Graeme Souness has insisted that he wants Roy Keane to make a sensational return to management after claiming that the “fire still burns” in the Manchester United legend.
Roy Keane, who is regarded as one of the best captains of all time, took his first steps into management after his legendary playing career came to an end in 2006.
The Manchester United legend was appointed Sunderland manager in 2006 and oversaw success at the Stadium of Light, including capturing a Championship title.
However, Keane’s spell at Sunderland came to an end in 2008 after 27 months in charge, with the Irishman resigning from his head coach role at the club.
Following his spell at the Stadium of Light, Keane returned to management in 2009 when he took charge of Ipswich Town and endured a tough run at the club.
The 52-year-old Irish hardman’s ill-fated managerial spell at Ipswich Town lasted only 20 months in charge, with Keane sacked from his position in 2011.
Keane later served as assistant manager at the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest after his disappointing managerial spell at Ipswich.
However, the Sky Sports pundit has not made a return to management since he was axed from Ipswich, despite admitting that one managerial role would tempt him.
Souness talks Man Utd legend Keane
Former Manchester United star Roy Keane, who has since become a leading figure in punditry, has flip-flopped on his desire to return to football management.
Keane was linked with a second spell at Sunderland, although the speculation around a return to the Stadium of Light was later addressed by the club’s owners.
Speaking in his column for The Daily Mail, Graeme Souness has admitted that he would be keen to see Keane return to the managerial dugout.
The Liverpool legend believes that Keane could “still have a lot to offer” and added that the Irishman’s mentality still has the elite mentality needed to succeed.
“I still think Roy yearns for another go at football management,” Souness wrote for the newspaper.
“I think the fire still burns within him to prove he can be a successful manager. He would still have a lot to offer the game.”
Souness on his relationship with Keane
Souness returned to punditry duties for United’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The former Sky Sports pundit admitted that he relished the opportunity to be alongside United legend Keane and Arsenal hero Ian Wright for the FA Cup tie.
“I have missed being on TV,” Souness said ahead of the FA Cup clash.
“I don’t miss sitting in traffic on the M6, two-hour delays at airports or trains not turning up but I do miss sitting in that seat and talking football with football people.
“I’m with Roy Keane and Ian Wright who are both very good on TV, very entertaining and not short of offering an opinion against the pampered pooches who play the game today.”
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