Solskjaer among big contenders to be next Blackburn Rovers manager (From Lancashire Telegraph)
When news happens, text LT and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
Solskjaer among big contenders to be next Blackburn Rovers manager
10:05am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
FORMER Manchester United ace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as a shock early contender for the Ewood Park hot seat – with Blackburn Rovers ‘flooded’ with applications from ‘big managerial names’.
Solskjaer, manager at Norwegian champions Molde, is understood to have yesterday expressed an interest in the vacant position at Rovers as the race to succeed Steve Kean hots up ahead of this evening’s trip to Nottingham Forest. Former Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster, ex Swansea manager Paulo Sousa, Motherwell number one Stuart McCall and former England international Terry Butcher are also believed to have thrown their hat into the ring.
Former Rovers star Garry Flitcroft is believed to be keen on being considered, with Alan Shearer and Roy Keane also understood to be willing to discuss the position with owners Venky’s - although neither are understood to have formally applied yet.
Rovers though insist they will not rush the decision and, with assistant Eric Black at the helm for tonight’s City Ground trip and Saturday’s visit of Wolves, won’t start drawing up their shortlist until after the weekend.
Black would also be seriously considered for the full time position as well, if he indicates he wants it, but for the moment his focus in solely on keeping Rovers’ promotion bid on track.
Rovers’ global advisor said: “There are a lot of people out there who are interested in the job.
“After what we have been through as a club you would think people would shy away and be frightened because, up until now, we have only been shrouded in bad publicity. But obviously not and that is very, very pleasing.
“This is a big club, it is always a big club and the indication that this really is an attractive job comes in the number of applicants we have had “We have heard from big names, names that when the CVs have arrived my eyes have widened. You always look for the perfect candidate and we hope we will be able to find that one person.
“This week is about the football, then the process can start. From Monday onwards we will see where we go from here.”
Solskjaer, who scored Manchester United's winner in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, has enjoyed a successful start to his managerial career, guiding Molde to their first Norwegian league title last season following a stint as reserve team coach at United.
The 39-year-old, who turned down the opportunity to manage Aston Villa in the summer, has guided Molde to brink of defending their title but, with their season drawing to a close, could be ready for a new challenge.
Rovers are believed to still be interested in speaking to their former Premier League winning skipper Tim Sherwood but it is unlikely Spurs’ technical director will be granted permission to speak.
Meanwhile Singh has insisted he knows nothing about some media reports claiming former boss Kean was considering suing Rovers for constructive dismissal.
He said: “I have not heard anything. Basically it doesn’t concern me, it doesn’t concern the team, it doesn’t concern Eric. We have a job to do and we are focused on that.”
Comments are closed on this article.

Comments (80)
10:14am Wed 3 Oct 12
Is Eckersley playing? says...
10:15am Wed 3 Oct 12
Arron1212 says...
10:15am Wed 3 Oct 12
Crow27 says...
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Alan Shearer
Bernd Schuster
Stuart McCall
Garry Flitcroft
Roy Keane
Terry Butcher
Paulo Sousa
Granted its only the Norweigan league but to win the league with a club that hasn't won it in over 100 years and looking like retaining this season is an achievement. It suggests he can motivate players and get extra out of them.
10:19am Wed 3 Oct 12
Tatts says...
BLACKBURN FC. Save your fans the effort of inventing new chants by employing Roy Keane as your new manager.
10:19am Wed 3 Oct 12
NickH1982 says...
Also do like the sound of ole, but I think I would want someone with more expierence
10:20am Wed 3 Oct 12
bluerob says...
Then after the manager has been appointed get on the phone to John Williams and beg him to come back.
10:27am Wed 3 Oct 12
Harwoodstblue says...
10:29am Wed 3 Oct 12
shankar3758 says...
10:29am Wed 3 Oct 12
fudgingluvrovers says...
10:29am Wed 3 Oct 12
Bangkok Rover says...
10:31am Wed 3 Oct 12
NickH1982 says...
10:36am Wed 3 Oct 12
Intack Blue says...
10:41am Wed 3 Oct 12
plymouthrover says...
10:41am Wed 3 Oct 12
Captain Dreckley says...
Let's see those blues fell the forest tonight.
10:41am Wed 3 Oct 12
R.T.I.D93 says...
10:41am Wed 3 Oct 12
Captain Dreckley says...
Let's see those blues fell the forest tonight.
10:43am Wed 3 Oct 12
jaysay says...
10:50am Wed 3 Oct 12
ewood1952 says...
10:53am Wed 3 Oct 12
French Rover says...
Rovers are believed to still be interested in speaking to their former Premier League winning skipper Tim Sherwood but it is unlikely Spurs’ technical director will be granted permission to speak.
Heard that Sherwood is currently deciding whether to walk-out on Spurs or not (if they still refuse to let him talk to the Rovers).
It would be a big move for him to leave Spurs....seems they called his bluff about leaving if he didn't get the Director of Football job - so it is all down to him now.
If he does walk away then for sure he will be our next manager. But if he doesn't do it soon then he will risk missing-out as there are some well established and quite big name managers coming forward for the job now.
10:53am Wed 3 Oct 12
ronnie clayton says...
Anyway try and give a reaon why you don`t a applicant "feck off" is not really a reason , but perhaps you have a valid reason why you don`t think he would be a good man for the job.
We need a manger that brings in his own coaching staff , Keans cronies NO.WE DON`T WANT Black/Hendry.
11:06am Wed 3 Oct 12
MxMave says...
11:12am Wed 3 Oct 12
jack01 says...
Roy Keane wouldn't be the end of the world IF he got it together and got us motivated like he had Sunderland. What we don't want is another sulking episode with him falling out with people left right and centre.
Stuart McCall & Terry Butcher? Do me a favour. People forgetting the woeful Bradford side McCall managed and other than that their only experience is in the Micky Mouse league of Scotland.
Failing Schuster it would still have to be one of Curbishley, McCarthy or Davies for me. They know this level well and know exactly what we need to do to get out of it. No use gambling our season on novices like Sherwood, Shearer and Flitcroft.
I get the impression that they are very very keen for Black to be handed the job, and will give him every opportunity to land it. For me we would have to win at least one of these two games for him to be even mentioned, but it would be a very underwhelming option. No offence to Black, who is probably a decent, honest bloke, but because of his link to the old regime we need to be looking at a fresh start.
11:24am Wed 3 Oct 12
ronnie clayton says...
Number 2. Roy Kean can motivate and manage he has proved that , and hopefully he is a little bit more experienced and will not spit out the dummy if he cant get his own way.
Also agree we need a complete whole new coaching team , really to start again we need to get rid of all Keans drinking chums.
11:25am Wed 3 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
Ole Gunnar for me, no-one comes close. He's young, dynamic and on the up, an utter professional not some journeyman on the way out. And I hate Germans. Grayson would also be worth a punt too, but Roy Kean, Pahahahahahahaha, thud, thats the sound of my head coming off.
11:28am Wed 3 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
11:32am Wed 3 Oct 12
jack01 says...
Notice I said he would only be a good choice if he could bring that sort of record to Rovers, not if he's going to throw his toys out of the pram like he seems to do regularly. He also squandered a massive amount of cash e.g. Craig Gordon - £9 million!
Solksjaer's only experience is in the Norwegian league at Molde. Slight difference in standard between Norwegian and English football. An ex-Real Madrid manager would bring the top level experience and contacts that we desperately need.
Why are people obsessed with us being a club that nurtures young managers before letting them go to 'bigger clubs'? Hughes was good before he inevitably ditched us, Ince a disaster, Kean a disaster. Why not just go for someone who has a proven track record? Far less risk involved that way.
11:45am Wed 3 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
But Roy Keane would be a bad move in my eyes, he p1ssed on his chips for me when he shook a deal with Jack Walker and then went to United. Last thing we need is another backstabber. He showed his true colours again with Mick Mcarthy and Ireland. Then Fergie had to get shut of him as he was undermining the young players confidence. Thats how motivating he was, he then was the subject of a player revolt at Sunderland until they potted him as well. That after he had blown millions in the transfer market. He narrowly avoided relegation in his first season in the PL and then was sacked with sunderland in the relegation zone in his second season in the PL. The guy was a disaster. Anyone with the amount of money he threw at it could have got them out of the championship, Even Keanochio. NO TO ROY KEANE.
11:49am Wed 3 Oct 12
lusorover says...
Perhaps the serious footballing world rather than the rubbish end of the football media have a greater understanding of the reality at the Club.
The rhetorical question that many of us posed 'who on earth would work for Venkys?' looks to have been inappropriate which I find very surprising and extremely pleasing.
I fear that Sir Alex might have a word in Solskjaer's ear and dissuade him from pushing his application across the desk however.
Of the names mentioned so far the obvious prime candidates for me are Schuster, Solskjaer and Paulo Sousa.
11:50am Wed 3 Oct 12
ronnie clayton says...
DO NOT MAKE THAT A REASON NOT TO SUPPORT ROY KEAN AS ROVERS NEXT MANAGER.
11:55am Wed 3 Oct 12
bburnrover says...
What has Sherwood achieved in management to be so desirable?
12:07pm Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13 says...
12:08pm Wed 3 Oct 12
bburnrover says...
2 .Glen Hoddle- Is he interested in it?
3.Harry Redknapp ditto
4 Kenny ditto
5 Solksjaer - Well he is a young hungry winner.
.
6 Shuster- Been there and done it- still hungry?
7 That model girl who is managing in the Croatian league we could sing get your **** out instead of Kean out.
12:10pm Wed 3 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
The Ipswich role would be a bigger test of his true managerial capability as, instead of being able to throw millions at a problem, like he did at Sunderland, he would have to use his ability. He then went on the longest non winning run in the history of the club and held the distinction of being the last team in the entire football league to record a win. H finished the season mid table. Season after he was sacked as ipswich languished in the relgation places for most of the seson. So lets sum it up for you.
Sunderland threw millions at an already half decent side, won promotion, got found out, got sacked
Ipswich, won nothing, got found out, got sacked.
And you consider this successful???
12:14pm Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13 says...
12:17pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Dublin rover says...
Here are my two cents on the job.
It sounds like from reports that are new owners would like to see black get the job and have given 3 games to prove himself.nice bloke good worker and great outlook on the game.
But in my eyes there is only one man for the job and that is Bernd Schuster
the club should be on the way to germany to talk this man.the only down fall about schuster is his temper and dont think this would bold well with the indian lads. they say there looking for someone young but i think an old pair hands to get us this year and his man has cut his cloth at lots of leagues throught out europe.but if all fails there is Ole Gunnar but how long will he stay at the club if he makes a go of it. roy kean done the dirty on this club when he was going to sign and then he **** off to mu
12:17pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Dublin rover says...
Here are my two cents on the job.
It sounds like from reports that are new owners would like to see black get the job and have given 3 games to prove himself.nice bloke good worker and great outlook on the game.
But in my eyes there is only one man for the job and that is Bernd Schuster
the club should be on the way to germany to talk this man.the only down fall about schuster is his temper and dont think this would bold well with the indian lads. they say there looking for someone young but i think an old pair hands to get us this year and his man has cut his cloth at lots of leagues throught out europe.but if all fails there is Ole Gunnar but how long will he stay at the club if he makes a go of it. roy kean done the dirty on this club when he was going to sign and then he **** off to mu
12:27pm Wed 3 Oct 12
bluenick says...
12:41pm Wed 3 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
1. Ole Gunnar.
2. Simon Grayson.
3.Pablo Dicanio
4 The german sheister
5 Keith Hill.
6 Flitty and Janny.
7 Eric Black
8 Pudsey Bear
9 Alan Shearer.........
99. Roy Keane
Sorry forgot King Kenny at number 2 but I'm not altering my list now.
12:45pm Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13 says...
!!!
12:57pm Wed 3 Oct 12
GameRoverMan says...
1:02pm Wed 3 Oct 12
nearly sane says...
1:17pm Wed 3 Oct 12
FCBurnley says...
1:22pm Wed 3 Oct 12
turd moor says...
1:23pm Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13 says...
1:34pm Wed 3 Oct 12
FCBurnley says...
1:36pm Wed 3 Oct 12
roverinmanchstr says...
The queen is still in her nest -nothing has really changed...
1:44pm Wed 3 Oct 12
harwoodblue says...
1:45pm Wed 3 Oct 12
smithsblue says...
It is so good we are no longer dealing with the previous incumbent.
1:48pm Wed 3 Oct 12
MatthewCA says...
Blackburn Fans Vote for manager post. we cannot go around without our head coach. Please.
Fix fast , Fans backs.
1:49pm Wed 3 Oct 12
madrover says...
1:53pm Wed 3 Oct 12
harwoodblue says...
2:05pm Wed 3 Oct 12
one more season says...
JUST LOOK AT THE PEOPLE THAT ARE STILL IN PLACE,HAS ANYTHING REALLY CHANGED?
ITS ONLY BEEN LOSS OF REVENUE FROM TICKET SALES THAT GOT RID OF KEAN,HOLD YOUR NERVE AND GET RID OF VENKYS AND ALL THE OTHER HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN IN HIGH PLACES AT EWOOD.
2:08pm Wed 3 Oct 12
ROVERSCAN says...
2:51pm Wed 3 Oct 12
jogalot says...
2:56pm Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13 says...
3:04pm Wed 3 Oct 12
RTID says...
3:14pm Wed 3 Oct 12
RTID says...
3:40pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
3:42pm Wed 3 Oct 12
BJS says...
3:51pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
4:43pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Brunzig says...
r Black. I would love Solskjaer to become manager but I an only see this as a ploy to get fans back onside
4:43pm Wed 3 Oct 12
merlinrabbit says...
4:59pm Wed 3 Oct 12
merlinrabbit says...
5:03pm Wed 3 Oct 12
merlinrabbit says...
5:12pm Wed 3 Oct 12
champs95 says...
5:45pm Wed 3 Oct 12
LanghoDAN says...
6:00pm Wed 3 Oct 12
ronnie clayton says...
He then went to Ipswich and even though they went 14 games without a win straight off, he still managed to end up mid table, the following year they sacked him,but the team was a bit lower than mid table,not in relegation, he said he needed a bit more time .
He might not be the answer for Rovers , they may need a a manager more experienced and with his own coaching staff like Harry etc. but you definately need a big personality to manage a big football club, Black, Shearer,etc. and most big time charlie footballers do not have the charisma /personality to manage a big football club,
6:17pm Wed 3 Oct 12
whappen says...
I've never seen Molde play so couldn't really be certain - they may be a hoofball XI, although I doubt it, given OGS's background. He sounds the most interesting option though.
Sherwood's another decent shout, but do we really need to be taking a total punt on someone who hasn't managed anybody, anywhere? Probably not but I don't think I would be disappointed if he eventually came here.
Keeping with the "no experience" theme, that would also rule out Shearer, especially considering his nine (?) games at Newcastle. Henrik Larsson has been mentioned but I've no idea what he's done wherever it is he's been doing it although I think someone in another post said not very much. Probably not then.
Keane's a no-no; didn't really do anything, even with a shed load of cash and his very name sends shivers down my spine.
Holloway and Blackpool just seem to be a good fit. Sometimes a manager just falls into the right job and I think that's the case with him. I just get the feeling he's had his moment of glory. Plus, watching them they look as defensively sound as we have been, which doesn't augur well. Anyone who can't find a better centre half than Ian Evatt just cannot be trusted.
Keith Hill is probably my favourite option out of the solid Grayson, McCarthy, "championship experience" bunch. However, we shouldn't be tempted by the flavour of the month, which we may be doing with him; seems a sound bloke though.
Other names mentioned? We can forget Hughes, Rednapp, Hoddle (my god no!) Dalglish or Souness (thanks for the memories, both of you) and I don't think my nerves could stand DiCanio. Curbishley wouldn't come North of the M25; Flits and Matty? romantic idea but realistically, no.
Paulo Sousa would feel right at home and has managed at this level already - having been at Swansea would be a plus, but ultimately, I don't think so.
McCall and Butcher? Errrr no thanks.
Be nice to have Tugay back in some capacity, but not manager.
Probably like the look of OGS the most from the names mentioned although Sherwood seems to be the man of choice. Singh is a Spurs fan though and may not have bothered looking beyond White Hart Lane for any possible replacement.
Like I say, I wouldn't be too upset if he turned up, but there is a sign flashing "warning, good coach = bad manager" whenever an untried contender is mentioned. The saying is once bitten twice shy; we've already been bitten three times, Harford (RIP), Kidd and Kean. Risking getting bitten a fourth time would just be plain daft wouldn't it? On reflection, it would perhaps be best to steer clear altogether.
So that's no Black either.
I'll send a car for OGS then.
6:17pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Rover Pete says...
Why?
Because he will be another very cheap option who will not make any demands about how he wants to do the job.
Just like Kean all over again.
6:37pm Wed 3 Oct 12
pbirty says...
7:02pm Wed 3 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
You consider Hendry a thieving lowlife, thats how I see Keane, he stole someones career, and he did it on purpose, says so himself in his self sucking book. Would they become the worlds nastiest management team. I wouldn't pull me boots on for either.
7:08pm Wed 3 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
Sorry Mr Spellcheck I'll double check next time so you can get back to making out parking tickets and spotting trains.
7:09pm Wed 3 Oct 12
jogalot says...
7:43pm Wed 3 Oct 12
ronnie clayton says...
8:07pm Wed 3 Oct 12
CheltRover says...
Tough choice
8:12pm Wed 3 Oct 12
CheltRover says...
8:16pm Wed 3 Oct 12
CheltRover says...
8:22pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Dr Zinc says...
Please dont forget that our owners are still venkys !
And they have got nothing right yet, they didnt even sack SK
In my opinion this is still the same old spin and will be until I see a decent man in charge
And that means a manger who has no ties to the old regime especially the agent who has nothing to do with the club
Sorry EB but that rules you out, or it will be a case of 'the same s**t , different shovel '
9:57pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Road Runner Road Runner says...
Arte et labore
PS: Swan anyone ? :)
9:37am Thu 4 Oct 12
Deeping Lad says...