Former Manchester United star and Sunderland boss Roy Keane has been reflecting on his 81 games in charge of Ipswich and how he felt the Tractor Boys had been making progress before his sacking by the club. The Championship outfit had a run of poor form in which Keane himself admitted he could well get the chop. A recent min-revival came to an end with defeat to Nottingham Forest and with it Keane's tenure at Portman Road.

In a statement issued by The League Managers Association, Keane said: "I'm hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road.

"Results haven't been as good as I'd have hoped so far this season and when results aren't good the manager gets the sack, that's the game.

"However, I have a genuine belief we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around.

"We were preparing well for our visit to Chelsea on Sunday and then our Carling Cup semi with Arsenal. Getting to that semi proves what I know the team is capable of.

"I was also working hard to build the squad during the transfer window, looking at our options to attract new players to the club. I have loved my time at Ipswich, living locally to the club with my family, and have a massive respect for the club, its staff, the fans and the community and I wish them well."