London - Former Manchester United and Ireland midfielder Roy Keane returned to football on Thursday as he was appointed manager of Championship side Ipswich Town.
The 37-year-old led Sunderland to promotion, and kept them up in their first season in the Premier League, but left the club in December after a string of disappointing results.
He replaces Jim Magilton, who was sacked on Wednesday with the club ninth in the table and out of contention for the play-offs.
"I truly believe that I am joining a club that has the potential, ambition and infrastructure to once again be a Premier League side," Keane told the club website.
Club owner Marcus Evans said: "I am delighted that Roy has agreed to join us and we are completely aligned in our ambitions for Ipswich Town.
"He has extensive contacts in the game and is a proven winner who encourages his team to play the attractive football that Ipswich Town fans have come to expect.
"I believe he is the right man to take this club where we want to be - the Premier League." (dpa)
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