By Chris Wheeler
Harry Redknapp has emerged as a shock contender to take over as Blackburn Rovers manager.
Sportsmail understands that the former Tottenham boss will throw his hat into the ring after he was persuaded to drop down into the Championship by Blackburn’s global advisor Shebby Singh.
Singh initially targeted young up-and-coming coaches who had played for Blackburn like Tim Sherwood and Billy McKinlay, but an outcry from supporters has convinced him to look at a more experienced option in Redknapp.
The 65-year-old has been working in an advisory role at his old club Bournemouth since he left Spurs in June, but sources close to Redknapp have confirmed that he would be very interested in succeeding Steve Kean and has no qualms about moving to Lancashire from his home on the South Coast.
Preliminary discussions have already taken place with his representatives and he is expected to have a formal interview at Ewood Park before the weekend.
Singh said: ‘We understand that many fans are feeling frustrated. But we said from the outset that we would not be rushed into an appointment, this is too big a decision for that.’
Former West Ham boss Redknapp would represent a major coup for Singh as he strives to appease those fans and restore the club to the glory days they enjoyed under Jack Walker’s ownership.
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway and Molde’s Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remain in contention, although former Bolton boss Owen Coyle is believed to have shown little interest when he was approached earlier this week.
Despite Singh’s change of direction, Chorley manager and former Blackburn midfielder Garry Flitcroft is also being considered.
Flitcroft was in the stands at Ewood to see caretaker boss Eric Black celebrate his first win in five games since Kean’s departure.
Black had urged owners Venky’s to install the new man as soon as possible after overseeing a disappointing run of three draws and a defeat, but at least he had something to smile about as an early goal from Grant Hanley lifted Blackburn up six places to fifth.
The Scot is expected to stay in charge for Saturday’s home game against Watford and hopes the win will calm his side’s nerves.
‘My only target now is Watford,’ said Black.
‘We have to resolve this feeling of anxiety which invites pressure, but hopefully this will make a big difference.’
Meanwhile, Blackburn are close to signing Cameron Jerome on a short-term loan deal after the striker became surplus to requirements at Stoke.
