Keeping calm: Roy Keane is refusing to panic
despite Ipswich making their worst start to a season for 45
years
Relaxed, patient, humorous. Even forgiving. Could this
really be Roy Keane after seeing Ipswich squander chances, concede
'more bad goals' and go 10 matches without a win - their worst
start for 45 years?
Either the famously combustible Irishman is using a body double
for press conferences or he really is confident that his team are
on the right track and happy to acknowledge that he made a rod for
his own back when he talked up promotion.
You have to have ambition,' he said. 'Can you imagine the
response if I'd said I'm aiming for mid-table? I wouldn't be able
to walk my dogs on the beaches.
'Of course I'm not happy that we aren't winning and that we've
given more bad goals away but this is a new team and it takes time
and patience to create good habits, consistency and a spirit of
unity.'
Even a reminder that bookies have slashed the odds on him not
lasting the season failed to puncture Keane's affability.
During a crazy, late spell of five goals in 18 minutes, there
was nothing more than a weary shake of the head.
Only when reminded that Doncaster's long-range equaliser came
from his former Manchester United team-mate Quinton Fortune was
there a glint of steel.
'I'm just off to have a bloody word with him about that,' said
Keane. 'I never saw him do that at United, not even in
training.'
