Roy Keane turns down offer to return to management with Sunderland

Roy Keane has turned down the opportunity to return to management with Sunderland.

Keane, whose first managerial role was at the Stadium of Light in 2006, had been tipped to make a sensational return to Wearside following the sacking of Lee Johnson.

The former Manchester United had at least two interviews with Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and according to The Athletic, was offered the position on Wednesday.  

But the report adds the former Republic of Ireland star will not be taking the job.

The Mail report ‘contractual issues’ contributed to the collapse of the deal.

The 50-year-old was said to have been a popular candidate at the club and among the Sunderland fanbase with belief he would be the man to reignite their promotion push.

Sunderland will now turn their attention to alternative candidates including Grant McCann and Alex Neil.

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Keane’s first job in management was at Sunderland, taking over in August 2006 and leading the club to promotion to the Premier League in his first season in charge.

After leaving in 2008, he spent two years at Ipswich Town, his last management role.

The 50-year-old has had assistant manager spells at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Republic of Ireland in that time.

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