Newly-appointed Leeds United head coach Sam Allardyce has confirmed that former Whites forward Robbie Keane will join his backroom staff.
Allardyce was unveiled as Leeds' new head coach on Wednesday morning, following the dismissal of Javi Gracia after just two-and-a-half months in charge at Elland Road.
Leeds currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, perched just above the relegation zone on goal difference, and Allardyce has only four games to try and steer the West Yorkshire outfit to safety.
Ahead of Saturday's daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, Allardyce has spoken to the media about his arrival and has confirmed that both Keane and Karl Robinson will be part of his backroom team.
Keane, 42, who spent 18 months as a player at Elland Road between 2001 and 2002, is taking his first coaching role since ending his dual spell as assistant coach at both Middlesbrough and the Republic of Ireland in 2020.
Robinson, meanwhile, has formerly managed MK Dons, Charlton Athletic and Oxford United – leaving the latter in February – and was previously a coach under Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers.
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Asked about Keane's arrival at press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Allardyce said: "He never stops talking! I've known Robbie for quite a while and we've talked on many occasions about him getting into coaching and I've worked with him at Soccer Aid a few times and all that so I really, really liked his personality.
"In my mind [he is here] to come in and give everybody a lift, not just by his coaching methods for the front men particularly and the strikers, because obviously goals are very important, but also the fact that he is Leeds through and through – he loves the place."
Allardyce has also revealed that he is unable to lure trusted right-hand man Sammy Lee to Elland Road as the 64-year-old is on jury service.
"I'm not sure this is a good thing. The judge has left Sammy unemployed as he's on jury service. I find that very poor judgment indeed," said Allardyce.
"It's a real shame. The wee man loves being with me and me with him. But I've always kept in touch with Karl Robinson since Blackburn.
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"When Sammy became a no and everything had to move quickly, I couldn't give anyone time to think about it. It's either a yes or a no, you've got half an hour. I rang Robbie Keane this morning and he's here already."
Allardyce – who has compared himself to Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta – added: "[Taking the Leeds job is] the biggest challenge [of my career] because of the shortness left. We need points to pick up because of the fixtures.
"It's a big challenge (against Man City), the players and I have to take on. Karl Robinson has joined us and Robbie Keane is here with us. I've got these lads I've known for a long time and I trust them.
"We will try to go to Man City and do our best to get a result. I can only wait to see what the reaction is once we kick off.
"I enjoy the game so much and to try and save this club and keep it in the Premier League is a big responsibility and a big challenge. But it's one I'm prepared to take because of who Leeds are."
After taking on Man City this weekend, Allardyce and co will play host to Newcastle United at Elland Road before preparing for two final fixtures against West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Oliver Thomas
