Roy Keane's responds to Ipswich sacking

Ipswich have confirmed the departure of Roy Keane from the manager’s job after 20 months in charge at Portman Road.

According to the club website the decision was an ‘amicable termination’ which is hopefully less painful than it sounds.

A run of one win in nine games saw the club plunge towards the relegation zone in The Championship despite reaching the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

In a statement to the League Managers Association the former Celtic and Manchester United midfielder said: “I’m hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road.  Results haven’t been as good as I’d have hoped so far this season and when results aren’t good the manager gets the sack, that’s the game.

“However, I have a genuine belief that we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around.   We were preparing well for our visit to Chelsea on Sunday and then our Carling Cup semi with Arsenal. Getting to that semi proves what I know the team is capable of.

“I was also working hard to build the squad during the transfer window, looking at our options to attract new players to the club.

“I have loved my time at Ipswich, living locally to the club with my family, and have a massive respect for the club, its staff, the fans and the community and I wish them well.”

Ipswich owner Marcus Evans said: “I would like to put on record my thanks to Roy for his commitment to try and bring success to Ipswich Town Football Club during his time at Portman Road. I would like to wish him every success for the future.”

Chief Executive Simon Clegg added: “Today is a sad day for me. I have enjoyed working with Roy over the past two seasons and I would like to thank him for his tremendous dedication and professionalism during that period.

“Regrettably though, we have not made the progress that we had all expected over the last 20 months and this season in particular with the side slipping to 19th place in the Championship table.”

As well as the cup ties with Chelsea and Arsenal Keane was reported to be discussing loan moves for Irish internationalists Andy Reid and Kevin Kilbane.

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