CARETAKER boss Eric Black says Harry Redknapp would be a ‘sensational’ move for Blackburn Rovers, if the former Tottenham manager is serious about his interest in the Ewood Park vacancy.

Redknapp has indicated privately that he would be willing to consider the job, although it still seems unlikely at this stage that Rovers will be able to land the 65-year-old.

Rovers are yet to make contact with Redknapp and are continuing to pursue their current shortlist as they look to find a replacement for Steve Kean.

They could be set to make an approach for Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, with the Seasiders still braced.

But Rovers are understood to be open to discussing the role with Redknapp if he is genuine.

Rovers currently have Black in temporary charge ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Watford and the caretaker boss believes it would be an incredible coup for the club if they could secure Redknapp.

“Harry Redknapp is an exceptional manager, over the years he’s proved that,” said Black.

“He’s managed at the top level, so he’s a top quality candidate I would suggest.

“I think he would be a sensational appointment.”

“Whether that happens I don’t know. Harry has worked at the highest level.


“What he deems to be the challenge I don’t know.”


There were conflicting reports over Redknapp’s interest yesterday, with one article claiming he had said there was ‘no chance’ he would be tempted by the Rovers job.


Redknapp was tipped for the England job earlier this year before being surprisingly sacked by Tottenham, despite guiding them to fourth in the Premier League.


He is based on the south coast and has never previously managed in the north, but sources close to him insist that he would consider Rovers, providing he received assurances that he would get the budget and control that he wanted.


Rovers midfielder David Dunn said: “If Shebby could persuade Harry to have a serious think about coming to Ewood Park then I would imagine it would be one of the better decisions that Venky’s have made over the last couple of years.


“We have got a very good squad and we still have an outstanding chance of getting promotion.


“I am sure if Harry was interested and the club could persuade him to come to the club, then hopefully we could get promotion.”


Rovers made an official approach to Fulham for their first-team coach Billy McKinlay earlier this week, but were refused permission to speak to the Scot.


Rovers’ interest has now cooled, with the move proving unpopular with fans, and Fulham boss Martin Jol says permission would have been granted if the Cottagers were convinced McKinlay was the number one choice.

“They asked us a couple of days ago if they can talk to him and we said no,” Jol said.


“If you say yes it opens the door for other clubs to talk to my one of my staff members.


“If they said, ‘He’s our number one choice’, I’d probably tell them they can talk to him.


“But there are always big lists in football and I want Billy to stay.,” he added.


Meanwhile, midfielder Dunn is expected to miss Rovers’ match with Watford with the midfielder awaiting the result of a scan on a calf injury picked up in the midweek victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

And Black confirmed that he has made an enquiry about a loan move for Stoke striker Cameron Jerome, and Potters boss Tony Pulis said he would consider a three-month deal.


But Black was a little more cautious about whether that would happen given he has not yet got the go-ahead to sign players.


“I haven’t spoken to the owners,” he said. “I’m just doing my job and having a look, and should there be an opportunity then I’ll be in a position to suggest someone.


“If we can bring a striker in that would be good, but we’ll see what happens.”