Championship: Tractor Roy

Roy Keane has made a sensational return to management with Championship side Ipswich. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder will take his first job since leaving Sunderland in December

The Suffolk side dismissed Jim Magilton on Wednesday after nearly three years in charge after the club failed to challenge for promotion this season, despite being in a 9th place position despite a 3-2 ‘Old Farm’ derby victory over rivals Nowrich.

And, after chief executive Simon Clegg confirmed the club wanted a manager with a proven track record at this level, Keane has accepted the challenge of taking the club into the top flight. “I truly believe that I am joining a club that has the potential, ambition and infrastructure to once again be a Premier League side, Keane said. The club’s owner and chief executive impressed upon me their total focus on achieving this quest at the earliest opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Owner Marcus Evans added: “I am delighted Roy has agreed to join us and we are completely aligned in our ambitions for Ipswich Town. He has extensive contacts in the game and is a proven winner who encourages his team to play the attractive football that Ipswich Town fans have come to expect. I believe he is the right man to take this club to where we want to be – The Premier League.”

Keane has teamed up once again with Tony Loughlan, who has been named as assistant manager, after holding a coaching role under the Irishman at Sunderland.

His target is to gain promotion within his first year, just as he did, in spectacular fasion, with Sunderland, but his 2-year deal should enable him to reach his target within a reasonable amount of time.