Keane wants to usher in new Ipswich era

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder, 37, has signed a two-year contract with the Coca-Cola Championship side, who earlier this week sacked Jim Magilton.

"Ipswich are a club with a good heritage, who did well in the 70s and 80s," he said. "As much as it is a massive part of the club, it is about now and what I achieve. I am looking forward to it."

Keane has been out of work since departing as Sunderland manager last December, but maintained the challenge and timing of taking over at the Suffolk club was right for his return to the game.

Magilton fell victim to the Portman Road regime's top-flight aspirations when he was sacked after failing to lead the Tractor Boys into the play-offs following a £12million spending spree, funded by owner Marcus Evans.

"There are lots of clubs in the Championship who feel they belong in the Premiership - Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United; look at Charlton now," said Keane, who took Sunderland up in his first season in charge.

Coach Bryan Klug has placed in charge of the first team for Saturday's game at Cardiff while Keane acquaints himself with his new surroundings.

And the new boss will take his time before deciding whether the current squad needs a major overhaul.

"I am very open minded," Keane said. "There are a lot of injured players and a lot of players out of contract.

"It will be a busy few months coming up. I will probably be bringing in one or two players, but not over the next few weeks."