Keane: This could take longer than I thought...

ROY Keane has admitted that it might take longer than his original two-year plan to guide Ipswich Town into the Premier League.On his appointment to the Portman Road hot seat last April, Keane revealed that he had given himself two years to win promotion, but yesterday he admitted that it could take up to five years.

Carl Marston

By Carl Marston

ROY Keane has admitted that it might take longer than his original two-year plan to guide Ipswich Town into the Premier League.

On his appointment to the Portman Road hot seat last April, Keane revealed that he had given himself two years to win promotion, but yesterday he admitted that it could take up to five years.

For the immediate future, Keane's main priority is to steer Town clear of relegation. To achieve that, he is looking for a settled squad, with no new arrivals or departures.

But once Town's Championship status is secure, the way ahead could still be a long one.

“Hopefully, we'll have a steady ship for the next month or two, and getting more of a foundation at the football club, because there has been a lot of changes,” insisted Keane.

“But it takes a bit of time - three, four or five years possibly.

“That's the reality of it, in terms of trying to build and sort the football club out I think.

“In defence of the players, we have made unbelievable changes this season, to the staff and the players.

“Lads have come in, and come out, and I think what will happen over the next month is that that is it. “There is an option to bring maybe one player in, maybe, but other than that I think the players can say - “this is it.”

“I can't imagine anyone coming in, or anyone going out. Maybe the last few months there has been a lot of uncertainty at the club, with all the chopping and changing,” added Keane.

After four away games on the bounce, Town are finally back at Portman Road to entertain Bristol City this afternoon (kick-off 3pm). Keane's men are currently four points clear of the relegation zone.

The Irishman has hinted that he will make a few changes to his side, after sticking with the same starting XI for the last two games at Sheffield Wednesday and Scunthorpe. Three or four of his squad have not trained this week, because of knocks.

IN FACTFILE

What Roy Keane said on his appointment last April: “I have signed a two-year contract but I would like to do it (promotion to the Premier League) in one year. It's a big ask. But that it what challenges are. It is easy for me to say that I have the history for this challenge, but the proof is in the pudding over the next two years.”