Blackburn Rovers could offer caretaker manager David Lowe the job until the end of the season should they get a result against Swansea City this weekend, according to reports.
The Championship outfit were thrown into disarray earlier this month when head coach John Eustace opted to leave Ewood Park to take on the vacant position at league rivals Derby County. It was a decision that baffled many, with Blackburn currently in a strong position to secure a play-off place whilst the Rams are battling towards the foot of the table.
Eustace had performed wonders since taking on the job last year. He guided the club to safety before launching an unlikely assault on promotion. However, with his exit confirmed last week, Rovers opted to appoint first team coach Lowe as interim manager whilst they undertook the search for a successor.
Lowe In The Mix To Succeed Eustace
The 59-year-old has enjoyed an excellent stint so far, winning both his games in charge. A 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion was followed by an identical scoreline against Plymouth Argyle last weekend, securing back-to-back wins for the first time since December.
According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, speaking to EFL Analysis, Lowe could now be in the frame to keep the role until the end of the current campaign:
“They are assessing… however, I am told that if Blackburn play well and/or win at the weekend (against Swansea City) then there is a good to realistic chance that David Lowe could get the job until the end of the season at least.”
Blackburn now hold a four point gap between them and seventh-placed Coventry City. Other names in the frame include Gary O’Neil, Richie Wellens, Steven Gerrard and Valerian Ismael.
Writer’s View
Blackburn were initially keen to quickly name Eustace’s successor. However, the impressive nature of their recent two wins has caused them to rethink their plans and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see David Lowe remain in charge for the foreseeable future. They face an out-of-form Swansea on Saturday in what will be seen as a winnable fixture. Bailey’s comments seem to indicate that he would still be in the running if his team put in a good performance but drop points. With Rovers overachieving this season, it is perhaps the smart thing to do to wait until the summer to ensure they don’t make any snap decisions and get the right man through the door.
