12/21/24
August 24, 2006
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, 2006
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, 2006
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, 2006
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, 2006
"What does "gates" mean there?" Attendance. How many fans show up.
posted by walrus at 02:53 PM on August 25, 2006
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.