Former Manchester United, Nottingham Forest Glasgow Celtic and Republic of Ireland international midfielder Keane has been the bookies favourite for the job for much of today, after overtaking early favourite Glenn Hoddle following this morning's sacking of Town boss Jim Magilton.
37 year old Keane oversaw Sunderland's promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship in the 2006/2007 season before the Cork born manager guided them to a safe 15th position in the Premiership the following season.
However this was to be as good as it got for Keane, who left Sunderland half way through the current season on 4th December with Sunderland in the Premiership's relegation zone.
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