West Bromwich Albion could be eyeing up a move for a former Premier League manager following yesterday’s dismissal of Steve Bruce…
What’s the latest?
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, former Sunderland boss and pundit Roy Keane could be in line for a sensational return to management.
Would Roy Keane be a success at West Brom?
Jacobs wrote on Twitter: “West Brom sack Steve Bruce after just eight months. He won only one Championship game this season. Under-21s coach Richard Beale takes over as interim manager.
“Roy Keane is the early favourite to replace Bruce, fueled by his presence at WBA’s loss to Preston to last week.”
He could turn them around
Although he would join with little experience from recent years, the former Manchester United captain would bring in a wealth of knowledge from both his playing and managing days.
His last job as a sole manager was back in 2011 with Ipswich Town, where he lost his job at the start of the year for poor performances in the Championship.
However, whilst at Sunderland, he did impress at times to keep them afloat. He joined a Black Cats side already in the Championship relegation places. However, a string of fine results, including a Manager of the Month award in February, saw them in with a chance of promotion.
His no-nonsense attitude instilled a fine atmosphere in the dressing room, where he was so honest it was often seen as “brutal” – in the words of Dave Connolly. Perhaps that is exactly what this lacklustre Baggies side needs.
That campaign would end with the Championship title, and Keane would earn the manager of the year award for the division.
Although this was over ten years ago, he clearly has the pedigree and know-how to get a team promoted.
The 51-year-old would also survive the season following, arguably an even more impressive feat.
This appointment might seem like a foolish decision on the surface, but the stability, sternness and vast experience as part of various backroom staffs, plus a track record in both their current league and the top flight, could actually make it a no-brainer if they can prise him from punditry.
