Is Roy Keane doing a good job at Sunderland?

SCHOOL SPORTS DEBATE: Richard Hurley, 17, from Templeogue College in Dublin, says that he is not, while Leah Lenehan, 16, from Alexandra College in Dublin argues that he is doing a good job.

Richard Hurley:I DON'T THINK that Roy Keane is doing a good job at Sunderland. I was a big admirer of his as a player but as a manager, he is floating dangerously close to the relegation zone, spending ridiculous money on players who are not good enough and most of all having spats about referees and sports pundits - it's totally unacceptable.

For me, he is too outspoken and does not keep his cards close to his chest. Sometimes I just want him to shut his mouth.

Roy Keane hit the ground running in his first season as Sunderland boss. He took the club from 23rd in the Championship to win the league and gain promotion to the Premier League. His arrival has been largely hailed as the catalyst for Sunderland's recovery - and it was.

His achievements won him the manager of the year award - and rightly so. However, looking at the current standings, I do not think he can handle the Premier League. Although he kept Sunderland up in the 2007-08 season it is always the second season that is the hardest. So far, this season has been a nightmare - losing 5-0 to Chelsea, knocked out of the League Cup and, overall, looking a very weak side.

In the summer of 2008, Roy Keane went out and bought simply average players who, to me, are not worth the money he paid for them. He cannot keep on spending this kind of money on players who will not perform at the top level.

On the other side of things, Roy Keane has mired himself in controversy again with sections of the sports media. What player wants to hear his manager constantly criticise people just over their opinions? He is setting a dreadful example to his players and staff.

Famed for his explosive temper and no-holds-barred comments, he recently launched a blistering broadside on soccer pundits. He said "I wouldn't trust some of these people to walk my dogs."

He also said he would never commentate on Sky Sports again, saying "I would rather go to the dentist."

It's humorous, but his constant outbursts are not helping him. These pundits are experts in their fields as much as he is. Roy has proven himself, he was a gifted footballer and there is no denying it but he must realise the sports networks and the commentators they employ are an essential part of the enjoyment for millions of fans.

As a player he was worshiped by every single Man United fan, and to be honest, I would have worshipped him too if I supported United, but after a career spent intimidating, blaming, shouting at and running at referees - as well as trying to do the referee's job - and deliberately injuring a fellow pro I do not buy any of this "changed man" nonsense.

Roy Keane is the most hypocritical manager in the Premier League. His reputation as a disciplinarian will only get him so far and whether he will be good enough to prevent Sunderland from getting relegated this year remains to be seen.

I just wish he would get on with the job he is highly paid to do and stop opening his big mouth.

Leah Lenehan:IS IT fair to even be asking this question when Roy Keane has only been managing Sunderland in the Premier League for 15 months? I'll admit it is true that managers come and go in the blink of an eye nowadays, but my personal opinion is that managers need time with their teams to put their ideas in place and build up their squad.

Just look at Keane's former mentor, Alex Ferguson, who struggled to make an impact at Manchester United during his first three years, but has now guided the club to two Champions Leagues titles and countless Premiership titles. When given time, managers can achieve what they set out to do.

In terms of Keane's managerial skills, I am a fan and I believe he does an excellent job.

He will leave players out of the squad due to their constant lateness for training or missing the bus to a match, and he has even put one of them on the transfer list, despite that player being a central part of his squad.

It is an unusual style but this is the strong line that managers need to take against Premier League footballers who believe they are superstars.

No other manager has this attitude but that is what is original and refreshing about Roy Keane. He will do things his own way, whether it suits those around him or not!

Yes, Roy Keane has been given money to spend but not enough to bring in individual players of the very highest quality. Instead he's used it to build up a squad of players with experience and promise, but it takes time for that to click.

And of course his players are going to struggle against the talents of people such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas and Didier Drogba, who are all on a higher level.

With the squad he has can anything other than the current position - mid-table in the Premier League - be hoped for? Is he currently achieving all that can be achieved? I would say yes, but I think there is better to come.

I do believe that Roy Keane is trying his hardest to get the very best out of his team. He was not called "Captain Fantastic" for nothing.

I have no doubt that he gives inspiring team talks to the players in the dressingroom.

We have seen their spirit in matches against Arsenal (1-1) and their local rivals Newcastle (2-1). Results such as these, especially the one against Arsenal, are vital for those in the relegation zone, as unexpected points can be picked up. These results will stand to them later in the season.

It is common for newly-promoted teams to struggle in their first year of Premier football, as Sunderland did last year. However they survived that and this year is the true test of Roy Keane's managerial skills.

They have won more games than this time last year and can draw inspiration from the weekend win against Blackburn.

I say give Roy Keane a chance, Sunderland are lucky to have a legend such as him in charge.

NEXT WEEK'S SUBJECT Should Andy Reid be in the Republic of Ireland squad?

•  Send us your thoughts in about 500 words with your name, age, school and a photo of yourself to schoolofsport@irish-times.ie and we will publish the best two responses. Entries must reach us by 6pm next Sunday, November 23rd. Richard Hurley, 17, from Templeogue College in Dublin, says: Leah Lenehan, 16, from Alexandra College in Dublin says: