We're about 8 weeks from the 20th anniversary of Saipan. You'd have thought, in the intervening two decades, that every stone has been unturned by journalists and writers look to tell the story of the civil war that divided Irish football.
But no. Today, a new bit of information has come to light that has us asking again 'what might have been'. Miguel Delaney has secured an immaculate scoop in today's Independent (UK).
Delaney interviewed former Manchester United power development trainer Mick Clegg, who has just a published a new book called The Power And The Glory. In his book, Clegg claims that Keane wanted to bring him to Saipan for intensive training ahead of the World Cup.
The money quote is that Keane wanted to Clegg to turn the Ireland team into a 'small SAS unit' that could 'strike fear' in opposition.
“I want you to come and train myself and some of the players I’ve talked to. We want your work with us because we feel it would be really good for the team to have somebody like you, as a motivator, too. We’re a small unit, but we can come out and really surprise people. I want you with me. I need you with me.”
Clegg, who was very fond of Keane and his intensity from working at Old Trafford, was excited by the idea. However, Ireland manager Mick McCarthy was less enamoured. According to Clegg, Keane brought the idea to McCarthy but McCarthy said no. McCarthy apparently said:
“I don’t know him. He’s not coming. He’s not part of the team.”
Clegg's book says Keane, always on brand, was 'seething' at this.
What might have been: Roy Keane at the 2002 World Cup
We had thought every small detail of Saipan had been mined at this stage, but this is an absolutely tantalising detail.
There is a perception that was Keane was jaded and burned out and battling his own demons as the Ireland team landed on that famous minor island in the Pacific.
However, this detail suggests that Keane had huge ambitions for what Ireland could achieve at the World Cup. And it proves he was ready to put the work in.
And it also helps to explain the despair he felt when he encountered a training regimen on Saipan that did not meet his standards.
Clegg also has some fascinating insight on Keane's fitness: 5.5% body fat at the peak of his powers.
"He was very power-based, attack, attack, which is why he loved doing the boxing."
Let us daydream again for one moment: not just how far Ireland would have advanced at the 2002 World Cup with Keane in the side, but how far an Ireland team with SAS fitness and Roy Keane would have advanced. I don't think a final is out of the question.
SEE ALSO: 7 Mad Things From The Saipan Fallout You Might Have Forgotten
