Keane vows to lead Ipswich to glory with mission that was too good to turn down

Published: 23 Apr 2009 - 16:33:51

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Keane vows to lead Ipswich to glory with mission that was too good to turn down

Roy Keane insists he is relishing the challenge of taking Ipswich Town back to the Barclays Premier League. The former Manchester United star was unveiled at Portman Road this afternoon after signing a two-year deal. Mission: Roy Keane is aiming high Ipswich were last in the top flight in 2002 and Jim Magilton paid the price for not reaching the Championship play-offs when he was sacked yesterday. Keane is now tasked with winning promotion and admitted that if he didn't fancy the pressure, he would have stayed at home to walk his dogs 'It's a massive challenge to get this club back in the Premier League,' said 37-year-old Keane. 'When the opportunity came in late last night, I had to go for it. It's good to be back. If I wasn't up for the challenge, I'd be out walking my dogs. But I think my dogs needed a break. Asked why he had decided to take the job, Keane added: 'My gut feeling, the ambition of the club, the history of the club. 'It's a proper football club. I think I've been very lucky with the clubs I've been involved with and I'm very lucky to get this job.' Keane has also thrown down the gauntlet to Ipswich's players, with 15 of his squad out of contract in the summer. 'I had a chat with the players this morning, I put demands on the players and they look up for it,' added Keane, who has just two games left this season with Town stuck in mid-table. On the ball: Keane took his first training session today 'All I ask is that they are on time for training each day and that they give 100 per cent. 'If they are up for that, then great. If not, it'll be a brief relationship. But it's a bit unfair to say to the players that you have two games to prove yourself. I'm convinced the players will enjoy working with me.' Chief executive Simon Clegg, who himself was only appointed this week, is confident Town have the right man to achieve their ambitions. 'It's an exciting and dynamic new era. It further demonstrates the aspirations and ambitions of this club and its owner, Marcus Evans,' he said. 'I'm convinced, with Roy Keane as manager, we can build on the club's rich heritage and he will lead us back to Premier League football.' Welcome to Suffolk, Tractor Roy! New Ipswich boss Keane takes first training sessionVIDEO SPECIAL: Remember this, Roy? Keane struck when United embarrassed Ipswich 9-0About a Roy: From United hero to stepping down at Sunderland and a return with Ipswich - The highs and lows of KeaneLet's hope Ipswich have got deep pockets - Sportsmail's verdict on the £80m Sunderland transfer record of raspberry RoyRoy's rants and raves - the best Keane quotesIpswich old boy Mariner reckons new boss Keane has landed on his feet