WITH ROY KEANE on the verge of a surprise move to Turkey, we take a look at the club he could soon be managing…
Who are they?
Kasimpasa SK are one of five Istanbul-based teams in Turkey’s Super Lig. The club was originally formed as Altintug Club in 1921 but changed to the current name in 1942. They play out of the 15,000-capacity Recep Tayyip Erdogan Stadium (RTE Stadium, if you like) and train at the Kemerburgaz Plants.
How have they performed so far this season?
Oddly, the ‘Apaches’, as their nicknamed, are in search of a new manager despite sitting second-placed in the league after six games. A 2-0 win over giants Fenerbahce on Saturday night means only Galatasaray have earned more points than their 12. If the deal does go go through, Keane will presumably take charge for the first time away to Trabzonspor on Friday night.
Who is Keane succeeding?
He will take over from Metin Diyadin, who led Kasimpasa to promotion via the play-off final last year and had a good start in the top tier this time around before getting the sack.
Have they won any silverware?
It seems not. They are ambitious under the new regime though, hence the move for a big name in world football.
Where will Roy be living?
Most likely in the suburb of Beyoglu, which is separated from the Istanbul by the Golden Horn. Although, I’m not sure if this description from tripadvisor would be Roy’s cup of tea:
This neighborhood in the modern section of the city is home to many foreign consulates, and is popular for its restaurants and nightlife.”
What kind of squad is he inheriting?
A side mostly made up of Turkish players has also got a sprinkling of foreigners. Their captain Fabian Ernst is a former German international who spent time with Hamburg, Werder Bremen and Schalke, and at 33-years-old, anchors their midfield.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper and Swedish No.1 Andreas Isaksson was a major coup when he arrived from PSV Eindhoven in the summer. There are also three South American imports from Uruguay and Ivory Coast midfielder Kafoumba Coulibaly.
So, have they money to spend?
Sure do. He might be up for a new challenge but the Corkman would not be relocating to the opposite side of Europe for Championship money. As well as a contract believed to be worth around €1.7m, he will be given funds to spend by the club’s new wealthy owners so expect to see the arrival of some old pals. What are Dwight Yorke, Daryl Murphy and Paul McShane up to these days?
Their best player?
Nigerian striker Kalu Uche scored six times in Spain last season and recently joined from Espanyol. He has already bagged himself five goals at his new club.
What about the fans?
In a word… cheeky.
YouTube credit: Pokermaniaxxx
Who are their rivals?
Kasimpasa’s biggest rivals are Fatih Karagümrük but a derby won’t be taking place any time soon as they’re in the third division. They have got games with city rivals Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, Besiktas and Istanbul BB this season, however. Probably best not to take a leaf out of Graeme Souness’ book on announcing your arrival in a new country.
And finally, some advice for Turkish journalists: Have some good manners… turn your phone off during Roy’s press conferences.
YouTube credit: tapdown
