Jaap Stam wants his former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane to return to management and has offered his services as his assistant.
The Irishman has been in coaching roles more recently but has not been a manager since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011.
The 53-year-old made a very bright start to his management career at Sunderland as he led them to promotion into the Premier League, but left after 100 games in charge and his spell with the Tractor Boys was underwhelming.
Keane has suggested he would be open to a return to the dugout and Stam would be very much behind that decision, hoping to work with the legendary midfielder if he does take charge of a club again.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Champions League odds, Stam said: ‘I would love to see Roy Keane back in management and I’d love to be his assistant manager. I think he has the potential to be a great manager because he knows so much about the game.
‘He can give a lot of individual advice to players and how they can improve, but the decision will be up to him. He is doing well in punditry at the moment.
‘It’s a very different life in management, day and night, you have to be ready for the lifestyle and the club in question and the players. I’m sure he enjoys his current role but I’d love to see him in the dugout again, if he needs an assistant then I’ll be there.’
Stam is currently on his own journey in management having spent time in charge of the likes of Reading, Feyenoord and FC Cincinnati.
The memorably imposing defender is currently in charge of DOS Kampen in the sixth tier Dutch football.
Stam is open to other opportunities, though, talking up Scottish football and his interest in working there at some point in his career.
‘My assistant at Reading, Andries Ulderink, is now working for Rangers, he’s a good guy. There have been a lot of Dutch managers and players over there, including Dick Advocaat,’ he said.
‘When I was working with Advocaat at PSV he tried to bring me to Rangers, but unfortunately for him Manchester United came in for me the same summer.
‘I’ve always followed Scottish football and when I played for Willem II I had the chance to join Celtic. I had an opportunity but I wanted to stay in Holland and keep learning.
‘But both Celtic and Rangers are great clubs and everyone recognises their grounds, everyone is always thinking about football over there.
‘One day I’d love to manage in Scotland, maybe for Rangers or Celtic or for another club. It would be amazing for me because the fans are so passionate about the game and I love that.’
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