In a recent edition of the “Stick to Football” podcast Roy Keane said that the highlight of his football career came as he worked as assistant manager to Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill. Former Celtic manager O’Neill made a bold move when he appointed Keane as his assistant following in November 2013.The duo successfully led Ireland to qualification for the Euro 2016 finals.
Keane said: ‘‘I go back throughout my career and my experience with Martin, particularly going to the Euros, was probably the highlight of my career. It sounds bizarre because we always talk about playing, and I loved playing, but our time with Ireland was probably the highlight. I just loved everything about it. The dynamics, the energy of the group, working with Martin and the other staff members. There was something going on there and there was a feel-good factor. The lads were decent. We probably did lack an out-and-out goal scorer, a bit of quality, all of those things, but we got to the Euros, we got to the playoffs for the 2018 World Cup. It was one of the best times of my life. I probably fell out with two players that I would have no time for because, to me, they weren't training properly. I would rather fall out with them than not do my job, ignore it and pretend it’s not happening. The one or two players I fell out with Ireland I have no problem with that because they weren’t doing what we wanted them to do. I would regret more if I kept my mouth shut and said nothing.’’
UNITED MULLS STADIUM OPTIONS
Manchester United expect to choose between redeveloping Old Trafford or building a new stadium later this year. The club are examining their options in conjunction with the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which includes former United defender Gary Neville, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and World Athletics president Sebastien Coe among its membership. Lord Coe confirmed recently that they has discussed its options report with the club, Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority. In a statement United added: “The club will continue its feasibility and commitment work into 2025, with a decision on the direction of travel regarding a redeveloped or new-build stadium expected in the summer.’’
TWO GREATS PASS
The death occurred recently of two former hurlers, Waterford’s Martin Og Morrissey and Kilkenny’s Mick Fleming, who would have marked one another in the 1959 All-Ireland hurling final. It was the last time Waterford won the MacCarthy Cup, beating the Cats in a replay. Morrissey won an incredible 15 senior county hurling medals with his club including a nine-in-a-row run between 1953 and 1961, as well adding five football titles. Fleming played for the St Senan’s club in Kilmacow and won an All-Ireland Junior hurling with Kilkenny in 1956. Morrissey lined out at centre half back for Waterford, while Fleming was on ‘the forty’ for Kilkenny.
PLAYER DEAD AT 27
The sudden death occurred on Dec. 30 of Cliftonville defender Michael Newberry, on what was his 27th birthday. Newberry joined Cliftonville earlier this year after playing for Icelandic side Vikingur Olafsvik and Linfield in the Irish League. He was born in Newcastle and joined the Newcastle United Academy at the age of 11. Michael later represented Northern Ireland at youth level.
STOKE CITY TAP ROBINS
Stoke have appointed Mark Robins as their new manager. Robins, who was sacked by Coventry in November, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract at the bet365 Stadium and becomes the Potters’ third manager of the season following the dismissals of Steven Schumacher and Narcis Pelach. Robins, who, it’s said, saved Alex Ferguson from getting the sack at Old Trafford with a famous goal in the 3rd round FA Cup win over Notts Forest in January 1990, will be assisted by Paul Nevin and James Rowberry. Stoke sporting director Jon Walters, the former Irish international, said: ‘‘We are delighted to welcome Mark, Paul and James to the Stoke City family. At Coventry, Mark built something successful with a real identity and longevity and he left the club in a significantly better place than he found it.’’
NOT A HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR ROONEY
Plymouth Argyle sacked manager Wayne Rooney on New Year’s Eve. Under the former Manchester United star the club had dropped to the bottom of the Championship table. Twenty-four hours later, under caretaker manager Kevin Nancekivell, Plymouth drew 2-2 at home to Bristol City for whom Irish international Jayson Knight scored, and Plymonth picked up another point on Saturday in a 0-0 draw away to Stoke City. Rooney will now be adopting his new role of a house husband as his wife Coleen is reported to be inundated with offers of work on television following her appearance on the reality TV program “I’m a Celebrity, Get me out of Here.” Rooney has had other spells as a manager with Derby County, DC United in the U.S. and Birmingham City.
ROVERS’ FARRUGIA JOINS BARNLEY
Barnsley have signed Shamrock Rovers winger Neil Farrugia on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract. Farrugia joins the League One promotion chasers on a two-and-a-half year deal. After a period at UCD, the 25-year-old joined Rovers in 2019 and has gone on to make over 120 appearances for the Hoops, scoring 11 goals. Farrugia has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-18 and Under-21 level and was called up to the senior squad in 2023 for a summer training camp, with former manager Stephen Kenny expressing his admiration for the player.
