Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

SOCCER NEWS:THE IPSWICH Town fans who booed Roy Keane after the 4-0 home defeat by Newcastle on Sunday have found an unlikely ally – the manager himself. When Keane was abused by Sunderland supporters towards the end of his spell at the Stadium of Light, he condemned their “lack of respect” but this time he has declared fans were right to jeer him and admitted he has so far failed to achieve at Portman Road.

“Since I’ve been involved in football I’ve always brought something to the clubs I’ve been involved with but I’ve not brought anything to Ipswich,” said Keane with characteristic bluntness. Brought in last May to deliver promotion from the Championship within two years, the 38-year-old has yet to produce a league win in nine matches, presiding over the worst start in Ipswich’s 73-year history.