Ex-Arsenal star ‘set to hold talks over vacant Blackburn job’ following shock departure of John Eustace to Derby
- John Eustace left Blackburn to become the new manager of Derby last week
- David Lowe has taken temporary charge as the club search for a new boss
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A former Premier League star could be in line to become the new manager of Blackburn.
The managerial position at the club is now vacant after the shock news that John Eustace had left for relegation-threatened Derby County last week.
Blackburn expressed their disappointment at Eustace’s decision but understood his desire to move closer to his family and join a club he previously played for.
Interim boss David Lowe has overseen 2-0 wins over West Brom and Plymouth since Eustace jumped ship but the club are working on a permanent replacement.
And ex-Arsenal midfielder Luis Boa Morte is in the running to take charge, according to The Sun.
The report claims that the 47-year-old is set to hold talks with Ewood Park chiefs in the near future.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Luis Boa Morte (bottom row, right) is in the running to take charge of Blackburn Rovers
John Eustace left Blackburn to become the new manager of Derby County last week
Boa Morte became manager of the Guinea-Bissau national team after being assistant at Fulham
Boa Morte is currently manager of the Guinea-Bissau national team, having taken the job last March after three years as Marco Silva’s No 2 at Fulham.
The former Portugal international played for the likes of Arsenal, Southampton, West Ham United and Fulham, scoring 29 goals in 295 appearances in the Premier league.
He won 28 international caps with Portugal, notably representing the team at the 2006 World Cup where he made just one appearance.
During his playing career, he also won the Premier League and the FA Cup with Arsenal, playing for the Gunners between 1997 and 1999 before moving on to play for Southampton.
After hanging up his boots in 2013, the 46-year-old enjoyed spells working as an assistant coach at Everton and Maccabi Haifa, while also undertaking scouting roles with Arsenal.
His only previous experience of management was with Sintrense, where he took charge of the Portuguese fourth division side for several months back in 2017.
He isn’t the only former top flight player being considered with George Boateng another potential candidate. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is another name in the mix while Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is the bookies’ favourite.
Blackburn sit fifth in the Championship and are on course to qualify for the play-offs.
