Roy Keane's future son-in-law reveals two words football icon rarely says behind the scenes

Jack Otway
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:53:17 +0000

Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has spoken candidly about his bond with Roy Keane as he prepares to wed the Manchester United icon's daughter this summer.

The 24-year-old centre-back and Leah Keane began their relationship in 2019, with the couple becoming engaged in 2024.

Their family grew in December 2025 when they welcomed daughter Iris.

Harwood-Bellis, who has earned a single England cap, revealed to The Sun how the former midfielder has become a trusted figure in his life since he started dating Leah.

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The defender considers himself fortunate to have Keane's guidance, describing the pundit as someone whose advice he values deeply.

"He's one of the people, barring my immediate family, who I know for a fact has only my interests in mind," Harwood-Bellis said.

The Southampton player emphasised that Keane's counsel comes from a place of genuine care, helping him navigate important decisions throughout his career.

"The advice he gives me, I know he's got my full interests at heart, so he has helped me with decisions," he said.

While the Sky Sports pundit has attended several of his matches, Harwood-Bellis acknowledged that Keane maintains his own commitments and cannot watch every game.

Praise from the notoriously demanding former captain remains rare, however.

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"He shows me lots of support and he doesn't say well done too often, unless I've done something special," the defender explained.

Southampton face a daunting challenge when they meet Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, with the Saints hoping to pull off a major shock.

Harwood-Bellis suggested that toppling his former club might finally earn him some recognition from his future father-in-law.

"Maybe if we beat City, I might get a well done," the 24-year-old added.

Despite the significance of the occasion, Keane has confirmed he will not be present at the national stadium.

Speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, the pundit dismissed any notion of requesting tickets from his son-in-law-to-be.

"You think I'm going to bother him for tickets? No chance," Keane said.

Harwood-Bellis popped the question aboard a yacht off the Amalfi Coast in June 2024, securing Leah's hand in marriage.

When asked about seeking permission from Keane, a man renowned for his uncompromising demeanour both as a player and television analyst, the defender appeared unfazed.

"It is what it is when you've been with him for a while, I like to think I've become part of the family," he said.

Leah is the fourth of Keane's five children, with Shannon, Caragh and Aidan older and Alanna younger.

The family recently experienced tragedy following the death of Keane's mother, Marie, who passed away peacefully at a hospice last month.