Ipswich manager Roy Keane rejects World Cup TV offer
Keane played in the 1994 World Cup for the Republic of Ireland
Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane has rejected offers to work for TV stations during the World Cup in order to concentrate on pre-season preparation.
Keane was approached to act as a pundit in South Africa but says he would prefer to dedicate his summer to issues at Portman road.
"This is a very important summer for me," he told the club's website.
"It's the most important I've had in my time in management, and that's because of the poor season we had last year."
Despite hopes of achieving a play-off place, Town finished 15th in the Championship and did not record their first league victory of the campaign until 31 October with a 1-0 win over Derby.
Like all managers I will be watching the World Cup... you never know what the smaller nations might bring
Roy Keane, Ipswich Town manager
"It's a vital period for me in terms of getting the club in shape," Keane added.
"While we've obviously not got the intensity of matches to prepare for, it will be a busy time. There is a lot of hard work to be done and I want to get on with it.
"Like all managers I will be watching the World Cup and while you'd expect the players from the likes of Italy, Brazil and Argentina and the other top teams to be out of reach, you never know what the smaller nations might bring."
Ipswich's pre-season will include a friendly against Premier League side West Ham at Portman Road on 31 July.
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