struggling Championship side, having previously guided Sunderland from the relegation zone, all the way to promotion back in 2006.

Keane's ex teammate Steve Bruce is still fighting for his job.

Any hope of the former Ireland captain taking the mantle at West Brom, relies heavily on his old Manchester United teammate Bruce getting the sack. The experienced manager isn't going anywhere without a fight however and was in defiant form following his side's defeat to Preston. “The frustration is there for everybody. I can understand how people feel. We’ve not got the results we’ve needed, but I still think we’re on the right course. “I still think we can make a challenge of trying to get up to where we want to be, which is of course around the play-off places. I’m determined to see it through.” Related links.

• Roy Keane fires back after Micah Richards uses 'the new buzzword in football' to question Cristiano Ronaldo

• Roy Keane accuses Man United of ‘disrespecting’ Cristiano Ronaldo

• Robbie Keane linked with vacant manager's position at Hull City