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Keane: Walters Has Gone Wrong Way About Move
Keane: Walters Has Gone Wrong Way About Move
Friday, 13th Aug 2010 09:51

Town manager Roy Keane feels skipper Jon Walters has gone about looking for a move away from Portman Road in the wrong way. Keane understands that players change clubs, but feels there is a right way to go about things.

Keane says Walters should have waited until Town had agreed a deal with Stoke or one of the other interested clubs before stating his desire to leave the Blues: “I’m not criticising the fact that he wants to leave, players will come and go, but there’s a way of doing it. There’s a way of leaving a club and I think that’s the wrong way.

“He’d have been better waiting until the club had accepted an offer for him, then the player can decide. Players are trying to dictate transfer fees, when they should go and where they should go.”

Walters missed Tuesday’s Carling Cup tie at Exeter due to a virus — leaving the Blues with only six subs — reporting ill on the day of the game, which Keane says inevitably led to comment and conspiracy theories: “When you miss games you’re opening yourself up for criticism and we have to take his word for it, simple as that.

“If anyone thought it was me being clever and leaving players out, it makes no change to Jon’s valuation. We’ve a valuation on him whether he plays in cup games or not.”

Despite Walters’s probable exit, Keane says the player's performances on the field haven’t dropped: “Last Saturday he was outstanding for us. If Jon’s playing Saturday I’m sure he’ll give 100%.”

But Keane says Town will cope without a player who has been a key man in recent seasons if and when he moves on: “It’s the way of the world. Jon Walters has been a good player for the club but I think there have been some pretty good ones come through the club over the last 20 or 30 years and players come and go.

“Jon Walters wasn’t there the other night and we did OK and we’ll do OK without him on Saturday if he’s not there, and next Saturday if he’s not there.”

The Town manager says he wants a squad which is wholly committed to Town: “The club is bigger than anybody and we can’t forget what a good club this is. You’ve got to make a stand as a manager and a club.

“I’d rather lose the next 10 games with the young kids. I’ve no problem losing football matches and we’re going to lose a lot of matches this year, that’s the nature of the Championship.

“But let’s have 11 players who are 100% committed to us, not 99%. Half measures are no good to us. There have been too many players at the club like that, who have talked a good game, they’ve signed new contracts, got the pay rise, then they want another pay rise. Then the wife’s not happy, the dog’s not happy, the cat’s not happy. You can only play that card so many times.”

Keane says too many players sign contracts but don’t honour them: “Players should start reading the contracts they’ve signed.

“There are media commitments, which a player didn’t keep to last week because he was going to be pictured in an Ipswich kit. There’s a commitment to being a footballer at a football club when you sign a contract.”

Keane refused to confirm whether the player involved was Walters, who he says is still the club captain “but football changes on a daily basis”. David Norris, who skippered the Blues at Exeter, appears most likely to inherit the armband.

Walters seems likely to be involved against Burnley on Saturday while Keane waits for Town’s money men to sort out the deal which will give the player the Premier League move he craves: “We’ve got to get the right valuation for him, but that’s nothing to do with me, that’s up to the owner and the chief executive.”

Meanwhile, Town are reported to have shown interest in Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch, who has signed a new deal with the SPL champions. McCulloch, who is also claimed to have been interesting Blackpool, had been a Town target back in Jim Magilton’s time as boss and the claim may be a revival of those links.


Photo: Action Images



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BlooooCD added 10:03 - Aug 13
Jesus!!!! I'm not too impressed by the 'we will lose a lot of games' statement... ha ha! It is likely, but I will happily see you proven wrong on that one Keano! ha ha! I hate all this public airing in these situations - Keep it all in the club until confirmed!
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squiz added 10:04 - Aug 13
I do like the way Keane talks about the club.
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SW1_Blue added 10:07 - Aug 13
Big useless lump. One of these players that becomes undroppable no matter how poorly he plays. This has been the case for months. Good riddance and take the overrated, lazy Spanish brat with you.
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rosseden added 10:08 - Aug 13
whether you like Keane as an individual or not, i cant help but think if more people shared some of his views in the game itd be a better thing all round..... these players have a dream job on massive wages, and i think hes right, they do forget that, not pointing fingers at JW as hes been a great player for ITFC, but its often ex players or people who HAVE to stop due to injuries who really realise what an amzing life they have as a player.

I hope we do well this year, RK gets a great team together and we can carry a good 7 or 8 of them into the premiership with us, i think thats what hes planning, and if in ten years time were sitting here praising RK as he moves on to bigger and better things, i wouldnt be unhappy about it, irrespective of our thoughts on him as an individual.....

for the first time since i can remember going to FPR aged 4 (28 years ago) i actually feel like were being run with a longer term plan and an actual business atrategy in place, in a few years time whenclubs are going pop all over the place we might be very happy about that.......
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Billy_Whizz added 10:16 - Aug 13
Totally agree - if you're not 100% behing ITFC then go - no matter who you are!

When the chips are down, someone who's not committed won't give that little bit extra. And the ones who are showing the desire at the moment are the kids!

Time the WHOLE team bucked their ideas up and became proud to wear the shirt!

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PartyDaz added 10:17 - Aug 13
I like Keane. He gets asked a question, and he answers it - as he sees it. Some moaners on here will question he's man management but I think honesty and some straight talking is quite refreshing. Brian Clough used to speak his mind and he's now considered a genius! If Keane turns out half as good................

And finally, he's right, anyone who doesn't want to be here - it would indeed be better if you buggered off!
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BlueBagel added 10:17 - Aug 13
I agree Rosseden - I've had a season ticket off and on (more on) for nearly 15 years and it's the first time in ages I've felt that we are building something good for the future. The squad now really feels like it's Keano's (bar Pabs) we have a clutch of brilliant youngsters coming through again, and we're on a good financial footing.

You might not like Keane or Clegg (I personally think both of them are class) but it feels that maybe, just maybe we are moving in a good direction again.

Three points on Saturday (though I'd settle for one and a good performance agains a v. good side) and we'll be motoring.
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parkinshair added 10:20 - Aug 13
Theres only one Jonny Walters, One Jonny Walters
He wants to go, f@@k off if so, right off to your Walters wonderland!!
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suffolksam added 10:23 - Aug 13
if we could get rid of pablo walters and keane we could really start moving this season
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under_the_sun666 added 10:28 - Aug 13
Slow, Fat and a crap captain....

But I still love him!

(3million yes plz!)
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OnlyOneSirBobby added 10:30 - Aug 13
a lot of people seem to dislike RK, but he sure has hit the nail on the head with this one

players think they are the be all and end all sometimes, and i cant say iv been very impressed with the way JW has gone about this, which is disappointing, because he has been a really good player for us over the years

but i hope he realises that unless we get a good offer he's going nowhere, situation he has put himself in, is that if no decent offer comes in, he has opened himself up for criticism because everyone now knows he doesnt want to be here
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Bluroo added 10:43 - Aug 13
Doesn't talk about players before the transfer is done much does he?!

That said, Keano's on the right page.

I reckon if Walters goes we can sign Ross without a Stead swap.
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sonian_blue added 10:48 - Aug 13
Think it is probably best for all concerned if he leaves sooner rather than later, its a sad fact that money appears to be the only motivator for palyers today.
How refreshing to see the future of our club this past week playing for the love of the game and the club, and winning into the bargain.
Id be happy to watch us 'lose this season with kids' for the long term benefit but unfortunately if that were the case the manager (any manager) would lose his job.
Its also a sad fact that the boo boys on here demand immediate success, whatever success is today.
Up or Down Follow The Town.
Come on You Blue (Young) Boys!!!
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Karlosfandangal added 10:51 - Aug 13
I know there has been a lot of people calling Keane for last season and yes he has made mistake, but I think alot of the fans me included would not hear any criticism of certain players.
Magilton was sl*g off for not signing Bruce up, what did he do for us in the end. Garvan wanted to quit, arm around him new contract and never came up with the good, look at pabs now.
Alot of season was down to the players yet it was Keane out Keane out every time we lost and i am guessing if we lose tomorrow that will be the case again.
Bobby Robson has a bad few seasons and the rest is now history.
I feel that as long as the club is there or there abouts and moving in the right direction that Keane should stay pass the end of this season as a new manager will only strart to re build the team again. Its early day yet but the signs are good and we look like we are getting players in that are better than we already have and want to play for us. It will take time but maybe this year or even next I turely believe will be a prem side
Come on the town
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SouperJim added 10:57 - Aug 13
You can't argue with what Keane has said, but while I agree with his sentiments part of me wishes he could be the bigger man and just keep silent on the whole thing. The other part of me thinks good on him and the sooner the remnants of Jim's old boys club player power crew are out the door the better. If we get in excess of £2m for Walters it would be a fantastic bit of business and in that respect the move should be encouraged.
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Back_The_Boss added 11:00 - Aug 13
I still cant believe the rumour was £3 million. Didn't the club pay around £100,000 for him? Thats a good profit and we have had his services as well. I would much prefer to see Leadbitter as captain, strong player and well respected.

COYB!
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gazza3967 added 11:06 - Aug 13
If JW wants to go ,then let him go . We want players who will wear the shirt with pride, play with passion . The youngsters who have come in over the past few weeks have been fantastic and they have been playing for the love of the club not bloody money.
If he goes then he can share the same taxi as Pablo.
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Dowson added 11:08 - Aug 13
best news i have heard all day =D yes!!! get him out , the over-rated piece of ...
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StavangerBlue added 11:28 - Aug 13
Shane Suppel stated when he left he was fed up with players that didn't care if the team won or lost.

I agree with Keane's comment that "Half measures are no good to us." As a loyal supporter of Town I want players who live and bleed ITFC, who give everything to win.

I remember a game at Oakwell some years ago. Barnsley went 3-0 up with about 3 or 4 minutes left. Ian Marshall scored three goals, practically by himself, in about as many minutes to get us a draw. The away section was packed but the feeling when that third goal went in was better than most winning goals. Marshall gave us 100% and it is a game I won't ever forget.

In regards to Keane stating his view rather than keeping it private. Well, let's just say...he may be trying to attract like minded players. Ipswich does have the reputation of being a "very nice club". I'd rather Ipswich be known as the "very nice club but very difficult to beat".
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Wickets added 12:41 - Aug 13
Yer I've not been sure about Keane for a while but i like what i am hearing, he waited till the players clubs had spoke about poss deals before he spoke about them himself. The right way to do it. The facts regarding one or two players are there for all to see. Magilton had his problems with Garven, Royle with Pablo well before we even thought Keano would be our manager, as so riightly said before Shanne Supples comments when he quit !! i for one am prepared to give Keane a chance to put this club on an even keel and bring in the right players to give us a chance of the success we all want.
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under_the_sun666 added 13:14 - Aug 13
Keano = legend
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sonian_blue added 13:23 - Aug 13
Agree with most of the comments on this one and I think we all agree with what is happening with the club now.
We seem to be heading in the right direction but understand that things will not happen immediately.
With OUR full support I'm sure our team will give us an exciting season ahead that will no doubt bring highs and lows.
Onwards and upwards with the Blue Army
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sonian_blue added 13:23 - Aug 13
Agree with most of the comments on this one and I think we all agree with what is happening with the club now.
We seem to be heading in the right direction but understand that things will not happen immediately.
With OUR full support I'm sure our team will give us an exciting season ahead that will no doubt bring highs and lows.
Onwards and upwards with the Blue Army
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borge added 13:42 - Aug 13
He does this to me all the time - just as I think his lack of man management and seeming lack of care/understanding for the culture/heritage of our club can't make me dislike him any more, he comes up with a few trump cards to change my mind. In this instance I feel he has hit the nail on the head and handled the situation in the best way possible. If he gets Scotland in, gets the team playing the decent football which we have become accustomed to throughout most of the last 50 years (John Duncan's, McGiven's and Magilton's teams aside) and finds a settled team that he sticks to, then he will have pulled me back from the brink...

I can't however agree with Rosseden and BlueBagel. This is probably the worst the club has been run in the last 15 years. To say it is the best is utter clap trap - yes Sheepy got it very wrong, but it can be argued through little fault of his own.

Think back to before it went wrong and you may remember that his style of chairmanship was widely lauded. Our club was held up as a beacon of excellence in everything it did, with a number of clubs (Plymouth in particular springs to mind) putting in place a business model based entirely on ours.

Sheepy's mistake was to place faith in a manager who had to that point in time been excellent, making available funds for transfer (at the behest of most fans) at a time when he had no reason to doubt that we would do anything other than retain Premiership status. Following the introduction of the Bosman rulling he put young players on long contracts, ensuring that they couldn't leave for nothing. Relegation not bad chairmanship was the downfall of the club, coupled with the untimely demise of ITV digital which removed money that may otherwise have kept us afloat. The long contracts became a millstone around our neck and something that ultimately could have been a shrewd piece of judgement became a disaster.

Although creditors were badly treated (as they are by any company going into administration - football based or otherwise), throughout the subsequent period both Sheepshanks and Bowden worked hard to get things moving in the right direction. In fact, they almost achieved a stroke of genius by appointing Joe Royle, who although not entirely liked by supporters at least got the team playing football (just watch the videos and see how much better the quality of football was back then) and winning too - neither of which Magilton nor Keane have managed to do.

For me Sheepy's biggest mistake (and something I have little doubt he regrets for all the right reasons) is organising the sale of the club to Evans.

Whilst Evans was initially willing to pump in money he now appears to be more cautious - indeed overly so. We don't know the full facts but it seems that this approach has allowed rather a number of players to slip through the net in recent months.

We also have no idea quite what the direction is for the club - it is being run by someone who may well have the best interests of supporters at heart, but he is so invisible that you can't help but feel it is never quite going to be right. If he was less anonymous then we may feel reassured that his intentions are good.

I really have no feeling that Evans understands what Ipswich Town is, and whilst Clegg appears to make efforts to do so, I am not sure he quite gets it either. With three figureheads who lack understanding of our culture and any real experience in their respective positions, I certainly don't feel that as a club we are being well run.

For me, the message spelt out on the seats in the Nou Camp sums up what Ipswich Town is about (mes que un club - more than a club), but we are certainly heading down a road that is rapidly eroding that sense of family and belonging that has made our club great.

Whilst we all hope that Keano will turn into the new Bobby Robson, the difference for me is their approach - Bobby helped make Ipswich a family, building relationships and reinforcing the culture, whilst Keano doesn't appear to be utilising a similar approach or ethos.

Regardless, of any doubts I may have about the way the club is being run, and putting aside my constantly changing feelings for Keano, I will continue to offer my full backing to the players in blue - it is the players representing my club that I support and as an Ipswich Town fan, supporting them is what I will do...

Rant over.

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Tractorboy78 added 14:01 - Aug 13
I agree with a lot of comments above. I was born in 1978 and like others have been a season ticket holder for almost all my life. The confidence I have currently that the club is building in the right way is very apparent. As many have said, you don't need to love Keane, many didn't like Clough but he said what he thought no matter what. I am dissapointed at how J. Walters has gone about his potential move but that is the modern footballer. He has been a masive player at times but no one is irreplaceable and I have seen McCormack a few times and does have quality, would be a good signing. The youngsters have performed fantastic for us and long may it continue.

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