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Robbie Keane lands shock manager job at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv

Former Tottenham and Liverpool forward Robbie Keane has been appointed head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Keane was most recently part of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff at Leeds last season as they were relegated from the Premier League.

Keane was part of Allardyce's staff at Leeds
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Keane was part of Allardyce's staff at LeedsCredit: Getty

The 42-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Israeli giants, and will begin his preparations for the new season.

Keane has scored more than 400 goals for his previous clubs including Tottenham, Leeds, Liverpool, Coventry, West Ham and Aston Villa.

He is also the most-capped player and all-time record goal scorer for the Republic of Ireland.

Keane was appointed first team coach at Leeds towards the end of last season.

Keane wrote himself into Spurs folklore having previously played for the club
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Keane wrote himself into Spurs folklore having previously played for the clubCredit: getty
The 42-year-old also had a brief spell at Liverpool
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The 42-year-old also had a brief spell at LiverpoolCredit: getty

He was also previously assistant manager at both Middlesbrough (2019-2020) and Republic of Ireland (2018-2020).

“I am delighted to take on this challenge at Maccabi," Keane told the club's .

"My team and I look forward to beginning work and we have confidence in our ability to do what is necessary to prepare the team for the coming season.”

Maccabi’s owner, Mitch Goldhar, added: “Robbie brings the mentality, character, energy and focus of a winner, traits he exhibited everywhere he played.

Keane is Republic of Ireland's all-time goalscorer and appearance holder
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Keane is Republic of Ireland's all-time goalscorer and appearance holderCredit: getty

"These characteristics now combined with ambitions to succeed as a coach are aligned with our objectives at Maccabi.”

Maccabi finished third last year and will compete in the Europa Conference League qualifiers next month.

More will follow.

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