Ex-Tottenham striker backed to become new Middlesbrough manager amid ‘shock’ news
Jamie O’Hara has thrown fellow former Tottenham player Robbie Keane’s name into the hat to become Middlesbrough’s next manager, while a “shock” name has also emerged.
Middlesbrough are on the lookout for a new manager after Rob Edwards contentiously decided to jump ship to Premier League strugglers Wolves.
Gary O’Neil is currently considered the favourite to take charge at the Riverside, while Steven Gerrard and Carlos Corberan are other names to have been mentioned.
However, O’Hara has followed Jeff Stelling in backing Keane for the Middlesbrough job in what would be his first managerial position in English football.
Robbie Keane named as ‘great choice’ for Middlesbrough job
O’Hara is never short on an opinion on Tottenham, or indeed former Spurs players, but he talks a lot of sense when it comes to Keane.
The Irishman, who spent a combined eight years at Tottenham, has since ventured into management with ATK, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros.
Keane won two trophies in Israel with Maccabi and has also lifted silverware during his time in Hungary with Ferencvaros, as well as competing in European football.
Asked on Sky Sports News on Thursday who he believes should get the Middlesbrough job, O’Hara was quick to name Keane.
“Robbie Keane needs to be in the debate,” he said. “I’m a massive fan of Robbie. He’s gone abroad and won two titles, and I think a cup.
“He’s top of the league with Ferencvaros and was a leader on and off the pitch as a player. I loved him as a captain.
“He’s only just being talked about for big jobs. He’s not a popular choice, but if Keane comes over to England he’d be a great choice.“
Keane has been in charge of Ferencvaros since January this year, having left his role with Maccabi a couple of months earlier.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink a ‘shock’ contender for Middlesbrough job
Keane will have to fight off plenty of competition for the Boro job, however, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink another said to now be in contention.
As per Alan Nixon via his personal Patreon on Thursday, fellow legendary Premier League striker Hasselbaink is a “shock” option for Boro.
| Robbie Keane | Tottenham* |
| Apps | 306 |
| Goals | 122 |
| Trophies | 1 (2008 EFL Cup) |
Hasselbaink has been competing on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and is also a regular on the punditry scene, but he has also coached under Gareth Southgate for England.
Boro are expected to make an appointment prior to their next Championship match, which is away at Oxford United on 22 November.
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