It's official. Starting today, Irish former star Roy Keane will begin coaching career at Sunderland. And it certainly won't be easy for him, since his new squad lost all 4 Championship matches so far and a Carling Cup encounter against Bury. But the reward is the same. If he'll manage to bring his team inside the Premiership, Keane will become one of the best paid trainers in the 1st League.

"Roy Keane visited Sunderland where he met with players and officials. Keane and the club have agreed terms for him to be appointed manager and it's envisaged he will sign a formal contract immediately after the game against West Bromwich", said a Sunderland statement earlier yesterday, according to "The Sun" newspaper.

For the moment, Keane signed a 2-year contract and will benefit from 22 million euros for buying new players. After the disastrous start of the season, Keane will need all the support in the world to build a new competitive team on the Stadium of Light. And that won't be an easy thing to do, especially since his 1st game as a coach will be against West Bromwich Albion.

The reason is very simple. The man who scored over 130 goals for Sunderland in the past 6 seasons will be playing on the other side of the field. Kevin Phillips signed a deal with the WBA this summer and will have to face his former teammates on the 9th of September.

On the other hand, due to the FIFA Euro 2008 qualifier next weekend, Roy Keane will have plenty of time - almost 2 weeks - to prepare his first match. The 35-year old ended his football career earlier this summer and will try to get back in the Premiership as a coach in 2 years top.