Report: Ex-Celtic midfielder Roy Keane interested in managerial return with Hibs

By David Walton

April 24, 2022

Former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane is interested in a return to Scottish football with Hibs, according to the Times.

The report states that Keane remains interested in entering management once again. It’s said that the Irish icon has already discussed the Easter Road managerial vacancy with his friends. However, the report doesn’t claim that talks have gotten underway.

Keane is a regular on Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage, and hasn’t been involved in management since his time as an assistant to Martin O’Neill at Nottingham Forest back in 2019.

The former Parkhead star has had a mixed time of it as a number 1 in the past. After taking Sunderland from the Championship relegation spots to the EPL, things took a turn as they found themselves firmly in the relegation spots before Keane’s departure in 2008.

An unspectacular stint with Ipswich Town has been followed by assistant manager roles with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa, and Forest respectively.

Keane was also linked with the Celtic job before the appointment of Ange Postecoglou [Scottish Sun]. The Irishman spent 6 months at Parkhead as a player back in 2006.

Roy Keane to Hibernian would be blockbuster stuff for Scottish football

Keane is undoubtedly one of the most popular pundits on Sky Sports in 2022. In terms of football analysis, he’s terrific entertainment. However, whether you want his personality in charge of your club is another issue entirely.

It was reported back in 2008 that some Sunderland players were left celebrating after Keane’s resignation [The Telegraph]. Given his no-nonsense approach to the game, you wonder how well that would connect with the modern-day footballer.

Last week, it was reported by the Daily Record that Hibs were in the market for an experienced replacement for Shaun Maloney. Keane would fit the bill in that regard.

It would also be absolutely blockbuster stuff to have him back in the game up here. The attention that would attract would be extremely beneficial for Hibs and the league as a whole.

Granted, it’s important to stress that this is nowhere near a done deal. How the Hibs fans react to the speculation will probably play a key role too. Hibs will be looking to unify their support with a reliable appointment. Whether that man should be Keane is questionable.

In any case, it’s certainly a fun rumour!

In other news, Alan Stubbs hits the nail on the head with Cameron Carter-Vickers to Celtic verdict