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Niall Quinn often comes across as a Ronan Keating-type figure. There’s something earnest about the two Dubliners that denotes a craving to be perceived as nice guys. And there’s something essentially gormless in their demeanours that frequently suggests they’re both merely well meaning simpletons not to be taken seriously in the real, nasty world. So when Quinn first declared his intention to take over Sunderland, many in his homeland greeted the news with the same mixture of pity and amusement that they felt several years ago when Keating expressed an interest in becoming president of Ireland. That’s why many chortled along with Roy Keane every time he scoffingly referred to Quinn as Mother Teresa. And that’s why so many were astonished when Keane was unveiled as Quinn’s subordinate at Sunderland. It’s not hard to imagine Quinn seeking Keane solely because he feels duty-bound to redeem sinners – and that the job offer was an extension of the ill-advised handshake he attempted as Keane walked off the Stadium of Light pitch in 2002 after being sent off for whacking Jason McAteer. But why did Keane accept? Why would the ultimate ruthless professional agree to work under someone he considered a joke? One possibility is that, recognising the potential of Sunderland, with its facilities, huge fan base and deep-pocketed backers, Keane resolved to climb aboard the bandwagon then neutralise the Quinn nuisance. According to this conspiracy theory, the callous and calculating Keane will gradually usurp the naive beanpole who foolishly welcomed him into the fold. From WSC 236 October 2006. What was happening this month On the subject...
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