Robbie Keane Contender for Preston North End Manager Role
Robbie Keane is back in the managerial frame – and this time the spotlight has swung to Deepdale.
The former Celtic striker has emerged as a contender for the vacant Preston North End job, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting that the 46-year-old is under serious consideration following Paul Heckingbottom’s departure.
It comes only months after Keane held talks over a dramatic return to Parkhead.
From Parkhead talks to Deepdale radar
Earlier in the summer, Keane was strongly linked with the Celtic post before the club turned to Martin O’Neill on a permanent basis. The Irishman had been in discussions about succeeding O’Neill after his interim spell in charge, but the move never got over the line.
Celtic opted to stick with O’Neill. Keane slipped back into the shadows. For a while, at least.
Now his route back into the dugout may run through the English Championship.
Old alliances, new opportunity
Keane’s name carries weight at Preston for reasons that go beyond his playing CV.
He already has a connection with North End chairman Peter Ridsdale from their time together at Leeds United. That relationship could matter now, as Preston search for a new man to lead them after Heckingbottom’s exit.
O’Neill also knows Ridsdale well. Earlier this year, the Celtic manager visited Deepdale alongside coach Mark Fotheringham, underlining just how long and deep those ties run.
Their relationship stretches back more than 20 years. In 2003, Ridsdale offered O’Neill the Leeds job, and the then-Celtic boss even signed a “statement of intent” over a potential move to Elland Road at a time when his Parkhead future was unclear.
The switch never happened. But the connection endured.
Keane’s break from the touchline
Keane has been out of management since leaving Ferencvaros at the end of last season. His time in Budapest ended in frustration as he missed out on the Hungarian title to ETO FC Gyori, a result that snapped Ferencvaros’ seven-year run as champions.
The club turned to Balazs Borbely, the coach who had just led Gyori to the title. He has since taken charge of Ferencvaros, leaving Keane on the outside looking in.
A spell on the sidelines has only sharpened the question: where next?
Celtic links linger, but England beckons
Keane’s recent links with Celtic were no surprise. He enjoyed a previous spell as a player at Parkhead and maintains a strong relationship with the club’s principal shareholder, Dermot Desmond.
He has not spoken publicly about the talks that took place before O’Neill was confirmed in the job, keeping his counsel while Celtic moved on.
Preston, though, could change the picture entirely.
If North End decide he is their man, the role would hand Keane his first opportunity to manage in the English Championship – a new stage, familiar pressure, and a chance to prove he belongs in one of the toughest leagues around.
