Blackburn Rovers are looking for a new manager, and whoever comes will be tasked with avoiding relegation to League One.
On deadline day at the start of this month, Blackburn Rovers sacked Valerien Ismael. The timing was strange, but the decision not so much, as Ismael had failed to get Blackburn Rovers going in the Championship.
As things stand, Blackburn Rovers sit 22nd in the league Championship table. They won their first game without Ismael, albeit a home game against bottom club Sheffield Wednesday, before losing at Norwich City in their last outing.
So far several names have been linked to the Ewood Park job, although many of them have ruled themselves out. Most recently, Bradford City manager Graham Alexander ruled out a move to Blackburn Rovers, joining Reading boss Leam Richardson.
Forest Green Rovers manager and former midfielder Robbie Savage has also played down links with Rovers, although he has not completely ruled out the rumour.
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Here, The72 writers debate who should be the next Blackburn Rovers manager…
Luke Phelps
“The quality of the names linked so far tells us how desperate the situation has become at Blackburn Rovers. Most managers would view that job with great skepticism given the state of ownership and the current state of play on the pitch.”
“To be honest, relegation to League One has been on the horizon for Blackburn Rovers for a while, but it could be a good time to restart, as has been the case with Cardiff City this season.
“I think it would be a good idea for Blackburn to keep an experienced boss in place until the summer and then bring in someone new, fresh and innovative, and rebuild from there. Someone like former boss Tony Mowbray could steady the ship and set up the squad for a summer rebuild under new management.”
“I’m not convinced by any of the names linked so far and it’s not surprising to me that so many have ruled out the rumours. Gary Rowett has been linked with Blackburn Rovers and that seems a sensible appointment, although Rovers are not convinced of Rowett in the long term, while he wants a longer-term contract with his next club.”
“Him or Mowbray until the summer would be a good shout. Nigel Pearson could be another strong shout. I think a return of Mowbray would be a sensible move by the owners.”
Who should be the next Blackburn Rovers manager? Tony Mowbray
James Ray
“I am not surprised by this period of uncertainty following the departure of Valerien Ismael. The Blackburn Rovers board have not exactly shown a high level of foresight in their leadership, so it is no wonder they are floundering a bit in their search for the next head coach.
“In my view, Gary Rowett would be perfect. He may not have helped Oxford United get going as hoped after his survival last season, but his work at Millwall feels the closest to the situation at Ewood Park. He is a safe pair of hands who can stabilize the club and improve it in the short term.”
“Given the problems off the pitch, having someone of his ilk could also be useful in the long term. However, Rowett will not be short of other options in the future and I’m not sure he would tolerate the mess Rovers have off the pitch.”
“An appeal has been lodged against Mowbray but I’m not sure if he will return. He has been there and done that while his return to West Brom failed so he could be reluctant to return to another former side.
“Other unemployed candidates are fairly uninspiring and that could involve a gamble on an inexperienced coach or perhaps someone from abroad. That could have notable upside, but with Rovers in their current position it is a huge risk.
“Some household names that could be worth considering are Marti Cifuentes or Nigel Pearson, while calculated gambles can be made on the likes of Eirik Horneland, Bo Henriksen or perhaps even Gus Poyet. But if he is up to the task, I think Gary Rowett is the right choice.”
Who should be the next Blackburn Rovers manager? Gary Rowett
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