Nottingham Forest have announced today that Roy Keane is the club’s new assistant manager, via the official website.
The Reds appointed Martin O’Neill as the club’s new manager around two weeks ago, and Keane will now join him with immediate effect. It’s a significant boost for everyone connected with the club.
As a result of Saturday’s win over Wigan, the Reds find themselves just four points off the play-offs. Keane has a wealth of experience in the game which may help them close that gap further over the coming weeks.
In this case, it’s Keane’s previous working relationship with O’Neill which is the most exciting aspect of his arrival. The pair worked together with the Republic of Ireland and were very successful at the 2016 European Championships. It remains to be seen whether they can repeat this sort of success at the City Ground.
However, Keane has also proven in the past that he can produce results on his own. The Irishman has previously managed both Sunderland and Ipswich Town. He will now be looking to help O’Neill end Forest’s Premier League exile.
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Keane delighted to be back at the City Ground
Speaking to the club’s official site about his new challenge, he said: “I am happy to be back. I know the manager, he came in a few weeks ago and things moved pretty quickly over the weekend.
“It is nice to get the deal done and get involved this morning with the first session. I am looking forward to it, it is a big challenge and I am ready for it.”
The Reds have an important run of fixtures ahead of them. If they have are looking to secure a play-off place, they will have to improve their current form. Their win against Wigan was just their second win in nine league games.
Hitting the ground running
Keane comes in with a lot of knowledge on the Championship having previously managed at this level. He will be fully aware of how difficult it is to get out of. Having Keane alongside him in the dugout will be a huge boost for O’Neill as he looks to get the Reds back in promotion contention.
Keane admits that the challenge is a tough one, but fully believes he can help O’Neill get the team moving in the right direction. He told the club’s official site: “We will give it a good go, I have huge respect for Martin and the club and it fell into place nicely.
“I have seen the team a number of times over the last year or two and it is going to be tough but hopefully, with one or two signings, a bit of luck we can hopefully be competing.”
Following the announcement of Keane’s arrival, Seat Pitch rounded up exactly what Forest supporters had to say about the 47-year-old.