... new Aston Villa assistant manager Roy Keane insists his fearsome reputation is more of a media creation than a reality.
The Irishman had his fair share of bust-ups with the likes of Shearer, Sir Alex Ferguson and Mick McCarthy, to name but two, and reports of his last days as Sunderland boss only enhanced the image of an uncompromising, no-nonsense and almost domineering character.
So why is he at Villa Park? Well ... Paul Lambert is known to be a soft touch, and those in high places are looking for some steel in the management team.
Keane: "I think it is a bit unfair but it doesn't keep me awake at night.
"I suppose it is part of the image which has been built up over the years, particularly through the media - although I have had one or two incidents.
"In terms of working with the players I've worked with lads over a long period of time without any issues but, having said that, you have to be ready to have disagreements with people particularly if you all want the same things.
"In any good dressing room disagreements are part of the game. It is getting the balance right in terms of how far you go with it.
"Over the next few weeks I'll be getting a feel for the group and knowing what they need and don't need - a lot of it is common sense.
"I don't want to confuse you but it will be pretty straightforward - I'm here to help the manager and be someone you can trust.
"Paul sees that in me and obviously Martin did.
"It is about knowing your boundaries with the manager. You give your opinion and you leave it that and the manager will make a final decision.
"I have been a manager before so I'm used to taking opinions off my staff or my scouts and then making a decision.
"There are no issues on that side of it."