I AM puzzled by the thinking behind the choice of managerial targets for Blackburn Rovers.

Having unfortunately failed to land the perfect man in Graham Taylor, Jack Walker and the board now appear to be blinded by the short-term goal of attempting to escape from Division One at the first attempt.

That prospect, while already unlikely, is surely not the yardstick by which the club's longer-term future should be measured.

For that reason the approach to Dave Bassett was puzzling.

Granted, he has a proven track record in taking teams into the top flight.

But surely Rovers also want a boss who can hold his own should Premiership status be returned?

The last thing that Rovers want is to fall into the yo-yo trap of promotion and relegation and Bassett's record at the highest level is, at best, questionable.

For that same reason, the presence of Colin Todd on the short-list seems to be without much logical foundation.

It should be remembered that his Bolton side were floundering badly when the Per Frandsen transfer provided a platform for his resignation.

That kind of short-term appointment would also run the risk of extending the cycle of managerial change, if the new man failed to cut the mustard in the Premiership.

For all Brian Kidd's good intentions, the club is in a perilous position, and not only in the league table.

The first-team squad is top-heavy and, while this provides strength in depth for Division One purposes, there must be major doubts whether many of the current crop of players could again hold their own in the Premiership.

This also creates the problem that the excellent youth set-up is being stifled, as the emerging talent are struggling even to break into the reserves on a consistent basis. So it is imperative that the new man is strong-willed and single-minded, as his new broom will have much sweeping up to do.

In my mind, there remains only one person who fits that bill, presuming Martin O'Neill is not interested.

And that is Graeme Souness.

He is available, he wants the job and his track record at some of Europe's top clubs is more impressive than he is often given credit for.

And, while Rovers are desperate to find a manager with a track record at this level, I believe that a good manager should be able to manage in the Premiership, Division One, or the UniBond Division One.

To compensate that perceived experience deficiency, though, Souness would satisfy other crieria that are sought by the Ewood board.

His appointment would be popular with the fans and it would maintain the club's credibility as a major player.

As I have said before, it would seem to be a crying shame to miss out on the chance to see Colin Hendry back where his heart belongs in some capacity.

Of course, that decision would be down to Souness, but there are too many positives to be ignored by lingering resentment of Hendry's departure to Rangers.

Above all, the managerial appointment needs to send a clear message that Jack Walker's commitment to success is as strong as in the glory days of the Premiership title.

If Rovers are now settling for less, the supporters need to know.

And the actions of this appointment will speak louder than any words.

Neil Bramwell is the Sports Editor

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