Blackburn and Lincoln City now eyeing ex-Southampton coach without a pro license

Blackburn Rovers are still searching for a Michael O’Neill replacement, and they are now eyeing a former Southampton coach.

Gallacher urges Blackburn to make manager appointment quickly

Former Blackburn man Kevin Gallacher has urged the board to bring in a new manager at the earliest opportunity, saying: “They need someone sooner rather than later.

“This has been hanging on them for a few weeks. Now it’s a case of moving forward. Steven Davis will go, Damien Johnson will still be here and will again be the caretaker at the moment.”

After leading his side to safety, O’Neill made the decision to leave at the end of the season, in order to focus on his role with Northern Ireland, and the Rovers have identified a number of experienced managers as potential replacements.

Slaven Bilic, who led West Bromwich Albion to promotion from the Championship, while also spending time in the Premier League with West Ham United, is among the options, and talks have already been held with the Croatian.

However, the Venky’s have also been showing interest in more of a left-field option.

Blackburn now eyeing up-and-coming manager

According to a report from Sports Boom, interim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane is now keen to land his first permanent role in management, but he will need to obtain his Pro Licence before he is able to do so.

Blackburn have been showing interest in the former Southampton coach nonetheless, alongside Lincoln City, with the League One champions eyeing him as a replacement for Michael Skubala, who could be poached by a bigger club.

Having spent time as Chelsea manager, McFarlane is looking to become the no.1 elsewhere, but given that he only has his A Licence currently, being in charge of a Premier League or Championship club for longer than three months is off the table.

The 40-year-old has had two spells as interim manager of the Blues this season, and managed to guide his side to the FA Cup final with a 1-0 victory against Leeds United at Wembley.

Calum McFarlane’s record as Chelsea manager

7 matches
2 wins
2 draws
3 defeats
1.14 points per game

Most recently, the Englishman led the Blues to a 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, but he remains very inexperienced in management.

A move to Ewood Park also isn’t possible as things stand, and Blackburn cannot afford to wait around, given that they need to bring in a new manager ahead of the summer transfer window.

With that in mind, it would make more sense to pursue a different target, and there is no shortage of options with a track record of success in the Championship.