Last week, 7th January to be precise, marked a full decade (2011) since Roy Keane left Ipswich Town.

A run of seven defeats in nine games left Town 19th in the Championship table, a patch of results which brought an end to Keane’s 20 month tenure.

Despite the disappointment, few if any would have envisioned the then 39-year-old being absent from management over the course of the subsequent 10 years.

The Irishman has of course had spells as an assistant manager; under Martin O’Neill at both the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest, and Paul Lambert at Aston Villa. However, for whatever reason he’s not yet been tempted back in.

Back in 2007, in his very first season in the dugout, he propelled Sunderland into the Premier League, complete with the Championship title.

Fast-forward to the 2019/20 season, Keane was linked with a return to Sunderland, plus the likes of Reading and Millwall after he revealed that he wanted another crack at management.

Nothing came of it.

READ: Five reasons we’d love to see Roy Keane return to management

Then, earlier this season the managerial rumour mill was awash with speculation that Keane was on the cusp of becoming the next Salford City manager - owned by his pals: the Class of 92 - but alas, nothing came to fruition and instead Richie Wellens was lured over from League One side Swindon.

Everyone’s favourite disgruntled, straight-talking TV pundit, who has a blossoming bromance with Micah Richards, is now under the managerial lens once again.

This time with Sheffield Wednesday after his odds for the job were slashed from 40/1 to just 4/1, making him one of the new frontrunners to replace Tony Pulis. 

It’s a post he’s been linked with on several occasions since leaving Ipswich all those years ago.

Roy Keane’s Next Job Odds

- Republic of Ireland: 9/2

- Sheffield Wednesday: 4/1

- Celtic: 10/1

- Fleetwood: 25/1

- Port Vale: 33/1

- Man Utd: 66/1

The Owls are searching for their third manager of the season, with former Wigan boss Paul Cook still the favourite for the position.

Chris Coleman remains a surprise contender in the betting, while caretaker Neil Thompson is hovering around the 12/1 mark.

However, former favourite Joey Barton has drifted out to 20/1 with Bet Victor.

Keane’s sudden appearance in the top echelons of the market comes after journalist Alan Nixon reported that the 49-year-old was eyeing a comeback, whether this is just another false dawn remains to be seen.

But, here at The Sack Race, we cling onto the hope that he will one day return to management.