Keane fears worst, despite board´s backing

Roy Keane has painted a bleak picture of his immediate future, despite a vote of confidence from Ipswich Town.

Keane, 39, has endured a difficult season at the helm of the club, with Ipswich sitting just four points above the Championship relegation zone after losing five league matches in a row.

The former Sunderland boss has been backed of the Ipswich board, but Keane is well aware that if results do not improve, he will soon be on his way out of Portman Road.

“I’ve had the vote of confidence, so that probably means I’ll be gone next week,” Keane said, perhaps only half in jest.

“If I don’t do the business – and I’m not doing it at the moment – I’ll have to pay the price. That’s life.”

“When I see other managers out of work, like Martin O’Neill, Gordon Strachan and now Chris Hughton, I have to count my blessings.”

“There are a lot of good people out of football and they have done a lot more in the game than I have.”

“I know I have to do a better job or I will be on the sidelines with them.”

Ipswich did at least manage to beat West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup earlier this month, setting up a semi-final against Arsenal.

They were unable to transfer that form to the league, losing 3-1 at home to Swansea last Saturday.

On Saturday, Keane’s side are away to bottom side Preston North End – surely the perfect opportunity for Ipswich to finally break their losing streak.

“We’re going to do our best on Saturday whether I have a week or a year left,” Keane said.

“And if I do leave next week I will have no one to blame but myself.”