Why Roy Keane would be a success as Celtic manager as Champions League winner puts strong case forward
The legendary former Manchester United and Nottingham Forest midfielder has been touted or the Parkhead hotseat
Roy Keane would be a big success story as Celtic manager if he decides to make a return to the dugout.
That’s according to former Manchester United and France striker Louis Saha, who has touted the Republic of Ireland hero as a potential candidate to fill the Parkhead hotseat.
Keane has been out of the managerial scene for 15 years since leaving Ipswich Town where he spent two years in charge after tasting success in his first job with Sunderland. Since then, he has worked as assistant to current interim Hoops boss Martin O’Neill with both the Irish national team and Nottingham Forest.
Almost 12 years have passed since the Manchester United icon suggested the offer of the Celtic vacancy left him unimpressed - but two-time former Premier League winner Saha reckons the 54-year-old could carry the club forward if he was to change his notoriously hardline style.
“Roy Keane is almost a god,” Saha told BetVictor who offer the latest World Cup betting. “Every time his name is mentioned, you expect the very best, the best punditry, the best knowledge, the best insight.
“As a manager, you obviously have to have a more managed persona and maybe not be so honest. I think he would have been a great manager in any league and would have a huge impact at Celtic.
“But he would have to change how he comes across, but he would understand that if he was going to go back into management.
“I think where you see young managers now, whether it's Michael Carrick or Vincent Kompany, they have changed how they act now they are managers. If Roy can adapt his style, he would be a big success at Celtic.”
Celtic denied Roy Keane managerial approach
Celtic were carrying out their search to replace Neil Lennon back in 2014 when links to Keane first emerged, having not long ended his playing career with a short spell in Glasgow’s east end.
Club chiefs eventually decided to appoint Ronny Deila and owner Dermot Desmond rebuffed claims that a firm offer was made to the Irishman, who wrote in his autobiography: “Celtic wanted me but they weren’t showing how much they wanted me.”
Keane added that the contract put to him “failed to rock my boat”, adding “They were playing the part - ‘it’s Celtic’ - you should almost go up there for nothing.”
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