Rovers are back on track (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Rovers are back on track
8:46am Thursday 25th October 2012 in Football
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
ORDER has been temporarily restored in Blackburn Rovers’ managerial search after they moved back into the top six with victory over Sheffield Wednesday last night.
Grant Hanley’s fifth-minute goal was enough to give Rovers a 1-0 win at Ewood Park – their first in six matches and a first in five under caretaker boss Eric Black.
And that victory came as progress started to be made in the club’s search for a permanent manager to replace the departed Steve Kean.
A meeting was held between managing director Derek Shaw, global advisor Shebby Singh and operations director Paul Agnew yesterday, where an agreed list of targets was drawn up – understood to include in the region of six names.
Opinion has been split among Rovers’ hierarchy for large periods of their search, which has now gone on almost a month, with Singh’s efforts to speak to Fulham coach Billy McKinlay on Monday even taking club directors by surprise.
Interest in McKinlay has now been cooled, after a furious reaction from some supporters, and the Lancashire Telegraph understand some cohesion was restored to the process yesterday.
The club are now ready to begin the ‘formal interviewing’ stage, with candidates understood to be both in and out of work, and approaches set to be made to those they wish to speak to.
Sources close to Harry Redknapp have indicated that the former Spurs boss could be interested in the role, but it still currently appears unlikely that he will be Rovers’ new boss.
Garry Flitcroft was at Ewood Park for last night’s game but, although the former Rovers captain would like to be considered, he is not expected to be in the frame.
It is unknown whether Blackpool boss Ian Holloway remains on the shortlist, but a number of the candidates are understood to be in the ‘young and upcoming’ category favoured by Singh, but with some managerial experience.
“We understand that many supporters are feeling frustrated, but we said from the outset that we would not be rushed into an appointment,” said Singh.
“This is far too big a decision for that. There is a daily diet of non-stop media speculation and we cannot affect that. All we ask is for a little more patience.”
Rovers’ win last night moved them up to fifth in the Championship table and caretaker Black said: “I thought we started extremely brightly.
“Confidence seemed to be coming back when we scored then there was a lot of anxiety among the players and among the fans, who were excellent can I say.
“Anxiety arrived and we tried to defend the lead. We have to retain the ball better.
“It hasn’t been easy for the players but I thought their work rate was tremendous tonight and hopefully that win will give us the confidence to move on.”
Comments are closed on this article.

Comments (120)
8:54am Thu 25 Oct 12
burner says...
8:54am Thu 25 Oct 12
thresholdweller says...
9:03am Thu 25 Oct 12
Tatts says...
9:06am Thu 25 Oct 12
old man rover says...
9:11am Thu 25 Oct 12
chegwin says...
Boycott Boycott
9:19am Thu 25 Oct 12
edmy says...
9:24am Thu 25 Oct 12
revjon says...
9:24am Thu 25 Oct 12
dallydally says...
9:41am Thu 25 Oct 12
penemo says...
This squad should be good enough to get promoted but half of them dont look interested.
The problem Venkys are having is what top manager would want to come here with them in charge.
9:44am Thu 25 Oct 12
Miss-You-Uncle-Jack says...
Yet again goes to show the underlying issue here is not the manager (or lack of), its the bunch of Muppets behind the scenes who wouldn't know structure if it smacked them in the face!
Of course I will still be supporting our boys whoever is in charge, but unfortunately our future is severely limited in what we can do whilst the venkys are anywhere near the club. In my opinion. Let's stick together coz we are stronger than what the media have given us credit for.
9:48am Thu 25 Oct 12
dangerous dave says...
Glad of the 3 points but second half performance according to Radio abysmal!!!!
OUT WITH SHAW AGNEW SINGH BLACK HENDRY VENKEYS
9:51am Thu 25 Oct 12
Nuttall Street says...
9:57am Thu 25 Oct 12
unclejacklegend says...
10:01am Thu 25 Oct 12
nil bye mouth says...
10:01am Thu 25 Oct 12
katrew says...
Venky's out
10:02am Thu 25 Oct 12
keanoutofrovers says...
10:06am Thu 25 Oct 12
Ryanb74 says...
10:06am Thu 25 Oct 12
kazz says...
10:16am Thu 25 Oct 12
Nuttall Street says...
10:17am Thu 25 Oct 12
bwfcyeah says...
I am a bolton fan but i was lucky enough to win tickets on the bee yesterday for the game last night.
I was very concerned by the lack of atmosphere from the blackburn fans, u need to be singing away thats whats fun about football, not antaganising a fat buffoon from the wednesday end with no top on! haha!
On the game, the first 20 mins blackburn were electric, some might say you scored too early as you were smashing wednesday then all of a sudden you sat back, then you turned it on again in the 75th min for a short spell again. clearly you have so much quality there for that division.
I have just read the mail article on redknapp, that will be massive, if you get him what a hit, with cameron jerome coming in too, i do feel you need a loan for a centre back too to add a bit of depth cover to the back four. I for one would see Harry Redknapp as the man to coast that divisionm he will get the tempo which you had for the first 20mins installed for the full 90 which you will crush teams, you could easily have whacked 6 past wednesday yesterday.
Good luck for the rest of the season. I will be present in the bolton end on the 28th november but i have a soft spot for the rovers and i will be defo coming to a few more games over the course of the season.
Exciting times ahead for you!
10:18am Thu 25 Oct 12
Harwoodstblue says...
I can't believe we are still in the same position as we were a week ago.
Judging by the quality of the candidates being mentioned, it's obvious to me that Singh wants another 'Yes Man'', that's for certain, as they don't seem to want an experienced manager, or more worryingly, they can't get one.
10:20am Thu 25 Oct 12
thommovat says...
10:23am Thu 25 Oct 12
Navy-Rover says...
10:33am Thu 25 Oct 12
Bangkok Rover says...
10:37am Thu 25 Oct 12
moh says...
10:37am Thu 25 Oct 12
GAZHAY says...
10:38am Thu 25 Oct 12
French Rover says...
The Mail article says:
The 65-year-old has been working in an advisory role at his old club Bournemouth since he left Spurs in June, but sources close to Redknapp have confirmed that he would be very interested in succeeding Steve Kean and has no qualms about moving to Lancashire from his home on the South Coast.
Preliminary discussions have already taken place with his representatives and he is expected to have a formal interview at Ewood Park before the weekend.
Wow....now surely he would be a very popular choice for the majority of fans. He would certainly do for me!
Harrys Blue and White Army!
10:41am Thu 25 Oct 12
French Rover says...
Redknapp and a new decent striker its like Christmas has come early at Ewood!
10:42am Thu 25 Oct 12
londonrover says...
eeee
10:44am Thu 25 Oct 12
1952 rover says...
10:49am Thu 25 Oct 12
blueblooded says...
Either by accident or by design, we have actually a very strong squad that in the right hands, with very few personnel changes as you rightly point out could be a dynamic squad capable of performing like we did in the early part of the first half.
It is for that reason, I am astonished that Schuster didnt even get a look-in thanks to Shebby and his dreams of moulding a former coach into the next Mourinho. Schuster with his wealth of experience could have been a game changer - more so than even Harry I would say, though I'd be as pleased to see him at Ewood over any of the inexperienced managers.
10:53am Thu 25 Oct 12
A Darener says...
10:53am Thu 25 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
10:59am Thu 25 Oct 12
BRFC_riversider says...
.co.uk/sport/footbal
l/article-2222904/Ha
rry-Redknapp-wants-B
lackburn-job--EXCLUS
IVE.html
REDKNAPP IN
11:01am Thu 25 Oct 12
Road Runner Road Runner says...
Now that would be a major coup, and most certainly a rise up the table would surely follow ?
The natives would surely then be appeased ?
How our hearts would sing, me thinks ?
Arte et labore
11:04am Thu 25 Oct 12
MxMave says...
Don't think many Rovers fans (inlc Mullan) have said I WANT X PERSON.
What EVERY Rovers fan with half a brain has said is, we want a "MANAGER" not a "COACH".
Not that hard to understand is it?
11:11am Thu 25 Oct 12
Road Runner Road Runner says...
I'm crossing every thing I have that this appointment or similar to it is made ?
The players would be excited over this too, me thinks ?
Harrys Blue and White Army as a certain ring to it !
Arte et labore
11:17am Thu 25 Oct 12
zenoufthebirdcatcher says...
11:29am Thu 25 Oct 12
srvp28 says...
It's only natural that they're going to prefer different candidates but why has it taken until now to draw up a final list? Surely a criteria should've been agreed upon within a couple of days of Kean's departure, and that criteria used to vet any applications they received before an agreed cut-off date of about two weeks.
The fact that Singh has pursued Sherwood and McKinlay without the backing of Shaw or Agnew not only highlights exactly how out of his depth he is in his job, but also leads me to believe that he fears a proper manager will ultimately prove that a global supervisor is an unnecessary role at a football club. I'm not saying that I think Agnew are Shaw are the right people to be running the club but I do believe that Singh is an unnecessary distraction.
I know some people on here think he was instrumental in Kean's departure but I'd ask you to not be so naive. Singh's 'tell them what they want to hear' comments at the start of the season were not just unprofessional but only served to galvanise Kean's relationship with Mrs Desai and garner him more sympathy with the media. At the time of his resignation Kean was the subject of more speculation that he'd be sacked imminently, speculation that arose from comments made by Singh. His resignation also came as a shock to the owners, proving furthermore that his job was not currently under threat. Kean may have believed the speculation or he may have just been unhappy at having to work alongside someone as self-centred as himself. Either way, under advice from his agent and his legal team he chose to play the victim, with promises that they'd get him a big, fat pay-out.
I didn't like Kean because I felt he was using his position for self-promotion. He was desperate for people to think he was a great manager, a master tactician, the saviour of Blackburn Rovers. Unfortunately, I believe Singh is using his position for similar plaudits.
11:31am Thu 25 Oct 12
French Rover says...
11:34am Thu 25 Oct 12
handsj14 says...
11:37am Thu 25 Oct 12
Roverthere says...
11:38am Thu 25 Oct 12
srvp28 says...
I'd be more than happy to be proved wrong though...
11:48am Thu 25 Oct 12
mellorb&w says...
13,782 was it? Where are all the thousands who said they would return once Kean was gone. I was one actually but I returned as I said I would. Fair enough the two home matches since he left haven't been great but I've been a supporter long enough to have seen worse, far worse. It seems as though some people will always have an excuse not to come down.
Even with all the problems we should be getting at least 18,000 realisticaly. Or is it true what some say that there is a large amount of people who were only Rovers' supporters in the Prem? I hope that's not true and that many more will return once the Manager's position is sorted.
11:48am Thu 25 Oct 12
Matt Newcastle says...
Whether we agree or not with what they have done to date the latest transfer window did see them spending money, as for the right kind of manager I think they would stump up a considerable salary and allow them to bring their backroom staff in.
As for wanting to come to Blackburn tell me what is not to admire about the place. Fantastic training facilities ( which does have an influence when your there most days of your working life) great stadium, fantastic area to live, I am convinced there will be money ( relative) for a new manager to spend, and a superb club with a massive tradition.
With only a handful of Premiership jobs available to most managers getting the Blackburn job is a MASSIVE acheivement and honour so please let's not have this "noone would want to come to Blackburn nonsense"
Really looking forward to an exciting few days now the hierarchy appear to be reconciled to a coordinated way forward.
11:54am Thu 25 Oct 12
Dukes says...
11:56am Thu 25 Oct 12
A Darener says...
11:59am Thu 25 Oct 12
raflas says...
12:05pm Thu 25 Oct 12
A Darener says...
12:33pm Thu 25 Oct 12
oh my dahlin says...
12:37pm Thu 25 Oct 12
no ney never says...
No chance what so ever of redknapp coming to bstrds. The bloke does not like the north and blackburn is the worst example of a northern town. He didn't take the newcastle job because he didn't want to move up north so you have no hope.
Terry's of Burnley
12:39pm Thu 25 Oct 12
mellorb&w says...
Last night everyone was getting hysterical about Flitcroft and this morning everyone is getting dizzy about Redknapp. I personally suspect Singh is leaking potential managers to the press to guage the fan's reaction before pressing ahead. Pretty unprofessional way about going about things really. If he does actually value the fans' opinion then he should have set up some sort of fans committee and do it properly behind closed doors. This whole buisiness is becoming a bit of a soap opera.
12:39pm Thu 25 Oct 12
bburnrover says...
12:44pm Thu 25 Oct 12
A Darener says...
12:46pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Is Eckersley playing? says...
t or Times. The Mail? Sniff, athough he would be the answer, without doubt.
12:46pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Londonrover24k says...
12:47pm Thu 25 Oct 12
bburnrover says...
They also say Pune is the new Sandbanks so instead of nestling under Canford Cliff he will have enough pennies to purchase it and race it next season.
1:07pm Thu 25 Oct 12
RespectTheK-Dog says...
A short list has been agreed with six names on it (after reported bickering between the directors as to who should be on it)
And this is what you call being "back on track"
1:07pm Thu 25 Oct 12
noddymcleod says...
Shabby and Redknapp is just PR puff to distract, we'll go for the cheapest option and it would cost dear to lure 'Arry from his beloved South Coast.
Cameron Jerome, a flash in the pan wherever he's played. Whose his agent ?
1:12pm Thu 25 Oct 12
kazz says...
1:15pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
1:18pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
1:19pm Thu 25 Oct 12
benal13 says...
1:22pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
1:22pm Thu 25 Oct 12
no ney never says...
Most of you i know won't post since you are internet only fans knowing the real ones among you will have you sussed.
Terry's of Burnley
1:26pm Thu 25 Oct 12
eddie the eagle says...
It is also the reason fans should not in any way choose the manager,he who shouts the loudest doe's not always talk the most sense.
1:37pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Iiii1111 says...
Redknapp (7)
Holloway (4)
OGS (7)
Hill (6)
Grayson (8)
Mcleish (0)
() my preference out of 10
1:38pm Thu 25 Oct 12
eddie the eagle says...
1:50pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Navy-Rover says...
As for 'Arry Redknapp, of course you must be the all seeing oracle in this field, maybe you know him personally or are you his agent perhaps? No, thought not. How could you possibly know what his thoughts and preferences are now? He's more likely to grace Ewood than he is Turd Moor that's for sure. Get back in your jealousy filled dingle box!
Arry et Labore!!!
1:50pm Thu 25 Oct 12
earwego says...
Read more: http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/sport/footbal
l/article-2222904/Ha
rry-Redknapp-wants-B
lackburn-job--EXCLUS
IVE.html#ixzz2AJYwIV
N3
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
1:50pm Thu 25 Oct 12
wampam says...
1:54pm Thu 25 Oct 12
benal13 says...
1:56pm Thu 25 Oct 12
French Rover says...
For the experienced managers I would look initially at those not in work at present - Harry Redknapp, Alan Curbishley and perhaps as a wild card Owen Coyle.
For new or maybe slightly less experienced managers then I would list Ole Gunnar Solskjar and Simon Grayson.
The sixth person I would pick someone would be the outsider - someone young but well thought of and gaining good experience lower down the leagues - like Karl Robinson.
I think any of those would be reasonably well qualified to do a decent job as manager at Ewood.
Over to you mr chocolate orange
2:05pm Thu 25 Oct 12
benal13 says...
2:15pm Thu 25 Oct 12
srvp28 says...
Like I've said, I'd be happy to be proved wrong...
2:17pm Thu 25 Oct 12
glp says...
uk/news/859072-burnl
ey-named-a-uks-cheap
-house-price-capital I wonder why ????????
2:25pm Thu 25 Oct 12
earwego says...
2:29pm Thu 25 Oct 12
edmy says...
2:32pm Thu 25 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
2:33pm Thu 25 Oct 12
French Rover says...
2:35pm Thu 25 Oct 12
smellthecoffee says...
2:55pm Thu 25 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
Yours sincerely
Jerome Anderson.
3:09pm Thu 25 Oct 12
garyintandem says...
3:13pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Simoncc1 says...
3:28pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
Why, Andy ? I wish these statements could be backed up by fact. Sorry, mate.
3:31pm Thu 25 Oct 12
earwego says...
http://soccernet.esp
n.go.com/news/story/
_/id/1201270?&cc=573
9#
3:36pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 says...
http://soccernet.esp
n.go.com/news/story/
_/id/1201270?&cc=573
9
3:53pm Thu 25 Oct 12
stick to football says...
Dont liten to the fans or the protest groups but do make your mind up and make sure Venkys are thinking the same way or it will be another month. I feel sorry for the media they are getting bored like the real supporters
4:27pm Thu 25 Oct 12
JPainter90 says...
Whenever the time comes we need to be 100% behind the manager whilst he settles in. The worst thing that could happen is for everyone to get hostile again within a couple of games.
If he doesn't turn to be what we need then Venkys must take action at the right time, not after the real damage has been done. Just get behind the man and give him time to make the team his, but not too long obviously...
4:32pm Thu 25 Oct 12
juanbbien says...
4:36pm Thu 25 Oct 12
French Rover says...
5:20pm Thu 25 Oct 12
srvp28 says...
5:24pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Bryan Douglas supporter says...
As for 13,800 spectators for a home game and still not Manager (rivals appoint there's quicker than us) - such is the 'train wreck' at Ewood. Is Shebby going on the PA system next?.... "The train arriving with our new Manager has been delayed; thank you for your patience"!
Rovers 'management' - travelling in first class with a second class ticket!
5:38pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Roversmad says...
5:39pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Rovers1975 says...
5:41pm Thu 25 Oct 12
unclejacklegend says...
5:54pm Thu 25 Oct 12
bbf70 says...
5:59pm Thu 25 Oct 12
unclejacklegend says...
6:24pm Thu 25 Oct 12
ladfromcolne says...
6:24pm Thu 25 Oct 12
owd nick says...
But booing Murphy, a Rovers player who is coming on at a crucial moment in the game is totally unacceptable, ok Murphy hasn't lived up to expectations, but he is still a Rovers player, and that sort of response will not only affect him but other team members, most of whom appear extremely low on confidence at present.
I suppose this is fall out from the Glen Mullen rent a mob, who have now proved that if they scream enough obscenities and dish out enough abuse they certainly wouldn't accept themselves, they will eventually get their own way.
And as a fan base that is what we have come to, sad isn't it?
Enough is enough guys, Kean has finally gone and we have to get out of this division, so whoever the clowns (Venky's and Shevvy) eventually select as manager we need to get behind him and more importantly, the team.
7:25pm Thu 25 Oct 12
wampam says...
7:55pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Harwoodstblue says...
The last two years have been a nightmare with no end in sight.
The sooner this lot see the light and get football people in to run the club AND pay the going rate, the better.
Either that, or please go away and concentrate on your chickens.
8:03pm Thu 25 Oct 12
icannotrace says...
8:16pm Thu 25 Oct 12
icannotrace says...
The problem is that they are all boys brought up on a diet of Sky Sports armchair football. Where I was brought up on going to the chiippy going for a pint watch the game, home for tea, out for a pint and discuss the match then back to watch highlights on Match Of The Day actually actively supporting my local team not looking at Sky Sports and supporting the team who is winning.
8:50pm Thu 25 Oct 12
blueblooded says...
I'd say wish you were here but Evostick league also need relegation fodder.
9:01pm Thu 25 Oct 12
silverstan says...
9:05pm Thu 25 Oct 12
wampam says...
9:32pm Thu 25 Oct 12
RUinsane says...
10:14pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Harwoodstblue says...
Probably be a cheap and cheerful 'Yes Man' again. Remember they didn't want Kean to go. F'kin cheapskates.
10:35pm Thu 25 Oct 12
greenscreener says...
Harry wants to be in the Premiership, in London, wheeling and dealing with his buddies, this is his way of telling Fernandez he won't wait forever.
10:47pm Thu 25 Oct 12
baldie says...
Redknapp-too Southern
Mourinho-too foreign
Mclaren-too English
Coleman-too Welsh
Mcleish-too Scottish
Coyle-too Dingle
Kean-too ridiculous,even for Venkys
Fergie-too old
Robinson-too young
Wenger-too experienced
Mckinlay-not experienced enough
Mclaren-too wet
Flitcroft-too blonde
Holloway-too bald
Roy Kean-too hard
Shearer-too soft
Mcarthy-too boring
Sven-too everything
Black-too one up front
Think i've covered them all,just wanted to help the stayaways out with an excuse for Saturday,whoever we get.
Oh,i nearly forgot,too Championship.
11:12pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Matt Newcastle says...
Michael Owen used to travel to Newcastle fro near Chester most days by helicopter.
11:24pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Bazzer says...
11:44pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Matt Newcastle says...
Ever been along the Ribble Valley / Trough of Bowland
Some of the best restaurants in the country
Manchester for the WAGS
Rubbing shoulders with the Liverpool Man United / City south Manchester Cheshire / Southport set.
No, Blackburn Rovers is a club any manager ( except the worlds top few managers) would relish being in charge of and I do believe the fact that many high profile managers put their hat into the ring. Whether the key movers and shakers have taken much note of it is for them to decide.
I still think we will get it right. Sometimes the recruitment process does take some time these days, just take any major corporate business. Going for any job these days usually involves an extensive assessment centre type day.
11:55pm Thu 25 Oct 12
RoverInRotterdam says...
12:26am Fri 26 Oct 12
no ney never says...
As regards redknapp, clearly you didn't follow his comment and reasons for not taking the newcastle job. How many clubs up north has he managed?
Obviously you're no oracle but yet you presume to know he'd go to bstrds over Burnley. Kinda sums up you and your post.
Terry's of Burnley.
12:29am Fri 26 Oct 12
no ney never says...
Terry's of Burnley
12:58am Fri 26 Oct 12
no ney never says...
Terry's of Burnley
1:23am Fri 26 Oct 12
no ney never says...
Terry's of Burnley
2:47am Fri 26 Oct 12
Nathan123 says...
They don't give Michelin stars to two for one pubs....that's just what they call the fat Burnley bar stewards who eat in them as they look like they have all eaten several Tyres.
You must be a real saddo, Billy no mates if your only chance of conversation is to go on another club's newspaper blogg site.
I can give you the Yorkshire Post address if you want to try and see if anyone speaks English there....or have you already tried and that's why you're here again six fingers?!