ERIC Black will be given the opportunity to stake his claim to become the next Rovers manager – as the club prepare today to draw up a shortlist of the other leading contenders.

Black was given the care-taker manager role in the wake of Steve Kean’s shock resignation on Friday night and the Lancashire Telegraph understands he will be given every chance to earn the role on a permanent basis.

Rovers have been warned off their Premier League winning skipper Tim Sherwood, with Tottenham Hotspur rejecting an approach by the club over the weekend for their tech-nical co-ordinator.

Global advisor Shebby Singh and managing director Derek Shaw will meet this morning to draw up a list of possible replacements.

Alan Shearer and Garry Flitcroft are also understood to be in the owners’ thoughts, with Venky’s understood to be keen on attracting a young, dynamic manager. Managerial experience at the top level is not believed to be a necessity.

Rovers sources have told the Lancashire Telegraph that Black will not be judged on Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Charlton as the stunned club tried to get grips with the timing of Kean’s exit.

But, expected to be at the helm for Wednesday’s trip to Nottingham Forest and Saturday’s visit of Wolves, Kean’s assistant Black will be seriously considered as a successor, with team performances and his own ideas expected to be closely monitored over the coming days.

Black insisted he had not even thought about whether he would like the job on a full-time basis on Saturday night but sources close to him believe he would relish the opportunity, with Rovers’ squad behind him.

He said: “I haven’t even thought about it. I haven’t even reflected on it.

“I have been rather busy since 8pm last night.

“We will see what the owners decide. The games come fast and thick. I haven’t even thought about it, it has been a bit of a whirlwind.

“The owners will decide where the club goes and I am sure they will make the right decision.”

Having been warned off by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy on Saturday, Rovers’ pursuit of Sherwood is now relying on the 43-year-old attempting to force the matter himself.

Sherwood, 43, who has been part of Spurs’ coaching set-up since 2008, yesterday insisted he was happy at White Hart Lane though.

He said: “That’s all they are – just rumours. That’s all I know about it.

“I’ve got a great job where I am.

“There ain’t nothing to consider. It’s just speculation.

“I love what I do. I’m happy at the football club – it’s a great project.”

The Lancashire Telegraph understands former Rovers skipper Flitcroft, currently manager at Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit Chorley, would be keen to discuss the role at Ewood Park, while Shearer is also believed to be interested.

A surprise name believed to be interested in the position is German boss Christoph Daum.

The 58-year-old has extensive managerial experience, including spells at Fenerbahce, FC Koln, Eintracht Frankfurt and Club Brugge.

Meanwhile discussions are understood to be continuing between Steve Kean’s representatives and Venky’s in the attempt to finalise the financial details of his exit.

Kean claimed in a statement he had been “forced to resign” due to his position “becoming untenable” but declined to comment further after legal advice.

These claims were denied vehemently by co-owner Balaji Rao.

“I received an email from Steve Kean on Friday evening around 7.30pm saying that he wanted to resign,” Rao told the Times of India.

“No we have not forced him to go. It was his decision.”