FORMER Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has been voted the “hardest footballer of all time” – despite hanging up his boots almost three years ago.
Keane, who now manages Ipswich, beat former Chelsea hatchetman Ron ’Chopper’ Harris to claim the title in the poll.
Four ex-Liverpool players were among the top 20 with Graeme Souness at ninth, Julian Dicks 12th, Neil Ruddock 17th and Tommy Smith surprisingly only 18th.
Only three current players made the top 20 – Chelsea captain John Terry, Birmingham’s Lee Bowyer and Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira.
Another former Stamford Bridge star Vinnie Jones, now a Hollywood actor, came third and Spurs stalwart Dave Mackay was fourth.
Dennis Wise – the fourth Chelsea player to make the top 20 – completed the top five.
Nick McBoyle, managing director for www.sportingfix.com, said: “Roy Keane could safely be described as fiery, right from his inception with Nottingham Forest through to his immensely successful time at United.
