BLUES manager Roy Keane is the darling of the fans after the unbeaten start to the season was stretched to five games with last night’s 1-0 Carling Cup win over Crewe after extra time at Gresty Road.

After a good disciplined display chief executive Simon Clegg confirmed that Keane has the full backing of club owner Marcus Evans despite reports that this may have been declining after a highly disappointing 2009/10 campaign.

Town have begun this campaign so well that a serious challenge for promotion from the Championship looks on the cards – and perhaps a long run in the Carling Cup.

And Clegg today denied that there were any thoughts during the summer of replacing the former Republic of Ireland international in the Portman Road hot seat.

“Club owner Marcus Evans and myself discussed the situation but we believe that Roy Keane is the man to take this club forward,” said Clegg.

“He is doing all that is possible to identify the changes that were necessary and the team is playing differently this season.

“It takes time for a manager to build the side he wants, and to play the way that he wants.

“We have a perfect example of that in the way Sir Bobby Robson was given a number of years to prove himself.

“But of course it is important that we do well this season – without any doubt.”

And Clegg emphasised that there is no problems with the working relationships between the three top figures at the club.

“Roy is the main man and Marcus and I will support him all we can.

“No one drives on Roy Keane more than Roy Keane himself, and he’s not used to being a failure.”

Keane travelled back to Suffolk with mixed emotions last night.

He was overjoyed at staying in the competition but concerned at the wear and tear placed on his players after having to play another extra 30 minutes.

Skipper David Norris scorched home a splendid 102nd minute winner after a hard-fought victory that depended much on Brian Murphy having a superb game in goal.

n Match report – pages 38-39