Tottenham Hotspur legend may have found his next career move
Tottenham Hotspur legend may have produced an upcoming manager.
Portsmouth is in search of a new manager, following the sacking of Danny Cowley and they could turn to Tottenham Hotspur legend, Robbie Keane, to take the reins.
According to Sky Sports, “Keane is one of the names being considered to be the next manager of Portsmouth.
“Keane watched Portsmouth lose 1-0 to Tottenham in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. It is understood he would welcome the chance to talk to the League One club.”
Pompey is currently 13th in League one, which is a far cry from their days in the Premier League. Their fans will be hoping Keane can turn around their season.
Keane’s career in coaching so far
Keane’s first role was when he took over at Atlético de Kolkata as player-manager, following the sacking of Teddy Sheringham. His first game came against NorthEast United, where Keane played himself and scored the winning goal.
He only had three games at ATK before leaving the club and taking up the assistant manager position with the Republic of Ireland, working under Mick McCarthy. Keane also became Jonathon Woodgate’s assistant at Middlesbrough at the same time.
He left both roles in 2020 and is now looking to step up into a head coach position.
What would Keane bring to Portsmouth?
The Irishman had a distinguished career as a player in the Premier League with spells at Tottenham, Liverpool, Leeds, West Ham, Aston Villa, and Coventry City. He even played in the old First Division for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Whilst playing, he had the chance to learn from managers including Harry Redknapp, Rafa Benitez and Glenn Hoddle. This will put him in good stead. However, he does not have much experience when it comes to competing in the lower leagues of English football.
Portsmouth is on a dreadful run of form, they have not won in their last nine League One fixture. Keane will have a tough job if he does go to Fratton Park.
Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison believes Keane is the right man for Pompey. Speaking on Soccer Sunday, Morrison said, “Portsmouth are struggling to score goals and this guy knows how to score goals.
“I know he wants to be a manager so why not take him on because he’ll bring a lot. He’s got loads of energy, he’s enthusiastic about the game, knows the game inside out and he’s a character.”
With the playing career Keane had, the Portsmouth players will have a lot of respect for him. Although, being a good player does not always translate to being a good coach. This is particularly in the EFL, where Sol Campbell and Paul Scholes have both recently been managers with limited success.
Keane will be hoping to break the mould and be a success in League One. Portsmouth is a club with a great fanbase, who have suffered since their relegation from the Premier League in 2010. Keane spent his playing career at the top and will be hoping to be the man who gets Pompey back to where a club of their size should be.