With the season fading fast it allows for conjecture on what matters most at present to Sunderland fans, the latest to accept the challenge of guiding the club onwards and upwards. There is no intention to engage in a weekly view on the perceived runners and riders but I can’t let the opportunity pass without focus on one former teammate and former manager of the club.

Whilst the games are non-negotiable what is, is the process and appointment of the latest office occupier of the managerial position.

As one manager leaves, the bookmakers of the land speculate, influential fans share whispers and clubs talk of 'thorough processes' and 'shortlists'. The latter feeds the idea of endless endeavour, the inference of communal graft with the same desired objectives. There is a truth but perhaps not the whole.

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With a structure in place, notably with a firmly embedded sporting director, it does allow for wonder as to whether the criteria in the mind of decision making individuals isn't always who is the best candidate, more who will make my life easy, who will we get along with and whose aspirations won't exceed our own.

And so, to the idea of Roy Keane. The return.

It is not difficult to understand those who advocate such an outcome. Desire to succeed, high standards and a lack of a footballing filter to let those in assembly know when their performances are unaligned with his expectations. If that isn't enough then reference to the Championship season of 2006/07 would bring back memories of Keane taking Sunderland from a relegation position in September to champions the following May. On the face of it, what is not to like. This becomes all the more relevant if you happen to subscribe to the idea that what Sunderland often lacks is sustainable leadership and drive towards meaningful prosperity.

That, too, conveys a truth but falls short in the elements of whole and nothing but.

The Roy Keane of now is wholly different to the recently retired player who took up managerial residency at the Stadium of Light in 2006. A stellar playing career had just finished, many of his soon to be charges had played against him and several had the privilege - some may argue that point - of lining up in battle alongside him. His stock was high amongst fellow players, respect a given, and fear of even a voiceless look would have players motivated to go and perform.

But whilst he may argue he hasn't changed that much there is little doubt that both the game has and, as important, the perception of him from the current crop of players.

Footage would inform of an almost peerless leader, a consistent driving force who made others better but the instinctive thought of him now is the analyst on TV who can often be relied upon to create good television with a cutting comment or diatribe regarding the shortcomings of those who happen to be playing that day.

His last posting as the primary figure was a relatively short time at Ipswich. That concluded in early 2011. It is not uncommon for managers to spend time away from the rigours of elite management. It is, however, almost unheard of for a club to consider an appointment when the candidate in question has, for over a decade, only acted with responsibility on a training ground as an intermittent assistant.

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Roy Keane has been approached by various clubs over the years regarding the managerial role. Unlike many other candidates, however, he is inclined to enter negotiations and create the impression that it is he who is interviewing the club, not the other way round.

That is part of his strength but it may highlight a weakness in others, those who may share the destination but who may wince at the idea of the journey.

Personally, I can't see it. But when does football ever stick to script?