Bruce glad Keane is back

24 April 2009 11:27
Steve Bruce admits he was 'surprised' by Roy Keane's comments regarding his managerial achievements, but is delighted to see his former Manchester United team-mate back in football.[LNB] Keane has been appointed as Ipswich Town's new boss, just five months after leaving his first managerial position with Sunderland.[LNB]At his unveiling on Thursday afternoon, Keane acknowledged his old team-mates had yet to win anything in management when asked if he wanted to follow in their footsteps.[LNB]Bruce, who has Wigan competing for a Europa League place this season, understands Keane's comments, but feels it is very difficult for clubs outside the big four to challenge for trophies.[LNB]Fantastic"It's fantastic isn't it, absolutely terrific," said Bruce on Sky Sports News about Keane's return. "We've missed him.[LNB]"I have to say I'm delighted to see him back. I think football's a better place when he's in it and, for you guys (the media), he's a dream.[LNB]"I think it's probably taken out of context what he said yesterday, but I can understand where he comes from.[LNB]"The thing about Roy is he always wants to achieve, but it's very difficult to win anything unless you're in one of the big clubs. If you're at a big club, you've got to win something that's for sure.[LNB]"But it was a bit surprising to say the least. But I'm glad he's back because he's a great lad underneath it all."[LNB]Bruce added: "What is achievement? The big clubs win everything, I suppose that's what he's alluding to, but now it's very difficult for any club outside the top four or five.[LNB]"So you cut your cloth accordingly and you can only do what you can do."[LNB]PressureKeane is targeting promotion to the Premier League after signing a two-year contract at Ipswich and Bruce feels the Irishman enjoys putting pressure on himself.[LNB]"Roy always wants to live with that pressure, that's what he puts himself under," continued Bruce. "If he doesn't get promotion he'll be thinking that he hasn't achieved and that's a failure for him.[LNB]"That's the standards he sets himself and you wouldn't expect anything different from Roy. He puts himself under that kind of pressure and he's not happy unless he's in with that pressure.[LNB]"He wants to be under that sort of spotlight and, make no mistake, a sleepy little town like Ipswich has taken off, with the publicity and all the rest of it. He'll be great for the club."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports