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We recently wrote about how many former football stars end up yearning for the publicity which once followed them everywhere during their playing days. While a few happily embrace a more private life on the peripheries of fame, others need to keep scratching that itch and, to do so, they become increasingly sensationalist in their public utterances.

Step forward Roy Keane. A brilliant player and failed manager who has ended up as Paul Lambert’s number two at Aston Villa.

The second half of his autobiography has been ‘leaked’ before the official launch and it’s a largely angry affair.

Keane himself may counter that no one wants to read the pleasantries. But while this book may be initially compelling, it smacks of a bitter man who believes that the best years of his life are way behind him.

In truth does anyone really care what Keane thinks about Sir Alex Ferguson anymore? Apart from Roy Keane of course. And dragging up the past – in a way that Fergie never would – seems like a desperate attempt at some kind of retrospective vengeance which his skewed sense of morality thinks that he deserves. It simply lacks class.

His assertion that he doesn’t regret the Alfie Inge Haaland debacle…

‘There are things I regret in my life and he’s not one of them,’

…. shows him to be a man who condones violence. And his public and persistent displays of distaste toward Sir Alex demonstrates a footballer that has no appreciation for the fact that Fergie made him a household name.

Keane writes this book as if he needs to get some kind of vindication for his actions. He wants people to realise what a bad man Fergie was – he’s surely not doing it because he needs the money – but, ultimately, he comes across as someone who, more than anything, desperately needs to make peace with himself. Keane can rant all he likes about the actions of others a decade ago but his biggest enemy is patently himself.

Manchester United fans: a worthwhile exposé or a desperate grab for attention?