Jol and Maradona in the frame for Blackburn Rovers hot seat
Published:Martin Jol has been installed as firm favourite for the vacant manager’s job at Blackburn Rovers.
Former manager Sam Allardyce was relieved of his duties yesterday in a surprising move by new owners Venky’s London Ltd. Since the announcement, rumours have been rife about who will replace the man who has guided them to 13th in the league this season.
Early favourite for the post is Jol at 5/2. The ex-Ajax manager has Premier League experience after his time with Tottenham Hotspur and certainly looks worth backing
Second favourite is Martin O’Neill who can be backed at 6/1. However, O’Neill left Aston Villa after he was allegedly refused money to spend in the transfer market and, with Rovers hardly rolling in cash, it’s hard to see him being tempted back into management with a resolutely mid-table side.
Amongst the other runners and riders are all the usual suspects. Alan Curbishley is 10/1 while Sven-Goran Eriksson is out at 12/1.
However, along with all the farmiliar names that crop up when a job becomes available, there are one or two names that may come as something of a surprise.
Alan Shearer is in at 8/1 to take over the job despite his limited managerial experience. He hardly sets the world alight with his tactical genius on Match of the Day either, so he would be a risk – even though he won the Premier League title with Blackburn as a player in 1995.
Another name being touted about is that of Diego Maradona (12/1). He’s certainly a big name and the intensity of the rumours have been growing steadily over the past few hours. However, going with such a volatile character may be a step too far for the new owners.
A £10 bet on Chris Hughton to be next Blackburn manager pays out £100. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
