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Page last updated at 09:54 GMT, Monday, 5 May 2008 10:54 UK

Angry Keane prepares to wield axe

Roy Keane
Keane expects to make major changes to his playing staff this summer

Roy Keane is planning a major overhaul at Sunderland after losing patience with some of his players.

Keane has kept Sunderland in the Premier League following their promotion in 2007 but is not happy with his team's performances this season.

"We've lost 22 games this season and people keep telling me we've had a good season, but I'm lucky to still be in a job," he said.

He admitted he needed to "invest wisely and move some people on".

"That will be done this week - if not this week, then the following week," he said.

"It's irrelevant to me whether players are under contract. If they are, you just pay them up to go because you want certain characters.

There will be changes in the summer because I'm saying the same thing week in, week out and I'm really bored

Roy Keane
"You pay them to come and you pay them to go and that's what we'll have to do. I'll have a very busy week."

Keane said he had come to this conclusion after losing patience trying to get some players to respond to his wishes.

"Every game is an opportunity to impress me, but there will be changes in the summer because I'm saying the same thing week in, week out," the former Manchester United midfielder said.

"I'm fed up of saying it and really bored with myself now at this stage - really, really bored.

"(Celtic manager) Gordon Strachan and one or two other managers have said that if you tell a player something more than two or three times and he doesn't do it, then get shot of him."

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Keane has one more year to run on his contract and says he will consider whether to sign a new one over the summer.

The Irishman spent �40m in the transfer market this season and reportedly wants the Sunderland board to give him another �50m in preparation for the new season.

The Black Cats' form throughout the second half of the season was one of the key factors in their escape from the drop-zone.

Seven of the club's 11 wins have been gained since January and Keane believes his January signings have made a big impact in that run.

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Sunderland signed Rade Prica, Jonny Evans, Andy Reid and Phil Bardsley during the mid-season transfer window.

"It was probably the same scenario as last season, we brought in Carlos [Edwards] and Jonny in last January, you look at what Reid has done, Jonny again and Phil Bardsley.

"They've improved the squad and our form has been outstanding. We just need to make sure we start the season, particularly next year, much better."


see also
Bolton 2-0 Sunderland
03 May 08 |  Premier League
Collins driven by disappointment
01 May 08 |  Sunderland
Keane confident of survival hopes
20 Apr 08 |  Sunderland
Fitness key to Cats form - Keane
04 Apr 08 |  Sunderland


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