Potential Sunderland manager Roy Keane’s past comments about Newcastle United

Potential Sunderland manager Roy Keane refused to hold back any thoughts on Newcastle in his explosive 2014 autobiography.

While the book became infamous for Keane’s criticism of former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, the fiery Irishman made sure there was a page spare to tear into Newcastle United, too.

The ex-Man Utd captain went toe to toe with the Magpies during the mid-90s and early 00s as both clubs battled it out for the Premier League title.

A famous incident in September 2001 saw Keane dismissed in stoppage time for swinging a punch at Alan Shearer - a game that Newcastle won 4-3.

The former midfielder - who is the bookies’ favourite to take over at the Stadium of Light - slated the Black Cats’ bitter rivals as ‘arrogant’ in his book, The Second Half.

“I always had a bit of hassle against Newcastle,” he said..

“I’d been sent off twice up there. I’d had my battles with Shearer and Rob Lee.

“I always thought they were an arrogant bunch, for a club that had won f*** all.

“We always got decent results at St James’ Park – it wasn’t a bad place to play but as for the Toon Army, the Geordies and the hostile reception, I never fell for all that c**p.”

Keane hailed his sole Tyne-Wear derby victory as the finest moment at Sunderland.

A 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light in October 2008 ended a 28-year curse and helped condemn the Magpies to relegation from the top flight for the first time in 16 years.

He added: “It was the first time we’d (Sunderland) beaten Newcastle at home in thirty years.

“It was electric – the tension. Cisse scored, and Kieran (Richardson). The level of player we had now had gone up since I’d come to the club.

“We played really well. I think it was my happiest day at Sunderland.”