Roy’s family keeping a low profile

ROY KEANE’S family was keeping a low profile yesterday as a guiding light from his young playing days said he still has the potential to be a great manager.

Roy’s parents Mossie and Marie Keane were not at home in Whitechurch yesterday afternoon. And regulars in one of Mossie’s favourite bars, Cashman’s in Cork city, said he had not been in at all yesterday.

Close friends said Roy’s parents were not surprised by their son’s decision and wouldn’t comment in public anyway. “Roy is his own man and Marie and Mossie are very proud of him and would stand by whatever decision he makes,” he said.

John O’Rourke, who was chairman of Cobh Ramblers FC when Keane was transferred to Nottingham Forest, also insisted that Keane chose to leave Sunderland and wasn’t pushed.

“Roy is one man who works very hard. When he was with us, he was an outstanding player and a leader,” said Mr O’Rourke.

“He worked so hard at his fitness and football, and he put the exact same into management.

“He had a very successful first year with Sunderland. He not only got them promoted, but kept the team in the Premiership,” he said.

“Unfortunately things did not work out for him this season. But I still think he can be a great manager in time to come.”

Martin O’Neill, the chairman of the Cork branch of Man United Supporters Club for two decades, said he feels sorry for Keane.

“I would have thought he could have made a success of the club and when they were looking for a replacement for Alex Ferguson, he would have been one of the people interviewed if he did well in the Sunderland job. This will not go too well on his CV,” he said.