Keane pays the price for poor run

Soccer:Roy Keane's departure from Ipswich Town has been confirmed at a press conference this morning where it was revealed he was sacked last night following the clubs desperately poor run of form in the English Championship.

Less than two years after taking charge of the club, the former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United captain has paid the price for a run of seven defeats in nine league games which has left the club just three points above the relegation zone.

Not even an upcoming League Cup semi-final against Arsenal, and Sunday’s glamour FA Cup tie with Chelsea, could save the Corkman as the reclusive Ipswich owner Marcus Evans moved to arrest the club’s alarming slide down the Championship table.

It is believed Ipswich have already lined up a replacement with Paul Jewell expected to take charge of the club. First-team coach Ian McParland will take charge at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

"We have taken the decision now to terminate his contract having reached the halfway point in the season," Ipswich chief executive Simon Clegg said at today’s press conference. "As he has said himself on a number of occasions, the performances on the pitch since November have simply not been good enough.

"In spite investment in the playing staff and a lack of improvement on the pitch, the results speak for themselves . . . I hope to be in a position to make an announcement regarding the new manager over the coming days."

Keane won just 28 of his 81 games in charge of the Tractor Boys, losing the same number since taking over from Jim Magilton. Evans finally ran out of patience following Ipswich’s home defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Damien Delaney’s own goal condemning Keane’s side to yet another reverse.

In the wake of the 1-0 loss, Keane accepted that his job was on the line and said he would accept the consequences of the club’s poor run. However, in an statement issued through the League Managers Association this morning, Keane said he was bitterly disappointed to have been shown the door.

“I’m hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road,” he said. “Results haven’t been as good as I’d have hoped so far this season and when results aren’t good the manager gets the sack, that’s the game.

“However, I have a genuine belief we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around. We were preparing well for our visit to Chelsea on Sunday and then our semi with Arsenal. Getting to that semi proves what I know the team is capable of.

“I was also working hard to build the squad during the transfer window, looking at our options to attract new players to the club. I have loved my time at Ipswich, living locally to the club with my family, and have a massive respect for the club, its staff, the fans and the community and I wish them well.”