Keane Speaks?

On the club

‘It’s a big club, a beautiful stadium, a big fan base so why not? The people in this area have great passion for football and that is something I need in my life.’


On head coach tony loughlan

‘Tony’s the same age as me, he’s young, enthusiastic, loves his football and is a very good coach.

‘I’ve known him since the first day at Nottingham Forest and he’s one person I have kept in touch with. I trust him and have got great faith in him, he’ll be a very, very good coach’


On the past

‘People have this impression of me but it’s important to move on.

‘I’ve had differences with thousands of people. Working with Niall I really don’t see a problem.

‘I’m humble enough to apologise if I’ve done anything wrong. People make a big issue of what happened but when I met with Niall three months ago we sorted it out there and then – whether I was going to take this job or not which was important for me.’


On his temperament

‘I have crossed that line and it’s cost me a lot – the World Cup in 2002 and my United career I suppose,

‘But I care about the game and I will look to get that balance right. I’ve made mistakes – I’m just glad I’ve got this opportunity and I hope to make the most of it.

‘All I ever expected from my team-mates was 100%, I never criticised people for having a bad game.

‘I spoke to the players this morning and reassured them that if they give 100% there won’t be a problem.

‘When I was playing I saw games as a war – that was part of my image. I had to lead by example and we would win at all costs.

‘It’s a balancing act and I can’t go off the handle as much as a player.


On his style

‘If something is not going like I want it I’ll still look to nail it – just a bit more subtly.


‘In terms of style I’ve played under some great managers, some good managers and some maybe not so good. I hope I can take the best of all of them.

‘It’s going to be a learning curve and people go on about experience but there’s been some experienced managers here and it’s not worked out.

‘I’m young and I’m hungry, I enjoy football and have got lots of ideas.


On Alex Ferguson

‘I was very, very fortunate to play under him and I’m sure he’ll lend me a few players if I need them.’


Quinn on Keane

‘Roy has the brief to take the club where he sees it – and he’s got as much time as he wants.

‘He’s the safest bet of every manager put in front of me – all the lights came on with Roy Keane’s name – it became an obvious choice.

‘We’re trying to do some really positive for the future. It’s about onwards and upwards.’