Sunderland to interview Roy Keane for vacant manager’s role

Keane was previously Sunderland manager between 2006 and 2008.

Sunderland are set to interview Roy Keane about becoming the club's new manager, according to reports. The Black Cats are searching for a new coach after sacking Lee Johnson last weekend following a 6-0 loss to Bolton Wanderers. Keane, who was Sunderland manager between 2006 and 2008, is reportedly one of the coaches the club's hierarchy plan to speak to.

Sunderland to speak with Roy Keane about vacant manager's position.

According to The Daily Mail, Sunderland plan to speak with the former Manchester United captain this week. The League One club's owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman will lead the interview process to find a permanent replacement for Johnson. Keane is one of the names on Sunderland's shortlist, and the Irishman is said to have 'strong support' from within the club. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder remains a popular figure on Wearside after his last stint as manager of the club. The League One side are looking to get their promotion campaign back on track. Sunderland are currently third in the table, five points behind leaders Rotherham.

Roy Keane's time in management.

Keane's return to the Stadium of Light would be a shock to many, but he could have a similar effect as the last time he became Sunderland manager. In 2006, the Black Cats were bottom of the Championship when he took over, his first job in management, and Keane guided them into the Premier League as Championship winners in his first season. Sunderland then remained in the top-flight in Keane's second season. The Irishman left the club in December 2008, citing differences with owner Ellis Short. Keane’s last job as a manager was with Ipswich Town between April 2009 and January 2011. He was then the Republic of Ireland assistant manager under Martin O'Neill from 2013 to 2018. The Cork native, 50, has not worked in coaching since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019, where he had been O’Neill’s assistant manager. Keane is currently working as a pundit for Sky Sports and ITV.