Villa need a coach not a Keane

The potential appointment of Roy Keane as Assistant Manager has baffled a few Villa fans this evening. I don’t hate Roy Keane. I don’t think he’s the worst manager in the world. He has something to offer. But if Villa bring him in, it’s just not thinking smart. It’s not addressing the real problem. Here’s why.

What is Paul Lambert’s skillset? Champions League winning defensive midfielder, known for his work ethic, a man manager and motivator rather than a tactical mastermind. A handful of seasons managing in the Premier League and lower leagues. He also played for Celtic for a bit.

What is Roy Keane’s skillset? Champions League winning defensive midfielder, known for his work ethic, a man manager and motivator rather than a tactical mastermind. A handful of seasons managing in the Premier League and lower leagues. He also played for Celtic for a bit.

From what we have been told, Paul Lambert takes a back seat in training, handles transfers, the situation on match day and trying to get the best out of individual players. What he needs is a top class coach (or team of coaches) that can really develop these young players, teach them a style of play, how to properly play the formations and get them organized. That's what we are missing and that is not Roy Keane’s area of expertise. He may not have an identical style to Lambert, but they essentially cover the same bases.

If Villa hire Keane for the assistant’s job, I don't necessarily think t won't make things worse. He could help get the players fired up, make playing for the shirt mean something to them. But it would not scratch the surface in terms of sorting out a coaching team that can really make a difference to the way we play.