Roy Keane 's presence at West Bromwich Albion 's game with Preston North End in midweek has set the rumour mill going as he targets a return to management.
The Irishman, who has forged out an impressive career as a pundit, has previously enjoyed promotion from the Championship with Sunderland, but has not been a manager since being dismissed by Ipswich Town in January 2011. Several clubs have already made changes in the dugout this season though as individuals continue to come under pressure.
One of those is Steve Bruce, whose West Brom side are sat in the relegation zone having won one of their 13 league games. The veteran manager can ill afford to drop many more points with the Baggies seeking a return to the top flight, although he appears to have the confidence of club chief executive Ron Gourlay.
Keane's attendance will serve to highlight how keen is to put himself in the shop window. The former Manchester United skipper was heavily linked with a return to Sunderland last term, but ultimately a return to the Stadium of Light didn't happen.
The Irishman previously told Sporf that he does want to be involved again, but accepts that chances are few and far between. Keane is not being picky about his next opportunity and the managerial merry-go-round in the Championship could open up the door he is looking for.
He said: “I spoke to a couple of clubs again in the last few months. I’m a bit wary of shutting any doors on myself by saying, ‘Oh, I won’t go back into it’. Obviously, the chances are getting less and less as the months go by. I’d still like an opportunity. When I say the right opportunity – it has to be the right opportunity.
Would you take Roy Keane as your club's next manager? Comment below
“I think every negotiation is different. I wouldn’t be setting a stone down and going, ‘It’s got to be a three-year deal, or it’s got to be in a certain area’. No. I think you have to speak to clubs, and get that vibe, and see what they’ve got to say to you. Of course [I’d consider going abroad]. Absolutely.”
Since Keane's last permanent role he has served as a No.2 on numerous occasions. He was assistant to Paul Lambert at Aston Villa before working for Martin O'Neill with the Republic of Ireland. Keane then followed O'Neill to former club Nottingham Forest before the pair were axed.
Eight second tier sides have already changed their manager despite the season only being a matter of months old. The likes of Stoke City, Hull City and Huddersfield Town have all opted for changes while others could soon follow suit. Coventry City are currently sat bottom of the Championship having won only once and picked up seven points, but they have, so far, stuck by manager Mark Robins.
