Ipswich Town: Roy Keane appointed manager on this day in 2009

The former Manchester United midfielder had a turbulent time in Suffolk, replacing club legend Jim Magilton days after his sacking following the Blues’ 3-2 win over Norwich City in the East Anglian Derby. 

Roy Keane, pictured on his first day as Town boss. (Image: Newsquest)

Keane won his first two games in charge at the end of the 2008/09 season, beating Cardiff City 3-0 in the last ever game at Ninian Park before sealing a 2-1 home victory over Coventry City.

The controversial Irishman was given money to recruit new players by then owner Marcus Evans, signing the likes of Damien Delaney, Lee Martin, Tamás Priskin, Carlos Edwards and Grant Leadbitter for significant transfer fees. 

Roy Keane during his first press conference as Ipswich Town boss. (Image: PA)

He didn’t win any of his first 14 games at the start of the 2009/10 season, but he ended the run a 1-0 home win over Derby County thanks to a goal from David Wright. 

The Blues ultimately recovered to finish 15th that season, which included a memorable 3-2 win against Coventry City where Pablo Counago scored a dramatic 97th-minute goal to seal all three points for Ipswich.

Roy Keane won his first two games as Town boss. (Image: Newsquest)

Keane did promote numerous youth team players into the first-team squad during his spell as manager, with the likes of Tommy Smith, Connor Wickham and Luke Hyam becoming regulars. However, he also sold Jordan Rhodes for a small transfer fee, with the forward subsequently becoming a regular goal scorer in the Championship.

He had several fall outs with senior players – including the likes of Jon Walters, Delaney, Counago, Kevin Lisbie and Ben Thatcher. 

Roy Keane was in charge of Ipswich from April 2009 to January 2011. (Image: PA)

Things started much better in the 2010/11 season, with Town unbeaten in their opening five league games. They also had a run in the League Cup that saw them reach the semi-finals. 

Consistency was ultimately Keane’s downfall as he was unable to get another winning run going, winning one week but losing the next, which included a disappointing 4-1 defeat away to Norwich. 

A run of one win in nine league games saw him fired in January 2011 after making angry gestures towards critical supporters following a 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

In total, he took charge of 81 games as Blues boss, claiming a record of 28 wins, 25 draws and 28 defeats.

Keane hasn't managed a club since leaving Town, but has been assistant manager at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland national team.