Former Birmingham City midfielder and one-time Player of the Season winner Robbie Savage has reportedly emerged as one of the leading contenders for the managerial vacancy at Blackburn Rovers.
Blackburn Rovers Seek New Leadership
The Championship club are currently searching for a new manager after parting ways with former West Brom boss Valérien Ismaël on deadline day. Despite the managerial uncertainty, the team responded positively to Ismaël's departure by securing a crucial 1-0 home victory against basement side Sheffield Wednesday under caretaker manager Damien Johnson.
This vital win allowed Blackburn to climb out of the relegation places while simultaneously sending West Brom into further turmoil. Rovers, who were crowned Premier League champions 31 years ago in 1995, are desperate to avoid relegation to England's third tier for the second time in a decade. The Lancashire club have been competing in the Championship for eight consecutive seasons since winning promotion in 2018.
Savage's Impressive Management Credentials
According to reports from Football Insider, Savage has become one of the main names being considered by the Ewood Park hierarchy for the vacant managerial position. The outlet explains that Savage fits the profile sought by the club's decision-makers, who have been particularly impressed with his track record in non-league management.
The former midfielder demonstrated his managerial capabilities by building an exciting young team at Macclesfield in the eighth tier of English football. He subsequently translated those qualities to Forest Green Rovers after taking the reins at the Gloucestershire club during the summer, boasting a combined win record of 68.8% across both managerial positions.
Savage's Distinguished Playing Career
During his playing days, Savage established himself as a tough-tackling midfielder with over 340 top-flight appearances to his name. He was part of Manchester United's 1992 FA Youth Cup winning team, though he never made a professional appearance for the Red Devils.
His professional career included successful spells with Crewe Alexandra and Leicester City, where he won a League Cup. Savage joined Birmingham City in 2002, scoring 12 times in 88 appearances and notably winning the club's Player of the Season award in 2003. He departed for Blackburn Rovers in 2005 after submitting a transfer request, later playing for Derby County and Brighton before retiring.
Competition for the Blackburn Role
Savage is reportedly considered a top contender for the Blackburn position due to his existing knowledge of the club from his playing days and his impressive managerial CV in non-league football. However, he faces competition from several other candidates being considered by the Ewood Park hierarchy.
Football Insider has also mentioned Savage's former manager at Blackburn, Mark Hughes, who is currently in charge of Carlisle United. Hughes hasn't managed the Lancashire outfit since departing for Manchester City in 2008. Earlier reports have additionally identified former West Brom managers Slaven Bilić and Tony Mowbray as potential options, with Mowbray having previously led Blackburn to promotion in 2018 during his first spell with the club.
The managerial appointment comes at a critical juncture for Blackburn Rovers as they battle to maintain their Championship status and avoid the significant setback of relegation to League One.
