JUST a glance at the suggestions for Blackburn Rovers’ next manager shows what a difficult job owners Venky’s have on their hands.
Is experience the most important criteria? It is time to give a young manager his chance? Would a former Rovers favourite get the fans back on side at Ewood Park? These are all the questions the Raos, Shebby Singh, Paul Agnew and Derek Shaw are going to have to ask and answer to make sure they avoid the disaster of the club’s last managerial appointment.
The Lancashire Telegraph’s poll is just a snapshot of fans’ feelings, but you can understand why there is such a call for a more experienced man this time round.
The inexperienced route didn’t exactly work last time with Steve Kean, did it?
Ian Holloway would be a good shout for the job. He knows what the Championship is all about and has the respect of most fans.
Would he come? Maybe, maybe not. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Mick McCarthy is another solid, reliable candidate, with vast experience and it is no surprise he got a large percentage of the votes as well.
Bernd Schuster is an eye opener, while the likes of Harry Redknapp and Rafa Benitez have to be unlikely.
I get the impression the owners are keen to steer away from the ‘old school’ mould, which would rule McCarthy out.
The idea of bringing a former Rovers favourite back has also invoked mixed reactions.
You can see the appeal. Imagine the feelgood factor of someone like Alan Shearer taking the hot seat?
Whether that would last though is a difficult one as there is no track record to judge him on.
Tim Sherwood is another difficult one. He hasn’t got any managerial experience but how do you get experience?
Sherwood is highly thought of at Tottenham.
From all the early suggestions though, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the best fit for me. He is young, dynamic and with fresh footballing ideas – the exact characteristics Venky’s are looking for.
He also has some managerial experience, having led Molde to their first ever top flight title last season and taking them to the brink of winning it again this year.
Would he leave Molde? Publicly he will state he is happy there but an interest has been expressed from his representatives to Rovers and that means there is a chance.
Whatever happens, any manager is a gamble. Venky’s need to make sure they do their homework to ensure the gamble has been taken with authority and knowledge.
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