x

Keane: If My Best Isn\'t Good Enough I\'ll Take the Consequences - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Roy Keane says he will have to accept the consequences if his best endeavours prove not to be good enough for Town owner Marcus Evans and chief executive Simon Clegg. The Blues are only three points away from the relegation zone after yesterday’s 1-0 home defeat to Keane’s first English club Nottingham Forest.

Asked whether he was concerned about his position the Town manager, who was involved in frank exchanges of views with Blues' fans both behind the dug-out and on the way to the tunnel at the end of the match, said: "My job is not important. What we have to do is to try and do our best for the football club.

"It’s not about me. The club is bigger, it’s had some great managers. We’ve got a manager here now, I’m trying to learn my trade, I’m doing my best and if my best isn’t good enough, then I’ll take the consequences.

"I don’t expect you to be giving me phone calls if I do lose my job. It’s the nature of the game. Managers who win football matches lose their job, let alone managers who don’t - George Burley last week, Darren Ferguson, Lawsy, Big Sam, blah, blah, blah. Don’t let my position keep you awake at night. What will be, will be.”

Keane accepts that Town’s current form is far from acceptable: "The table doesn’t lie. I’m a good one to talk about what we haven’t got in terms of options coming off the bench, but we’ve got a committed group of players, who I thought gave 100% for the club. I appreciate that that only gets you so far, but it’s a good starting place, let me tell you.”

The Blues boss again bemoaned his team's lack of quality in and around the box: "The final ball is the hardest part of football. We lacked a little bit of an aerial threat towards the end when Rory went off and we lost Gareth at half-time.

"Forest are a big, strong team and we looked more dangerous hitting them on the break and we had God knows how many corners and freekicks in decent areas, but Forest defended well.”

Keane refused to blame ill-fortune despite Damien Delaney’s own goal separating the sides: "In sport and football there are fine lines between winning and losing. I wouldn’t say we were unlucky today, I think we should have done better in terms of defending the straight ball.

"As for the own goal, you look back at the Swansea game, there was the same type of goal where it got caught under a defender’s feet. I’m always telling players not to be surprised when the ball lands at their feet, whether that’s in the attacking box or their own box. I don’t think it’s about being unlucky.”

Keane believes his side were worthy of more than a single point over the Christmas period: "We’ve got one point out of a possible six. I’m convinced we deserved more than that, but I’m sure you’re sick of me saying that, it’s been a year and a half of me saying the same old stuff.

"We need to do a little bit more. We don’t score enough goals and you’ve got to score goals to win football matches.”

What to read next:

McKenna: New Coach Stanislas Comes Highly Recommended
Town manager Kieran McKenna has spoken about the additions of new first-team coach Junior Stanislas and set-piece analyst Michele Aragona.
McKenna: Young Will Bring Experience, Competitiveness and Edge
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says new signing Ashley Young can give the club different things in different areas, among them his experience, competitiveness and his edge.
Hirst: I Thought We Played Really Well, But Aberdeen Gave Us a Massive Challenge
Town striker George Hirst was pleased to add to his pre-season goals tally during the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: Philogene Very Good Tonight, His Off the Ball Work Was Outstanding
Town manager Kieran McKenna was delighted with Jaden Philogene’s performance in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKenna: We Got What We Wanted From the Game
Town boss Kieran McKenna said he got what he wanted from the 3-1 friendly win at Aberdeen and believes his side is in general on the right track.
McKenna: Nothing in the Air Regarding Omari's Situation
Town boss Kieran McKenna says there’s “nothing in the air” regarding Omari Hutchinson’s future with the forward having remained behind in Suffolk to train while the Blues were in Aberdeen for this evening’s 3-1 friendly victory.
Aberdeen 1-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Jaden Philogene scored twice and George Hirst once as Town beat Aberdeen 3-1 in their friendly at Pittodrie. Philogene stroked home from close range after good work from Sammie Szmodics and Hirst on 28, then Hirst added a second with a predatory rebound 10 minutes later, before Philogene netted the third just before the hour with Aberdeen pulling one back in the 79th minute remaining and the Blues having replaced their entire starting XI.
Aberdeen 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from Jaden Philogene and George Hirst have given the Blues a 2-0 half-time lead in this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Strong Blues Team Starts at Aberdeen
Town have named a strong line-up for this evening’s friendly against Aberdeen at Pittodrie (KO 7.30pm, live on TownTV).
Luongo Completes Millwall Move
Millwall have confirmed the signing of former Blues midfielder Massimo Luongo on a one-year deal.