Source: Telegraph
lackburn Rovers' managerial contenders
Graeme SounessAge 55[LNB]Strengths: Would make quick, sweeping changes and is good with the media.[LNB]Weaknesses: Has been out of the game for nearly three years and his last job, at Newcastle, was not a success. [LNB]Fans' reaction: Mixed – was on a downward spiral before he left Blackburn for Newcastle in 2004 but remembered for League Cup win in 2002. [LNB]Playing honours: Five league and three European Cup wins with Liverpool.[LNB]Managerial honours: Scottish league winner three times with Rangers, won the FA Cup with Liverpool in 1992, the First Division with Blackburn in 2001 and the League Cup in 2002.[LNB]Sam AllardyceAge 54[LNB]Strengths: Seen as an experienced hand and has been through plenty of relegation fights in the past. Would bring solidity and organisation. [LNB]Weaknesses: Desire for a large backroom staff may be seen as a negative and has also been criticised about his playing style. [LNB]Fans' reaction: They were far from impressed at the prospect of him joining in the summer, but would be a lot happier to have him on board now. [LNB]Playing honours: Second Division title with Blackpool in 1977/78. [LNB]Managerial honours: Fourth Division title 1997-98 with Notts County, Carling Cup runner-up in 2003-04 with Bolton. [LNB]Alan CurbishleyAge 51[LNB]Strengths: Would also be seen as a steady appointment with numerous successful scraps against relegation, with both Charlton and West Ham. [LNB]Weaknesses: Would not have the funds that he enjoyed at West Ham and ongoing legal action with the Upton Park club may scupper any chance of taking over at Rovers. [LNB]Fans' reaction: The fans would not be overwhelmed but would respect his proven track record in the Premier League. [LNB]Playing honours: England Under-21 international. [LNB]Managerial honours: Won promotion to the Premier League with Charlton as champions of the old First Division in 2000.[LNB]Owen CoyleAge 42[LNB]Strengths: The Burnley manager is seen as one of the brightest young talents outside the Premier League and has turned the Carling Cup semi-finalists into promotion hopefuls. [LNB]Weaknesses: Considering Blackburn's perilous position, his lack of experience would count against him. Has never dealt with players of the stature of Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarthy. [LNB]Fans' reaction: Would be wary of the appointment of someone with no top-flight managerial experience at this time, particularly from a bitter rival. [LNB]Playing honours: Republic of Ireland international. [LNB]
