Robbie Keane has now emerged as a possible candidate for the Wolves job.
The Irishman, as exclusively revealed by Molineux News, is highly interested in the possibility of taking over. Keane has thrown his own name into the hat as Wolves look for Vitor Pereira’s successor.
The former Premier League striker is currently managing Ferencvárosi in the Hungarian league and has also led them throughout the Europa League campaign this season.
Keane is just one of a number of contenders, as Gary O’Neil, Rob Edwards, Michael Carrick, and Brendan Rodgers are linked too.
However, the former Irish international is the most interesting option, and he could be the smartest choice for one reason.
Robbie Keane could unite the Wolves fanbase
Robbie Keane came through Wolves’ academy, and he knows what it means to play for the Old Gold.
That can be a powerful asset when managing a football club, and he would instantly arrive in the dugout with a connection with fans.
Towards the end of Vitor Pereira’s time, things had turned toxic, and that is never a good thing when trying to get results.
Fans being onside with their head coach is extremely important, and Keane would arrive with a relationship already built in.
Keane is extremely appreciative of the love that fans have shown him at Molineux. Speaking in 2023, the former Old Gold striker said via an interview with Tottenham, “Every time I went back to Molineux or scored against Wolves, I never celebrated.
“I remember scoring a hat-trick against them at the Lane (6 December, 2003), came off and their fans gave me a standing ovation. There are not many fans who would do that after scoring a hat-trick against them. That is something I’ll always take with me.”
He loves the fans. Fans love him. That is already one big obstacle he would not need to overcome should he take the job.
Additionally, he has proved himself as a manager in the world of football with his time in Hungary.
Robbie Keane has done well in Hungary
The idea of Robbie Keane managing in Hungary may seem unusual, but the Irishman has done well.
In his first season in charge, he led Ferencvaros to the Hungarian league title, and while some may question the quality of the league, his record for them in Europe should put that to bed.
In three Europa League fixtures, Keane is unbeaten this season, winning two and drawing one.
In that run he has faced Genk, Viktoria Plzen, and RB Salzburg, showing he can get results against some of the better sides in Europe.
The hiring of Robbie Keane would certainly inspire fans much more than most candidates.
The link to Gary O’Neil has not been received well by Wolves supporters and should he return, there will not be much hope for survival.