The news that Robbie Keane had been appointed as the manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv came as quite the shock this week, with few whispers that the former Ireland striker was about to make the move to Israel.
Keane had been attempting to earn his first shot at management for quite some time now, having cut his teeth in various assistant roles over the last number of years. The Dubliner has been part of the coaching staff with Ireland, Middlesbrough, and most recently Leeds United.
It will be very interesting to track his progress in the months ahead, stepping in to take over at the most successful team in Israel. The club have gone through a tumultuous period in recent years, with eight managers being appointed at the club since August of 2020.
The move has already caused some controversy, with Keane asked about the political ramifications of taking a job in a nation that Amnesty International have labelled as an 'apartheid' state due to their treatment of Palestinians. It was a subject he did not want to get into.
In terms of the footballing side of things, he has already made some interesting additions to his backroom team.
Former Ireland teammate joins Robbie Keane in Israel
Maccabi Tel Aviv have confirmed that former Ireland international Rory Delap is set to join Robbie Keane's coaching staff as assistant manager at the club.
Delap has taken on various coaching roles since hanging up his boots in 2013. He managed Derby County at both U18 and U21 level, before holding a position as first team coach at Stoke City for five years up until this summer.
דלאפ, לידל והאדסון מצטרפים לצוות של קין 🟡
לכל הפרטים בכתבה >> https://t.co/sGa2dbzHvD
Delap, Liddell, and Hudson join Keane’s coaching staff pic.twitter.com/jvi5VdIaUU— Maccabi Tel Aviv FC (@MaccabiTLVFC) June 28, 2023
Of course, Keane will know Delap from their time together in the Ireland setup. He is not the only coach with Irish links that he has linked up with.
Andy Liddell, who was a fitness coach with Ireland during Mick McCarthy's second spell in charge, has also been appointed. Keane was also an Ireland coach under McCarthy during this period. The other addition is Philip Hudson, who acted as an analyst at Middlesborough during Keane's time at the club.
It is clear that the Irishman prioritised recruiting familiar faces to come with him to Israel, something he will need as he embarks on his first managerial role at a club that is notorious for sacking managers.
Of their last seven appointments, the longest managerial reign last 32 games.
Keane will be hoping he is the man to buck that trend moving forward.
SEE ALSO: Robbie Keane Gave Testy Response When Asked About Criticism Over Israeli Move
