KEANE IN LINE FOR THIRD XI CAPTAINCY [05/12/08 17:53:16]
A bizarre development has unfolded at The Brow ahead of Monday's crucial Players' Meeting where the various captains will be chosen for the 2009 season. Following his perhaps surprising departure from Sunderland earlier this week in the wake of a 4-1 home drubbing at the hands of the mighty Bolton Wanderers, it has emerged that the former Manchester United midfield dynamo Roy Keane (below right) is a frontrunner for the leadership of the Sunday 3rd XI.
No official of the club was available to confirm or deny the rumour that the ex-Republic of Ireland international had made a written application for the position after turning down managerial offers in Italy and Spain.
Keane (37) won 66 caps for his country in an illustrious career which ended at Celtic Park and he had been in charge at the Stadium of Shite for 27 months and exactly 100 games.
As a player he won virtually every honour available and gave many an opponent an uncomfortable week nursing injuries following their on-pitch conforntations, where he rarely came out second best!
Many will see his man-management record as a weakness and there is little doubt that his clashes with sporting officialdom have not always been conducted in the most savoury of behaviour (see bottom left).
Current captain of the Third XI, Ashley Edwards, was said to be 'considering his future very carefully'. Sources close to the former opening batsman / wicket-keeper (who is apparently nursing an anal injury following a pool altercation last week) felt that he would probably continue playing but possibly as an off-spinner and specialist fine leg fieldsman.
However, Edwards has been pivotal in the development of some of our youngsters over the years and has always encouraged them to play the game in the correct manner. He will be concerned that their playing attitude may change for the worse under a leader with such a volatile disposition.
What is certain is that the normally mildmannered Players' Meeting looks like being of additional interest this year.
