Fresh Robbie Keane, Preston North End update emerges | OneFootball

Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant Preston North End job

Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane has emerged into the frame as a potential replacement for Paul Heckingbottom at Preston North End following the 49-year-old's recent dismissal.

According to Alan Nixon's Patreon, Preston are weighing up a potential move for former Irish international forward Keane to become their new head coach following the recent sacking of Heckingbottom.

Keane, 46, has previously spent time in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros before leaving the latter at the end of last season, and could be set to take on his first managerial role in the United Kingdom with the Lilywhites.

Preston North End have sounded out Robbie Keane as a potential replacement for Paul Heckingbottom

Action images

As per Nixon, Preston have outlined Keane as a potential option to become the new head coach at Deepdale following the recent dismissal of Heckingbottom, with the former Sheffield United boss winning just one of his seven Championship games this season.

Football League World previously touted Keane to replace Nicky Hayen at Burnley in case the Belgian was sacked, as now, the Irishman has emerged as an option for their Lancashire rivals.

Keane took his first head coach role with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, having previously worked as an assistant with The Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough, and Leeds United, spending a year at the Israeli outfit, guiding them to the league title and the League Cup, before joining Hungarian side Ferencvaros in January 2025.

He'd again win a league title and the League Cup with the Hungarian giants before stepping down at the end of last season, and subsequently linked up with Match of the Day's punditry team ahead of this campaign.

The former Premier League striker knows Peter Ridsdale from their time together at Leeds, and that link could play a role in negotiations, as Keane is the latest contender to emerge, with Bradford City's Graham Alexander also having been heavily touted.

Why Preston North End are interested in the potential appointment of Robbie Keane

Action images

Keane has just a couple of years of managerial experience under his belt, but he has been successful during his spells with both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros.

Having coached the Hungarian giants in the UEFA Europa League, the Irishman will be used to the pressures of taking charge of big games, and with Preston in a precarious situation, this could suit him and the club well.

With Keane and Risdale already having an existing relationship, this could make negotiations a lot easier, and though his lack of experience managing in the Championship could be a gamble, it's one that could have a lot of upsides if it pays off.

Heckingbottom endured a miserable end to his time in charge of Preston, picking up just 26 points from their last 29 league matches, losing 17 of those, and keeping just one clean sheet in their last 27 league matches, as Keane could bring some much-needed charisma and fresh energy to a team seriously lacking belief right now.

Preston North End must get their next appointment right amid Robbie Keane's emergence

Action Images

With Heckingbottom gone, Preston find themselves in a make-or-break situation, as failure to get this next appointment spot on could see them seriously drawn into a relegation battle if they are not careful.

Despite breaking their transfer record on Alfie Devine in the summer, and bringing in the likes of Johnny Kenny, Stanley Mills, and Harry Clarke for respectable fees, their squad is lacking that X-factor.

Keane could prove to be an inspired appointment if his charisma and new ideas translate onto the pitch, but if it doesn't go to plan, the club will find itself in a precarious position, as this next hire must be spot on for their own good.