Former Wolves boss tipped to become new Blackburn Rovers manager amid John Eustace exit

Blackburn are expected to be managerless for their Championship fixture away at West Bromwich Albion tonight as current head coach John Eustace is closing in on a move to Derby County.

The former Birmingham City boss has held talks with the Rams’ hierarchy and is set to complete the switch after the compensation clause was activated in his Rovers contract. Swapping a team in the play-off fight for a side deep in the mire at the other end of the standings isn’t for everyone, but Eustace clearly fancies the challenge.

Derby are currently 21st in the Championship standings, above 22nd-placed Hull City by goals scored. The Rams find themselves in a precarious position but Eustace is seemingly confident he can steer them clear from the drop and then achieve greater success than Blackburn in the next few years.

Regardless of the thinking behind the move, the reality is Blackburn are set to be without a manager at a pivotal stage of the season. With 15 games to go, Rovers are in sixth place but just one point ahead of Middlesbrough, who have a game in hand. Appointing the right or wrong replacement for Eustace could be the difference between play-off football or nothing come the end of the season.

Gary O’Neil emerges as early favourite

With Eustace’s exit imminent, the search for a new Blackburn manager is set to follow and former Wolves and AFC Bournemouth man Gary O’Neil has surfaced as the bookies’ favourite. A report from journalist Alan Nixon - via his Patreon page - suggests O’Neil has already been added to a shortlist.

The 41-year-old has been out of a job since leaving the Wolves post in December following a 2-1 home defeat to fellow Premier League relegation battlers Ipswich Town. O’Neil was backed through poor form for several months by the Wolves board but patience was eventually lost with the Old Gold in the bottom three.

Nixon’s article states Blackburn have been planning for the eventuality of Eustace’s departure for some time and have put a few names together. O’Neil, available as a free agent, is at the head of the list, with ex-Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka also admired by the Rovers hierarchy.

Others said to be of interest are former Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carlvahal and ex-Young Boys head coach Raphael Wicky, who recently went close to taking over at West Brom. Movement is expected in the coming days.