SHOULD Michael Appleton join Blackburn Rovers it will be his third managerial position of the season, and we’re not even in February.

The 37-year-old has long been touted as a successful boss having been part of Roberto Di Matteo’s coaching staff while the Italian was at West Brom.

But even Appleton must be suprised with just how in-demand his services have become in the past 12 months, culminating in Rover’s approach for the former Manchester United defender.

He began this season in charge of Portsmouth where he won praise for dealing admirably with the cash-strapped club’s perilous financial situation.

Despite seeing the club relegated from the Championship last year, his early season efforts at Fratton Park in League One were enough to convince Blackpool to appoint him as their new boss in early November.

He began his tenure at Bloomfield Road with four straight draws while picking up wins over Rovers and Peterborough.

But as the January transfer window opened, cracks began to appear at the Seasiders as Appleton expressed concerns over the transfer policy at the club before missing number of training sessions in the days leading up to Rovers’ approach.