TODAY'S sensational appointment of Roy Keane as boss of Ipswich Town will focus the national spotlight firmly on Portman Road once again.

TODAY'S sensational appointment of Roy Keane as boss of Ipswich Town will focus the national spotlight firmly on Portman Road once again.

After a seven-season absence from the Premier League, the club is among the back page headlines this morning thanks to the arrival of one of Planet Football's biggest names.

As was the case when he was a player, the media scrum is never far away from matters concerning outspoken Keane.

Nearly all of today's national newspapers ran the story of the Irishman's imminent arrival, with many carrying the headline, “Tractor Roy”.

If Blues owner Marcus Evans was searching for a high profile manager, as chief executive Simon Clegg claimed yesterday, he appears to have chosen the right man.

The Daily Star's Eric Johnstone, who cut his teeth on The Evening Star's sports desk, wrote: “Keane would be an exciting choice for disgruntled Ipswich fans who had high hopes of returning to the Premier League this season but have been disappointed.”

Gary Jacob of The Times claimed Town's new boss could be in place by the time the Blues take on Cardiff on Saturday.

“Roy Keane is on the verge of a remarkable return to management at Ipswich Town, four months after he walked out on Sunderland,” he said.

“Having stayed out of the limelight in recent months, Keane will be charged with delivering promotion back to the top flight after a seven-year absence.”

The Sun said Keane would be handed a �20 million kitty to bolster a promotion campaign.

Meanwhile, The Daily Mirror reported on the dramatic events of yesterday as Keane's odds on becoming the 13th Ipswich manager tumbled.

Sports reporter John Cross wrote: “Keane went from an outside bet to 3-1 odds-on favourite. Glenn Hoddle, Alan Curbishley and Paul Ince are also on the shortlist.”

The Daily Mail described Keane and Ipswich Town as “an unlikely match”.

Colin Young wrote: “One of the game's most controversial characters in charge of a sleepy, homely club with little recent achievement.

“Keane would be expected to put them back on the map like no manager since Sir Bobby Robson, who took the team to FA Cup and UEFA Cup success.

“He has a new opportunity to enhance his reputation with Ipswich and to add to the CV to make Manchester United take him seriously for the future. But this time, he will need to see the job through.”

Pleased with Roy Keane's appointment? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk