Keane Relinquishes Role as Villa No. 2

Roy Keane has left his position as assistant to Paul Lambert at Aston Villa with immediate effect, the club has announced.

The Irishman, 43, coupled with his role as number two to Republic of Ireland manager, Martin O’Neill joined Lambert in the Villain’s dugout in July.

He has now decided to step down at Villa Park, saying he has struggled to stay “committed” to both roles as well as being there for his family.

Roy Keane Steps Down from Aston Villa Role to Concentrate on Republic of Ireland. Image: Getty.

Keane said: Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland and combining my commitment to these have become too much. It isn’t fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision.

“I’d like to thank Paul for giving me a great opportunity to come to a brilliant football club, I’ve really enjoyed my experiences at Villa and I wish the management team, the players, the supporters and the Club nothing but the best going forward.”
Manager Lambert will look to fill the assistant manager’s position “as soon as is practically possible.”
Lambert added: In brief period we have worked together he has been great in the role and I understand his reasons for leaving.”

Keane is famous for his time at Manchester United between 1993 and 2005 and, even captained the side for the latter seven years of his Old Trafford career.
He represented the Republic of Ireland for over 14 years, most of which he spent as captain. He played in every of his country’s game at the 1994 World Cup, but was sent home from the 2002 World Cup after an argument with manager Mick McCarthy.