WAS this the last straw for Roy Keane?

WAS this the last straw for Roy Keane?

Ipswich Town’s 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest yesterday afternoon, the club’s seventh loss in nine league games, could well spell the end for the Irishman.

Owner and chairman, Marcus Evans, has a decision to make, and he must make it quickly, for two main reasons.

Firstly, Town are now in the midst of a relegation battle, having slipped to within three points of the drop zone.

And secondly, the clock is ticking during this month’s transfer window. In other words, time will soon be running out to strengthen the squad during this vital period.

So Mr Evans has a decision to make – back Keane, or sack Keane.

Perhaps Town’s looming Cup games, at Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday, and the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal, could buy Keane another week or two, but the temptation must be to act soon, either way.

Keane himself remained in a defiant mood during yesterday’s post match press conference, after seeing an unfortunate Damien Delaney own goal, in first-half stoppage time, condemn his side to another damaging defeat.

The Town boss has no intention of resigning, although he must know that he is on borrowed time.

Asked whether he was going to keep his job, Keane replied: “That is really not important.

“My job is not important. What we have to do is get the best out of this football club. It’s not about me, the club is bigger and the club has had some great managers.

“I’m the manager here now and I’m trying to learn my trade.

“I’m doing my best, but if the best is not good enough, then I will pay the consequences. I don’t expect you all to give me phone calls if I do lose my job.”

And when asked whether he would think it unfair, if he was to be sacked, Keane replied: “It doesn’t matter what I think, does it? What will be, will be.

“It’s the nature of the game. Managers who win football matches also lose their jobs, so don’t let me keep you awake at night.”