Pity poor Blackburn fans

Spare a thought for Blackburn Rovers supporters. The season has only just ended but suddenly everyone wants their manager. It would be one thing if Mark Hughes jumped ship to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in three years time – Hughes is an Old Trafford legend – but why would he want to take over at Manchester City?

Blackburn finished last season three points and two places above City even though City were one of the big spenders in the transfer market last summer. Hughes has led Blackburn into Europe twice on a tight budget. His eye for a bargain – Roque Santa Cruz, David Bentley, Benni McCarthy – has helped Blackburn to punch above their weight since he arrived at Ewood Park four years ago.

Hughes has also been linked with the Chelsea job but the smart money is on the former Wales manager replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson at City before the end of the week. Hughes will have a blank cheque book if he gets the job and if he builds on the good work that Eriksson did last season he will be the favourite to replace Ferguson when the Scot decides to call it a day at Old Trafford.

As for Blackburn, according to the rumour mill - and the bookies - Sam Allardyce will soon be movng into the manager's office at Ewood Park.

Kaveh Solhekol

Comments

[Jonny P]

anyone but Allardyce

[Jonathan Morgan]

I know when Hodgson was sacked we were bottom of league, though I still think he would have turned it around, I think the key poinr of that season was when Dion Dublin, decided to sign for Villa and not us. Kevin Davis was obviously a bad signing. I know what the reaction of most of our fans would be, which is why I don't think Hodgson would ever be appointed back, however I still think he would do a good job.

Now Hughes as gone, I personally think him silly, but time will tell; the only team I can see breaking into the top 4 is Spurs, but I'm sure they will find someway to impload as usual.

I definatly don't want Allardyce as our next manager. Steve Coppell would be my choice.

[Bob Sinclair]

Jonathan, it was myself who commented about Hodgson getting us relegated.

Brian Kidd was officially in charge when Blackburn were relegated, but it was Roy Hodgson who put us in that position. We were firmly in the relegation zone at christmas, plus a few key players down, after achieving European football just the season before.

If you had ever been to Ewood you would realise this whenever Roy Hodgson returns and you see the reaction of the fans.

Of course i want Mark to stay, but
I think Jon M sums it up well when he says that Sparky doesnt want to become another Curbishley. Blackburn is a stable club and will probably be the most comfortable job that Hughes has ever had. However, Blackburn is not the stepping stone that Hughes wants it to be into the Manchester United job, and he needs to prove himself in a new challenge at a bigger club. Obviously joining City in its current state is a huge risk, but taking risks brings reward!

[Jon M]

"Blackburn finished last season three points and two places above City even though City were one of the big spenders in the transfer market last summer - has helped Blackburn to punch above their weight since he arrived at Ewood Park four years ago" That pretty much answers the question, Hughes can't take Blackburn any further forward and City will spend again this summer; its his attempt to grow his career. Yes its a risky one bearing in mind the owners expectations, but this is the only job meeting the growth criteria out there right now and he's obviously keen not to 'do a Curbishley' (15 years at a club, no one is sure of your value outside that environment and your managerial stock drops).

[Jonathan Morgan]

Why are a whole load of people clearly clueless about Blackburn slagging off our club? First James; Brian Kidd got Blackburn relegated NOT Roy Hodgson, I'm personally if the opinion he would of turned it around.

Wolfie, newsflash! Walker died in 2000, I think thatburst our late Chairmans bubble, still he was a good chariman, who cared for his club, unlike some. Also how are Blackburn not a 'decent' club, we're the 7th best team in the whole of Englad; which apparently is the strongest league in the world; so we must be bad [/sarcasm]

[Bob Sinclair]

@ Wolfie:

You have to remember, the town itself has a population of just 100,000, and with an average attendance of 21,000, thats almost 1/5th of the town!

Blackburn has the highest attendance in the premier league compared to the size of the town, which isnt bad compared considering the area is so deprived. Can you imagine one if five people in your street going to a football match?

Of course Blackburn are a small club punching above their weight, but to suggest that Sparky should jump ship asap is ludicrous!

[Wolfie]

Why pity Blackburn fans who cannot bother to turn up at the club to support the team. Half empty stadium at most games...no wonder Sparky is thinking of moving to a bigger and better club.

[james]

No pity at all. About time MH's talents were utilised at a decent club - Blackburn's Walker bubble is about to burst.

[Bob Sinclair]

The same Roy Hodgson that got Blackburn relagted just a couple of seasons after its greatest ever season?

[Jonathan Morgan]

I'm not sure Hughesy will leave us for City, especially with his name being in the ring for the Chelsea job. I think it would be an unwise move for him, if he does go, I really, really don't want Allardyce; he's a decent manager, but doesn't play the kind of football I enjoy watching.

I wouldn't mind Roy Hodgson back... We shouldn't have sacked him in the first place!