adminRoy Keane has criticised unemployed managers who attend matches with the intention of putting pressure on the person currently in charge, while warning Celtic-linked Kieran McKenna against doing the same.
The Manchester United legend, who spent the latter part of his playing career at Celtic, raised eyebrows when he was seen watching the Hoops’ 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead earlier today.
It was their third consecutive loss in all competitions and their second derby defeat in eight days, with speculation increasing that it could be O’Neill’s final game in the dugout.
Keane, who previously managed Sunderland and Ipswich, remains highly regarded by Celtic supporters, with many beginning to speculate that he could be among the candidates to replace O’Neill should he depart during the international break.
O’Neill and Keane are close friends, having previously worked together with the Ireland and Nottingham Forest coaching setups.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, Keane made it clear that he would never attend a match with the intention of replacing another manager.
Keane and his fellow pundits were discussing former Ipswich boss McKenna, who was spotted in the stands during Tottenham’s draw with Everton.
Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi is facing intense scrutiny following a poor start to the campaign, while McKenna has been widely mentioned as a potential successor should the club decide to part ways with him.
However, Keane believes McKenna’s attendance was simply coincidental.
And if he was ‘up to no good’, he admitted he’d be having a few choice words in his ear.
“I wouldn’t go and watch a manager under pressure,” Keane said. “I know plenty who do that… I’ll tell you who when we’re off air.
“But I don’t think he’s looking at (getting the Tottenham job). I wouldn’t have thought so.”
Ian Wright then questioned Keane, asking why McKenna had chosen that particular fixture if he had no interest in the position.
But an adamant Keane replied: “That’s my whole point! It means he’s not up to no good.
“If he becomes the next Spurs manager then we’ll need to have a chat about it. I’ll put him on the list with all the other fellas who go and watch games when they know the manager is under pressure.”
McKenna, who is currently out of work, is also another figure Celtic supporters would be interested in seeing take charge at Parkhead in the future.
He has also been strongly linked with the Manchester United position, where Michael Carrick is facing mounting pressure.
The 40-year-old is in significant demand after guiding Ipswich to two promotions to the Premier League but stepped away during the summer, citing family reasons.
It remains unclear where he will take his next managerial role.
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