23/04/2009

Keane To Replace Magilton As Ipswich Boss

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has been confirmed as the new manager of Ipswich Town.

The 37-year-old signed a two-year deal following the dismissal of Jim Magilton on Wednesday.

Keane, the former Republic of Ireland captain, who quit as manager of Sunderland in December after taking the club from the Championship to the Premier League, will hold a news conference at 4pm today.

"I truly believe that I am joining a club that has potential, ambition and infrastructure to once again be a Premier League side," Keane told the Ipswich website.

"The club's owner (Marcus Evans) and chief executive (Simon Clegg) impressed upon me their total focus on achieving this quest at the earliest opportunity and I can’t wait to get started."

Ex-Northern Ireland and Ipswich player Magilton was sacked after failing to lead the team into the Championship play-offs.

It is understood the club’s ambitious owner Marcus Evans - who spent £12 million on new players since he took over the club in late 2007 - is determined to transform the Portman Road team into a Premier League side.

However, the Tractor Boys were consigned to mid-table and an eighth straight season in the Championship.

"I am delighted that Roy has agreed to join us and we are completely aligned in our ambitions for Ipswich Town," Evans said.

"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 where we want to be, the Premier League."

(JM/BMcC)

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