Emotional Quinn Reflects On Keane
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has praised outgoing boss Roy Keane for his work...
Dec 4, 2008 9:27:34 AM
Irishman Roy Keane's reign in the Stadium of Light hotseat was a tumultuous one. The hard-line rookie boss was quick to discipline players and quick to replace them with big money signings, too, as he sought to turn Sunderland, previously a yo-yo club, into a Premier League force.
He got about halfway through that job before he seemingly lost the dressing room and the will to battle on, walking out on Thursday.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has said that the decision was Keane's alone, contrary to reports, and that it wasn't taken lightly.
The former striker also hinted that the job perhaps came too soon for Keane, who surged into high profile management as soon as his playing days ended.
Quinn said of Keane, who becomes the fifth Premier League boss to move on this season, "We have and should all have a huge respect for Roy Keane. He lifted this place off its knees. It's a shame things happened this way; the people were dancing in the streets of Sunderland just a few weeks ago.
"We tried to find a solution together for three days - one in the best interests of the club. In the end it's an amicable agreement.
"Roy and I were a partnership... that's dissolved now. I know him too well to try and talk him out of it.
"Now he can do a few things he didn't get to do when his career ended. He can recharge now and the Premier League hasn't seen the best of him.
"Roy is his own harshest critic and didn't want us to find ourselves in deeper, darker territory.
"He brought more than just his presence here. He was instrumental in developing a winning mentality and new standards. We also have a brilliant set of players.
"Now someone else can come in and do more."
Indeed, few feel that we've seen the last of Roy Keane. Time will tell, though, what kind of squad Keane has really built when a new boss comes in.
--Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com
He got about halfway through that job before he seemingly lost the dressing room and the will to battle on, walking out on Thursday.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has said that the decision was Keane's alone, contrary to reports, and that it wasn't taken lightly.
The former striker also hinted that the job perhaps came too soon for Keane, who surged into high profile management as soon as his playing days ended.
Quinn said of Keane, who becomes the fifth Premier League boss to move on this season, "We have and should all have a huge respect for Roy Keane. He lifted this place off its knees. It's a shame things happened this way; the people were dancing in the streets of Sunderland just a few weeks ago.
"We tried to find a solution together for three days - one in the best interests of the club. In the end it's an amicable agreement.
"Roy and I were a partnership... that's dissolved now. I know him too well to try and talk him out of it.
"Now he can do a few things he didn't get to do when his career ended. He can recharge now and the Premier League hasn't seen the best of him.
"Roy is his own harshest critic and didn't want us to find ourselves in deeper, darker territory.
"He brought more than just his presence here. He was instrumental in developing a winning mentality and new standards. We also have a brilliant set of players.
"Now someone else can come in and do more."
Indeed, few feel that we've seen the last of Roy Keane. Time will tell, though, what kind of squad Keane has really built when a new boss comes in.
--Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com
Advertisement
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
England
- Top 10 Players Never To Win The Ballon D’Or Since 1995
- Kroenke Edges Closer To Arsenal Takeover With Purchase Of Another Ten Shares
- Report: Berbatov Set To Return For Manchester United Against Besiktas
- Arsenal Special: Vela Could Next Up To Try And Fill van Persie Void
- Arsenal Boss Wenger Feels Sorry For Liverpool
- Michael Owen: I'd Knew I'd Score Goals At Manchester United
- Cana Backs Bent Inclusion In England's World Cup Squad
- Agent: David Beckham Suffers From Asthma
- Arsenal Captain Fabregas Backs Wenger In 'Club Before Country' Issue
- Carragher: There's Always The Europa League For Liverpool
Advertisement
Most Read
- Lionel Messi Urges Fabregas To Quit Arsenal For Barcelona
- Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic: Jermain Defoe Scores Five In White Hart Lane Rout
- Kaka On Real Madrid Dream, Chelsea Bid & Serie A Downturn
- Zidane: Henry Is Not A Cheat
- CL Debate: Barcelona v Inter - Get Ready For The Pacquiao v Mayweather Of Football
Advertisement
Most Discussed
- Lionel Messi Urges Fabregas To Quit Arsenal For Barcelona
67 - Egypt's Zaki Rules Out Pompey Move Because 'I Don't Wish To Play With An Algerian'
56 - CL Debate: Barcelona v Inter - Get Ready For The Pacquiao v Mayweather Of Football
45 - Tottenham Hotspur 9-1 Wigan Athletic: Jermain Defoe Scores Five In White Hart Lane Rout
39 - FIFA Call Emergecy Meeting Prior To World Cup Draw
24
Advertisement
