Robbie Keane, a former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur striker, has surfaced as a prospective replacement for Paul Heckingbottom at Preston North End, following his recent sacking.

According to Alan Nixon’s Patreon, Preston are considering hiring former Irish international forward Keane as their new head coach following Heckingbottom’s dismissal.

Keane, 46, formerly managed Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros before leaving the latter at the end of last season, and he could be about to embark on his first management post in the United Kingdom with the Lilywhites.

Preston North End have approached Robbie Keane as a potential replacement for Paul Heckingbottom.

According to Nixon, Preston have identified Keane as a potential candidate to become the new head coach at Deepdale following Heckingbottom’s recent departure, despite the former Sheffield United manager winning just one of his seven Championship games this season.

Football League World had previously tipped Keane to replace Nicky Hayen at Burnley if the Belgian was fired, and now the Irishman has emerged as an alternative for their Lancashire rivals.

Keane took his first head coaching position with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, having previously worked as an assistant with The Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough, and Leeds United. He spent a year at the Israeli club, guiding them to the league title and the League Cup, before joining Hungarian side Ferencvaros in January 2025.

He won another league title and the League Cup with the Hungarian giants before retiring at the conclusion of last season, and he has since joined Match of the Day’s punditry squad for this season.

The former Premier League striker knows Peter Ridsdale from their time at Leeds, and that connection may play a factor in discussions, as Keane is the latest contender to emerge, with Bradford City’s Graham Alexander also being hotly touted.

Why is Preston North End interested in the probable employment of Robbie Keane?

Keane has only a few years of managing experience, although he has been successful at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros.

The Irishman, who previously led the Hungarian giants in the UEFA Europa League, will be used to the stresses of taking command of important games, and with Preston in a dangerous situation, this might benefit both him and the club.

Robbie Keane’s managing record

Games are managed

Wins

Draws

Losses

Maccabi Tel Aviv – 53

38 9 6

Ferencvaros

82

52

14 16

With Keane and Risdale already having a relationship, negotiations might be much easier, and while his lack of Championship management experience may be a gamble, it could pay off handsomely.

Heckingbottom had a miserable end to his time in charge of Preston, picking up only 26 points from their last 29 league matches, losing 17 of them, and keeping just one clean sheet in their last 27 league matches, as Keane could bring some much-needed charisma and fresh energy to a team that is seriously lacking belief right now.

Preston North End must get their next appointment right in light of Robbie Keane’s emergence.

With Heckingbottom gone, Preston are in a make-or-break situation, as failing to secure the next appointment spot might lead to a relegation struggle if they are not careful.

Despite breaking the transfer record for Alfie Devine in the summer and signing Johnny Kenny, Stanley Mills, and Harry Clarke for reasonable sums, their squad lacks that X-factor.

Keane might be a brilliant choice if his charm and creative ideas translate on the game, but if things don’t go as planned, the club will be in a perilous position, since their next hire must be perfect for their own good.