Keane becomes football Hall of Famer

MANCHESTER UNITED captain Roy Keane has been officially confirmed as one of the game’s greats.

The Republic of Ireland international was inducted in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame last night.

Museum spokesman Richard Cuthbert said: “Roy has turned out to be one of Alex Ferguson’s most important signings.

“He is an inspirational figure, his never-say-die attitude has carried Manchester United to victory on so many occasions.”

Keane is one of eight present and former players to be inducted, along with Alan Shearer, Wilf Mannion, Billy Bremner, Geoff Hurst, Viv Anderson, Tony Adams and Sue Lopez.

The late Leeds manager Don Revie and Crewe boss Dario Gradi were also honoured at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.

Meanwhile, United ended the uncertainty over Wes Brown’s future at the club yesterday by announcing the central defender had agreed a new four-year contract.

Brown’s current deal was due to run out in the summer, and several other clubs had shown an interest in signing the 25-year-old after contract talks with United initially broke down over his wage demands.

At one stage it even seemed Brown was on his way out of Old Trafford, with Ferguson accusing the player’s new agent of “filling his head with nonsense”.

The England international would have been able to talk to other clubs from January 1. But a deal to keep him at the club until June 2008 has been salvaged, leaving Ferguson jubilant at keeping a player he “couldn’t bear to lose”.

Ferguson said: “We are all delighted by the news. Over the last few weeks there has been a great deal of uncertainty and that has been a worry.

“I have known Wes since he was 13 years old and have watched and seen him grow into a splendid young man. I couldn’t bear to lose him; I didn’t want to lose him. I am thrilled that Wes has decided to commit his future here and I hope that he will enjoy his career at Manchester United.”

Brown is viewed as one of the most promising players to have come through the United youth ranks. But partly due to injury, he has yet to fulfil his potential.

The player himself insisted he never harboured serious thoughts about leaving Old Trafford.

Brown said: “I’ve always wanted to stay at Manchester United; I’ve grown up here; I’ve developed my career here and I’m delighted to be staying.

“United is the best club in the world, and I want to continue being a part of that. I am looking forward to winning more trophies and competing in the best tournaments.”