Roy Keane quits as Aston Villa assistant manager

Roy Keane quits as Aston Villa assistant manager to concentrate on Ireland

• Keane had combined club and international roles this season
• ‘It isn’t fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision’
• Fan’s view: Villa have no plan, no direction and no leadership



Roy Keane has left his role as Aston Villa assistant manager with immediate effect, the Premier League club have announced.

The 43-year-old had served as No2 to both Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert and Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill but decided that fully committing to both roles was not possible. .

“Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much,” Roy explained.

“It isn’t fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision.

“I’d like to thank Paul for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club, I’ve really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the club nothing but the best going forward.”

Villa said that manager Paul Lambert will look to fill the position “as soon as is practically possible”.

“Roy came to me this morning and he informed me that, ultimately, the difficulty of combining both roles has prompted his decision, which I respect totally,” added Lambert.

“In the brief period we have worked together he has been great in the role and I understand his reasons for leaving.”

CEO Tom Fox said: “We thank Roy for his time at the Club and we wish him the best with Ireland.

“Our focus now will be on working with Paul to identify the right person to work alongside him and to help us continue on our journey to return the Club to its rightful place in the Premier League.”