ROY Keane today dismissed claims about having a bully boy style of management.The Ipswich Town boss was reacting to criticism of him in a new book by former Sunderland striker Dwight Yorke that Keane rules by fear.

Elvin King

ROY Keane today dismissed claims about having a bully boy style of management.

The Ipswich Town boss was reacting to criticism of him in a new book by former Sunderland striker Dwight Yorke that Keane rules by fear.

“I am not ruling by fear at Portman Road,” insisted Keane, who is looking for his first Championship win of the season at Barnsley this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

“It doesn't work and if I want to be a long-term manager this is not the way to go about it.

“Perhaps it might have a positive effect over a weekend, but not long term.

“You should ask players I have and am currently dealing with to see if they agree with Dwight.”

Keane, who played alongside Trinidad and Tobago international striker Yorke at Manchester United, says that he has no time for his former team mate.

“He has written two or three books and has to find some angles for another,” said Keane. “He must need the money.

“I never read Sunday papers so never saw his article last weekend.

“But if he says that I ruled by fear at Sunderland I don't agree with him.

“I take notice of what people say who I respect, but I don't respect Dwight any more.

“He was quick was to sign a one-year contract extension, which I was stupid on reflection to offer. In my opinion he did not try after that.

“He appeared to lose his appetite, and lost his legs.”

And Keane, who received the official backing of owner Marcus Evans' public voice Simon Clegg this week to carry on and take the club where they want to be, is looking ahead with optimism.

“A vote of confidence? I'll probably get sacked next week,” he quipped.

“People are saying we are on the verge of something - on the verge of a win!

“But we will get it sorted.

“There have been a number of setbacks already and we didn't envisage being in this position when the season began.

“And there will be more along the way, but every team in the Championship apart from perhaps Newcastle will lose eight, nine or 10 matches this term.

“We know we need to start winning, and we know today's test at Barnsley will by no means be an easy one. No team is going to hand us a victory.”