Dark days ahead?

By: David | June 2nd, 2008

Should I mention the bad news first? Or the very bad news?

The very bad news is that Big Sam Allardyce could be our manager in a few weeks (he’s the first name being mentioned). Yes, it may seem like my priorities are more muddled than Frank Ribery’s facial features (no offense Frank) but this would be as bad as it gets in my book. Boring football to keep Ewood Park even more empty than it is already; tactical inflexibility and an exodus of our young, talented, exciting squad in exchange for old, big brutes to whom a football is more alien than ET.

Oh, and he used to manage Bolton. No, I don’t care much for this rivalry business but I think the locals in Blackburn might.

The bad news is of course that Sparky has requested talks with Manchester City to succeed Sven. The board has reluctantly decided to allow him to talk, and he will leave if him and the two clubs agreeing acceptable terms.

Why does he want to go to Man City? Yes, English clubs are generally well run (look at Rovers), and compared to Spanish and Italian clubs the behind-the-scenes quaralling at Liverpool and City is insignificant. But Thaksin really has shown that he gives no quarter when it comes to his club. A few puzzling issues must be raised:

- Sparky’s dream jobs are clearly at Chelsea and Man Utd. He will probably get one of them some day. However, Mr Abramovich clearly wants someone who’s established and recognised as world class. He won’t want to take another gamble on someone unproven at the highest level (and the only reason he hired Grant was because he speaks Russian). Hughes is naive to think that he could force the hand of a Russian oligarch.

- He’s not doing any favours regarding the Man Utd position either if he plans to proove himself at City of all places!

- Browzing through some message boards it appears that many Rovers fans are unhappy by his lack of loyalty, and many City fans are unhappy about his United history. They’re also smarting about what happened to Sven.

- Sparky is a passionate guy. He couldn’t abandon all he has done here. Does he not realise himself how crucial he is to this club. Look at Harry Redknapp. He turned down the Newcastle job because he realised how crucial he was to Portsmouth. Many of the players were there for him, not for the club. The same applies here. If Sparky goes we can say goodbye to Bentley. We may also say goodbye to Santa Cruz, and maybe even Warnock. And what positions do Man City need strengthening in? Right-wing, striker and left back!

- What makes a big-club these days? It seems that two things do: the size of your bank balance and the modernity/size of your stadium. History? No. Relative league and cup success? No. We are constantly referred to as a small club and can’t shake off that tag. Clearly not many people in football want to be here or stay here. One of the reasons I admire Roque so much is he swapped Bayern for Blackburn, AND he wants to stay (despite rumours of a move). Can you say the same Mr Bentley?

I’m not sure what my own thoughts are. If the deal falls through, I’d have nothing against Hughes. I’d welcome him back with open arms. It may be a good thing - the board’s hand may be forced to give him more money to spend so that he really can prove himself for the Man Utd job, taking us upwards along the way, and making a search for that inevitable successor easier and more ambitious.

However, if he goes, then we could be in trouble. The only potential upside is that the money we recieve from Man City could be substantial and handy, and Thaksin looks prepared to be a bit flamboyant with his fortune (as long as it brings results). In addition, if there is an exodus of a few players the funds gained could be tempting for anyone wanting to take over.

But who would take over? That decision will be huge. It could be the difference between Europe or relegation next season. Still, I don’t want to speculate on it in this blog until we know where Sparky is going. Lets all just pray it’s not Big Sam!!!

I already know who I would like to take over, but I shouldn’t say just yet. Initials: SB