Keano in his own words. Compiled by Mary Hannigan

“If I wasn’t up for challenge I’d be out walking my dogs today. I think my dogs need a break.”

– To a worn-out Trigg’s relief, Keane’s spell out of the game ended in April 2009 when he was appointed Ipswich manager.

“Maybe Ipswich have been accused over the years of not doing the dirty stuff well, the stuff that I used to do. I thought we did that well today. That pleased me.”

– After his first game in charge (and the team’s second last of the season), a 3-0 win away to Cardiff.

“There are one or two players who played for me against West Brom who will never play for me again. I don’t like what I’m seeing. We will not win automatic promotion.”

– After a woeful start to the 2009-10 season, when Ipswich failed to win any of their first 14 league games.

“I pray all the time. But, obviously, the man upstairs is busy at the moment.”

– On discovering that God might not be on Ipswich’s side.

“Listen, Jesus Christ, I don’t mean 24 hours a day! I’m an Irish Catholic, yes. I go to Mass, yes. I go to church, my kids go to church, but let’s not make a big deal of it.”

– Explaining to Ipswich reporters that just because he prays doesn’t mean he’s the Pope.

“I’m lucky to have the support I’ve had, but that can change very quickly. Anyone who thinks we’re going to relax after winning one game in 15 obviously doesn’t know me very well.”

– After the winless streak was ended against Derby.

“He comes in to training when he fancies it, every now and again when the traffic’s not too bad. He’s certainly not in my plans.”

– Hinting at a strain in relations with defender Ben Thatcher.

“This was a typical Championship game. Both teams had chances, it finished 1-1 and we all go home. Boring.”

– After yet another draw, this time against Middlesbrough – their 15th in 28 league games.

“I remember the games where we have taken the lead and not finished the job off. It happens every night, about three o’clock in the morning.”

– On having nightmares about all those draws.

“The pinnacle now is getting the big contract, the Bentley and the blonde.”

– On young players’ priorities.

“We believe Ipswich is a good club to learn your trade, but I live in the real world and there’s always dangers out there. There are pitfalls for lots of players, whether it be other clubs coming in, women, drugs or bad injuries.”

– Putting the fairer sex ahead of cocaine and broken legs in the danger stakes.

“It’s good to go a bit mad but I don’t throw teacups around. That’s not my style – I’d rather throw punches.”

– Somewhat disputing the theory that he’s mellowing with age.

“This sort of talk doesn’t keep me awake at night. If you think I’m fearful of that, don’t kid yourself. I’ve got a good wife and five good kids so I’ll be okay whatever happens.”

– On speculation, in March of last year, that he was about to be sacked.

“You always have doubts in the back of your mind – shoes, cars, holidays, your marriage. But this has confirmed it in my mind, especially those last 20 minutes. I’ll be bringing in characters. I’ll be on the phone tonight and I’m not a great one for speaking on the phone. My wife will tell you that . . . too many players haven’t done the business . . . I’m after four or five real men.”

– On his axe-wielding and shopping plans after a poor season ended with a 3-0 home defeat by Sheffield United.

“Are we close? You could speak to a bird all evening but still end up in the taxi on your own.”

– On his efforts to bring players in on loan last October: the chatting-up bit was going grand, but it was leading nowhere.

“This booing mentality, it drives me on, it bloody well drives me on. When you look at me you see a manager making progress, a manager who will make mistakes, but a manager who, given respect, will do a good job. And I will do a good job, if not at Ipswich, trust me, then somewhere else.”

– Responding to disgruntled supporters after successive home defeats to Barnsley and Derby.

“I look at myself in the mirror every morning and ask if I’m the man to turn things round. The answer is yes. When the answer is no, it will be time to sit down with the owner.”

– On yet more speculation, last November, about his future at the club.

“I’ve had the vote of confidence, so that probably means I’ll be gone next week. If I don’t do the business – and I’m not doing it at the moment – I’ll have to pay the price. That’s life.”

– Fearing the worst (last month).

“I’ve not had a stupid question for a while, but well done.”

– On being asked last week if he was determined to carry on as Ipswich manager.

“I’m doing my best and if my best isn’t good enough, then I’ll take the consequences. I don’t expect you to be giving me phone calls if I do lose my job. It’s the nature of the game. Even managers who win football matches lose their job, let alone managers who don’t – George Burley last week, Darren Ferguson, Lawsy (Brian Laws), Big Sam (Allardyce), blah, blah, blah. Don’t let my position keep you awake at night. What will be, will be.”

– After what proved to be his final game in charge, Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

“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 that we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around.”

– His response to his sacking.