Roy Keane has long expressed his desire to return to management. The Irishman has not been in charge of a club since 2011, since taking in assistant manager spells with Ireland, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest.
While is perhaps the most popular pundit around at the moment, he had not been shy in declaring that he wanted to return to coaching.
The recent links with Sunderland seemed like a good fit. Keane knows the club well having had a successful spell there before, while the team itself was badly in need of a jolt in order to finally get out of League One and build towards the future.
Alas, it wasn't to be. All indications were that both sides were keen on the deal, although this appears to no longer be the case.
Roy Keane reportedly rejects Sunderland job
Multiple reports are circulating that Roy Keane is now out of the running to be the next Sunderland manager, with the club now moving on to other targets.
It appears Roy Keane is no longer part of Sunderland's search for a new manager. More to follow @TheAthleticUK
— Michael Walker (@mwalker2771) February 10, 2022
Sky Sports are reporting that the deal fell through after the two sides 'couldn't come to an agreement', with journalist Craig Hope saying that Keane turned down an offer from the club.
Roy Keane is out of the running to become Sunderland's next manager as neither party could come to an agreement. pic.twitter.com/ObS6KRMcyQ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 10, 2022
Sources confirming Roy Keane has turned down an offer to return as Sunderland manager, as per @mwalker2771. More to follow @MailSport
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) February 10, 2022
The Daily Mail are suggesting that 'contractual issues' are the reason for the plug being pulled on the deal from Keane's side.
While not being privy to the details behind their conversations, turning down the Sunderland job would certainly be a massive call from Roy Keane. He has been waiting a long time for an offer to return to management, although he has had some brief conversations with clubs in the past.
There may not be a better offer forthcoming. Sunderland may be in League One, but they are no doubt a huge club. Having also seemingly left most of their financial issues behind them, this would be an excellent opportunity for a manager to move them back up the footballing period.
The reasons for Keane's apparent rejection of the role remain unclear, but you get the sense that a better job may not be in the pipeline for the Cork man. Considering the reputation he seems to hold, he may well regret letting this opportunity pass him by.
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