Thursday, August 30, 2007

Keane back at Old Trafford........



Roy Keane was famed for his ferocious and single-minded determination during his celebrated playing days as Manchester United's midfield enforcer.

The 36-year-old will stride back into Old Trafford on Saturday for the first time as a manager with his Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn hoping Keane can create a similarly successful legacy as boss at the Stadium of Light.

Keane, regarded as a hero by United fans, started off in the right way last season by leading the Black Cats to the Championship title and promotion to the Premiership.

A win in the opening game of the current campaign against Tottenham helped continue the party but a draw and three successive defeats have taken the wind out of Sunderland's sails.

However, a realistic Quinn knew tough times would be on the horizon and his unwavering backing and support for Keane is only matched by his conviction to give his manager the time and foundation to succeed.


KEANE'S MAN UTD ROLL CALL
7 Premier League titles
1 European Cup winners' medal
4 FA Cup winners' medals
1 Intercontinental title
480 games & 51 goals
PFA and Football Writers' Association player of the year (2000)

"If you were to pick somebody who embodied the battling quality of the Premier League as a player Roy Keane was almost Mr Premiership," said Quinn.

"People would say that about him over his time as a player at Manchester United and now there is an opportunity here to provide him a pathway to become a successful manager.

"It's just important that we all do our jobs. Roy is also big on that as well.

"He has said it on numerous occasions 'everybody be best at what you do and do your own job'.

"I think that's what we all have to do and we will let him get on with the tougher decisions like picking the team. We will all support that and provide as much as we can in order for him to get on."

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