- 06:14 AM
- 05/24/13
Talk about your odd couple: Rumours are flying that Roy Keane will be appointed new manager of Sunderland. And Sunderland's chairman is none other than Niall Quinn. Interesting times ahead.
Well, all I know about the Saipan incident is what I've read in this short piece and in this profile (Wikipedia was not all that helpful), but if McCarthy/Quinn and Keane have seen fit to put that episode (which, unless there's more to it than I've read, sounded like simply a horrifically bad and ill-timed shit-fling) behind them, then why not? Now, that doesn't mean it won't be tumultuous and drama-inducing, but it sounds like Roy Keane's been primed for a manager's gig somewhere for a while. So yeah, why not Sunderland? (I'm really asking as a football noob looking for some more background.)
posted by chicobangs at 05:35 AM on August 24
Before he left Old Trafford there was much (digital) newsprint about Keane eventually succeeding Ferguson. While the manner of his departure may have changed that, Sunderland are probably a good training spot. And if he can get them back to The Show... well, TO's playing in Dallas, right?
posted by billsaysthis at 11:01 PM on August 24
The press love to sensationalise. AFAIK Keane made a public statement after the spat with Quinn that he held no grudges and hoped the incident would not affect their professional relationship. I suspect Quinn feels the same way. Whether the crucible of taking on a club who are effectively in freefall is the best start for Keane in management is moot. It's a make or break appointment for him. Sunderland fans get a lot of respect from me for their gates in the Championship, and for their backing of Liverpool when the Mancs booed the minutes silence on a Hillsborough anniversary and were drowned out by the Black Cats singing a defiant version of YNWA. I hope he does well. Even though he played for the Old Foe.
posted by walrus at 01:32 PM on August 25
Sunderland fans get a lot of respect from me for their gates in the Championship What does "gates" mean there?
posted by yerfatma at 02:35 PM on August 25
"What does "gates" mean there?" Attendance. How many fans show up.
posted by walrus at 02:53 PM on August 25
This has to be one of the most surprising and hilarious appointments in a long time. I can't believe that Roy and Niall will be working together, not after Saipan. Plus, Sunderland is Mick McCarthy's old team. It'll be interesting to see how Roy does as manager.