Roy Keane, the former captain of Manchester United, will not be taking on the coaching role at Melbourne Victory, despite reports suggesting a potential deal worth up to $1 million.
According to Keane’s long-time agent, Michael Kennedy, the Irishman is currently in Australia for a family holiday. Officials from Victory have refrained from quelling the rumors that have arisen since Keane’s arrival earlier this week.
A spokesman for Victory stated, “We won’t be commenting on speculation regarding the coaching position.”
He added, “Suffice to say, we still have a long way to go in the process of appointing a coach.”
The speculation surrounding Keane’s association with Victory quickly gained traction globally, prompting Kennedy to prepare for an influx of calls to his London-based office at Herbert Reeves and Co when contacted last week.
Kennedy remarked, “If you’re ringing about Roy Keane, don’t bother. It’s bloody ridiculous. The man’s gone there on a holiday with his family and all I get are phone calls about him.”
He acknowledged that he had not been in touch with Keane since the latter’s arrival in Australia.
One report claimed that Keane hinted at his interest during Sydney FC’s Asian Champions League home match against Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday night and that he had been approached by Victory.
A source indicated, “I can tell you Roy Keane was at that match in Sydney for good reason, other than just as a spectator. He will be meeting the Melbourne Victory board for a possible role with them.”
The rumors linking Keane with the Victory job were further fueled by cryptic tweets from his former Manchester United teammate Mark Bosnich, who shared on his account: “Roy Keane to Melbourne would b a gr8 coup for Melbourne Victory and the A-League. Watch this space!!!”
Ian McLeod, a member of the Victory board, may serve as an important connection to Keane, given that both have ties to the Scottish club Celtic, albeit at different times (McLeod as chief executive from 2001-03 and Keane as a player in 2005).
A significant hurdle for Victory is the salary that Keane would command, which is rumored to be as high as $1 million.
Reports suggest that Victory is not willing to exceed $400,000 for a coach, in line with their responsible spending initiatives.
Coaching in the A-League would represent a fresh challenge for Keane, who celebrated seven English Premier League titles as a player but faced difficulties in management after an impressive debut season, leading Sunderland to win the English Championship.
Keane struggled to maintain momentum at Sunderland, resigning during his third season.
He subsequently took the helm at Ipswich Town in April 2009 but was dismissed in January after enduring seven losses in nine matches, leaving the team near the relegation zone in the Championship.
by Buford Balony
