Very harsh imo. The writer clearly has clearly voiced his own opinion rather than fact against Mr Keane. The writer clearly critcises Keanes transfer policy then later admits his scouting network has yet to be setup which can take several years. Clive Clarke is then used to portray a bad view of Keane, hmm is this the same Clive Clarke who suffered a heart attack yet Keane and Quinn have decided to pay the remainder of his 18 month contract despite the fact he was rubbish, despite his verbal assault on Keane. The writer then critcises Keanes signings: Greg Halford as disaster prone, he hasnt had the best of times at Sunderland but he is far from disaster prone. Russell Anderson, Keane is apparently afraid to play him he is that bad, er no Mr Writer if you had done any research you would know Russell Anderson has been injured the majortiy of the season. Craig Gordon has apparently been dropped from the team, he was for a few games in december but has been ever present since then. Sunderlands spending is the compared to being higher than AC and Inter Milan. What is the Point!!! We cant attract anywhere near the players these clubs can yet the writer implies we should be challenging for the title just because we have spent money. However this is my favourite bit "In addition, raiding rivals for their players, as Sunderland did last January to bring in Carlos Edwards and Stern John" Hmm i forgot Luton and Coventry were challenging for promotion last season. The man is clearly inept with a hidden agenda against Roy Keane, yes Keane has made mistakes but its his second season ever as manager and he isnt doing too badly thus far.
Of course it shows opinion - that's the point of a column like that. Its a natural reaction to the constant overhyping of Keane - his transfer record has been relatively poor. I've read Clarke's interview, which while it does have a relatively negative view of Keane isn't some out and out rant, but a short section of a general interview. The transfer spending is relevant because it highlights just how poor a judge of talent and value Keane has been so far - of course his business moves will improve with time but so far his transfer moves have been at best not good value and at worst, pretty rubbish. I disagree with the writer's assertion that he's bought too many championship players, he's just bought the wrong combination for the wrong prices and to an extent about how insular the championship is - there is an element of that and certainly "proven" players do hold a higher price tag than they may really deserve, but its not that bad although he's right in that one of the most important things isn't so much quality but getting momentum, hence Derby getting up. Roy Keane is a frankly rather mediocre manager at this stage of his career. Will he improve, probably, but just because he's been an exceptional player and had a fairly good start last year doesn't mean he's great.
Excellent point, however his spending hasnt been that bad. Gordon - We wont sell him in the next 12 months therefore he will get better and will increase his value eventually McShane - 2.5m probablys 1.5m too much, like a headless chicken as a centre half but can do a job at right back and we would recoup 1m if we sold now. Higginbotham - Not a great buy and paid too much for him Halford - Bad buy, the lad simply cant cut it at this level but wed get 1m back on 2.5m Chopra - Average buy, wouldnt get anywhere near 5m for him but id like us to keep him as he hasnt been given a fair crack Richardson - Brilliant is the only word to describe him so far, disspelling all the myths Man Utd supporters said about him when we signed him. Jones - Again Brilliant, people say we paid too much for him but we could get double for him if we wanted to sell now. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Season Carlos Edwards - 1.5m absolute bargain, has had injuries this season but is due back soon and i believe he has the ability to do well in the top flight. Anthony Stokes - 2.5m still has it all to do but shows glimpses of what he can do and looks promising. What a lot of people dont realise is Keane is building a young squad that will mature together and grow into a good team. Cole and Yorke are all mentioned as passed it but they add valuable experience to a very young squad