Former English Premier League player Robbie Keane has yet to secure a head-coaching position, despite a successful track record in coaching. His achievements outside of British football have positioned him as a strong candidate for prominent roles, but no official agreement has been finalised.
Graham Stack, a former Arsenal goalkeeper, has commended Keane’s coaching abilities, stating that he has closely observed the Irish coach’s career and believes his accomplishments warrant recognition. Stack described Keane as not only a skilled coach but also a valuable personality for any football club, urging club executives to be more proactive in recruiting coaches of his calibre.
Coaching success abroad
Keane’s coaching journey began with India’s ATK, but his first head-coaching role was in Israel. In 2023, he took charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv, guiding the team to both the Israeli title and a domestic cup victory. Following this success, Keane continued his coaching career in Hungary, where he also achieved notable results with Ferencvaros. His tenure included participation in major international competitions, such as the UEFA Europa League.
After spending 16 months in Budapest, the 46-year-old coach decided it was time for a new challenge and began seeking a different destination. The former striker, who also played for LA Galaxy in MLS, has demonstrated his potential beyond his initial professional comfort zone. Consequently, his name has been frequently linked with several prestigious clubs in England and Scotland.
However, Keane is reportedly not rushing into a decision, preferring to wait for offers that align with his aspirations. Experts anticipate that more head-coaching opportunities will emerge in the football market before the start of the 2026–27 season, and they believe Keane will soon find a project suitable for his talents.
Links to Celtic and fan opposition
Keane has been mentioned as a potential future manager for Celtic. He was reportedly a strong contender for the permanent managerial role before Martin O’Neill was appointed on a short-term basis. However, some fans expressed opposition to Keane’s potential appointment due to his previous work with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Ultimately, Dermot Desmond chose O’Neill for the position.
Despite the fan protests, former Crystal Palace manager Ian Dowie believes that Keane’s managerial abilities should be the primary focus, rather than his past associations. Dowie suggested that Keane has been unfairly linked to a narrative concerning his time in Israel. He stated that while he understands the fan opposition stemming from Keane’s previous management location, Keane should be judged solely on his footballing capabilities.
Dowie also noted that another Irishman, Damien Duff, could be a candidate for the Glasgow role. He acknowledged that Keane possesses more international experience, but praised Duff’s work wherever he has been. Dowie considers both Keane and Duff to be strong candidates, highlighting that managing a club of Celtic’s stature, alongside Rangers, requires a specific mindset, which both individuals possess. He speculated that Keane might be the favourite, describing him as not a political person but someone who has been drawn into a broader discussion.
Keane’s reputation remains strong, with experts believing he will secure a head-coaching role before the 2026–27 season commences.
Source: zamin.uz
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