Blackburn Rovers news: Venkys prepare for potential John Eustace exit by targeting Gary O’Neil
After John Eustace was permitted to speak with fellow Championship side Derby County, Blackburn Rovers have identified Gary O’Neil as a potential replacement.
The 45-year-old stunned the Rovers fanbase by declaring his interest in speaking to Derby after the Rams sacked manager Paul Warne, with the club just above the relegation zone.
Blackburn are currently fighting for a top six finish, with the play-offs in mind, whilst Derby are 17 points behind the Lancashire club in 21st place.
However, Eustace reportedly feels that the long-term project is better at Pride Park as he considers a switch to the relegation-threatened side.
Rovers’ vent their disappointment
With that in mind, the Venkys gave Eustace permission to speak with Derby, as disclosed in a statement made on Monday.
It read: “The club is extremely disappointed by Eustace's request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season.
“With significant investment being made during the January transfer window, with six new additions, several of whom impressed during yesterday's FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolves, the board and ownership feel the club are in good position to challenge for one of the play-off places this season.”
Blackburn plan for Eustace's exit
However, it seems the Lancashire club have planned for Eustace’s exit, with Gary O’Neil as their main target, according to Alan Nixon via Patreon.
O’Neil was sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn’s opponents, on Sunday after a dreadful run in the Premier League.
The 41-year-old had led AFC Bournemouth to survival in 2023 before going on to manage the West Midlands side the following season.
Whether or not O’Neil would drop down to manage to the Championship for his next coaching gig remains unknown, but Nixon claims that Blackburn have other options.
European coaches Aitor Karanka, Carlos Carvalhal and Raphael Wicky have been mentioned as well.
Rams expected to make announcement
BBC Radio Lancashire says Eustace is expected to be announced as the new manager of Derby later today, barring any “late hiccups”.
Sports editor Andy Bayes stated on X that he believes Damien Johnson, David Lowe, Mike Sheron, Paul Butler and Ben Benson will be put in caretaker charge for Rovers' Championship game at West Bromwich Albion tonight.
Eustace played for County as a player twice, first on loan before making the move permanent as he saw out his professional playing career with Derby.
As well as appreciating the long-term project presented by Derby, Eustace’s intentions behind making the switch are motivated by a desire to relocate nearer to his family.
Speaking to the Lancashire-based radio station after Rovers' 2-0 defeat to Wolves in the FA Cup, he said: “I'm away from my family a lot, and as everyone is, I'm working my socks off to make sure that Blackburn are really competitive.”
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