The big talking point in the North-East today is the departure of Roy Keane from Sunderland, so The Northern Echo will be leading its front page with that piece of news.

I have to admit, however, that I don't feel totally comfortable about leading on a story about one man leaving an extremely well-paid job when so many others are being forced out of work by the recession.

We have another big story tomorrow about up to 200 people being made redundant from a North-East company and I know many readers will see that as more important than the loss of a football manager.

I completely understand that point of view. On the other hand, Roy Keane is a famous figure who will make national headlines.

As manager of Sunderland, he has been a breath of fresh air as far as the media is concerned.

Due to his grumpy reputation as a player, I expected him to be hard work when he got the Sunderland job, but he's been quite the opposite.

He's always had something interesting to say. Most managers avoid saying anything controversial like the plague.

But Keane has stuck the boot in to the WAGS culture, accused FIFA bosses of being clowns, and pledged to shove his Manager of the Month award in his garage because it meant nothing to him.

Journalists will miss Roy Keane because he was good value - they looked forward to his press conferences.

And, in the end, his decision to walk out on Sunderland is the story which will sell most papers.