Rovers to miss out on Solskjaer despite overwhelming favouritism

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has moved into pole position to take the reins at Blackburn with current caretaker Eric Black drifting out of the picture.

The former Man United hitman, who manages Molde in his native Norway, is as short as 6/4 with Labrokes to assume control of the club who have been subject to copious amounts of off-field drama since the Venky’s group bought them out in 2010.

He led his side to their first ever Norwegian title in his debut season at the helm, providing substance to the reputation he was beginning to forge as reserve team coach at Old Trafford.

This success prompted Randy Lerner to try and lure Solskjaer back to the Premier League as Aston Villa boss. The 39-year-old turned down the opportunity, however, apparently unwilling to move his family who are settled in Norway.

This factor should detract value from his short price here, given that he turned Villa down a matter of months ago on grounds that surely still apply. It seems illogical that he would accept Blackburn’s offer to manage in the Championship after rejecting the chance to pit his wits in England’s top flight.

For this reason, his name would be one worth swerving if you’re having a punt on this market. As would Eric Black’s, as his drifting insinuates that Blackburn’s unpopular hierarchy want a manager with experience after the Steve Kean debacle.

Black has only ever been an assistant, much like Kean, and Venky’s can’t afford another fan revolt off the back of a poor managerial appointment. His price is currently at 3/1 and it’s only going to get longer.

Tim Sherwood, Rovers’ most successful skipper, remains the best bet in this field at 4/1 with rumours that the thrifty Spurs big-wigs’ compensation issues are the only thing preventing Blackburn from discussing the vacancy with their first-team coach.

Although he’s yet to take charge out on his own, the adoration of Sherwood on the terraces at Ewood Park means he’s going to get a better crack of the whip than Kean did, plus, acquiring a club legend might win their much-maligned Indian owners some favour amongst the fans.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date