Today marks the twelfth anniversary of Roy Keane being sacked as Ipswich manager. It was Keane's last job as a manager. These quotes from Shane Supple that followed his retirement in 2019 sum up Keane's Ipswich reign perfectly.
After a remarkable and fascinating career at home and abroad, former Bohemians goalkeeper Shane Supple has retired from football. Now, he has opened up on his experience playing under Roy Keane at Ipswich.
Having graduated through the Ipswich youth system, Supple spent four years with the club before briefly leaving the game and ultimately returning to Ireland. He has previously expressed his gratitude to Roy Keane, who was supportive of Supple's decision to leave the club.
In a lengthy and brilliant interview with the Irish Independent, Supple discussed his experience of the professional game and reasons for retirement. During that interview, he also opened on his memory of a fiery Keane.
I remember a young 17-year-old lad who played in my last game against Shrewsbury. Jack Ainsley. He got destroyed at half-time (by Keane) and whipped off. I think he might be playing a bit of ball in the lower leagues (the Isthmian League) but that killed him. He was playing one of his first games and he was torn apart by the manager at half-time.
I was torn apart at half-time too. Roy is a scary fella. He is. With those eyes. Lads were afraid. I always looked at him in the eye because I didn't want him to think I was weak. If he's going to have a pop at me, I'll take it.
This is a reputation Keane has carried for some time as a coach, but he was always consistent. Former Sunderland player Danny Higginbotham explained in his autobiography that the Cork man wanted a frank and open dressing room.
"Lads, listen, if any of you have a problem with each other, don’t hold back, just get it out. I won’t fine youse or nothing, if someone has something to say, that’s just how it is. Say it.” No holds barred – just as he was as a player. I’ll be the first to admit that I did find that environment a little difficult as I’m not that kind of person, but then Roy is a very unique character in his own way and not many are like him, are they?
He was simply that type of manager. His fierce nature made him a superb player and entertaining pundit, it remains to be seen what it does for his managerial career.
As for the Supple interview, you can read it in full here.
