Steven Gerrard recently left his position as manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq and the former Liverpool captain has already been backed to take a job in the Championship
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard would ‘jump’ at the chance to manage Blackburn Rovers.
That’s the verdict of former team-mate Danny Murphy, who’s backed Gerrard to replace John Eustace at Ewood Park. Blackburn have found themselves without a manager after Championship rivals Derby County, who Eustace played for, triggered his release clause and convinced him to swap a play-off battle for a relegation scrap.
Rovers didn’t let it affect their clash with fellow promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, leapfrogging their opponents with a 2-0 win under caretaker boss David Lowe. Blackburn chiefs are now searching for Eustace’s successor, with England under-21 head coach Lee Carsley the bookies’ favourite ahead of ex-Wolves and Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil.
But Gerrard’s name has been mentioned following his decision to leave Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq last month. Murphy, who finished his playing career at Blackburn, reckons that the former Liverpool captain would be a good fit.
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“I could really see Steven at Blackburn,” Murphy told Spin Genie. “I think he would jump at the opportunity if he was offered the job. It’s a great location in terms of where he is from and they have some good young players and are really pushing in the right direction.
“He might consider what he has learned in Saudi and who is making the decisions at the club. I’m of the mindset that all managers are improving when they are in roles and he would’ve definitely improved at both Aston Villa and in Saudi.
“I think being in Saudi was just to keep him ticking over after Aston Villa and you could argue that was the role that came too early in his managerial career, even though he started well there. He would have learned a lot of lessons from that and with the Blackburn job, I think he’d jump for the opportunity.”
Gerrard has only been out of work for a fortnight and was linked with the vacancy at Carlisle United before Manchester United hero Mark Hughes got the job. Mirror Football understands, however, that no contact was made between League Two’s bottom side and Gerrard.
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The ex-Villa boss has also been linked with a sensational return to Rangers, where boss Philippe Clement is under pressure. Gerrard walked away from Ibrox in November 2021 to join Villa, only to get the sack 10 months later.
Gerrard said when announcing his departure from Al-Ettifaq: “I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans and everyone involved for the opportunity and the support during my time here, especially the president, Mr. Samer, CEO Mr. Hamad and the head of the football committee Mr. Hatim.
“I express my gratitude for Mr. Samer and Mr. Hatim from the first day I was warmly welcomed and I have enjoyed to work in a new country with a different culture. So overall I have learnt a lot and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well. But football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go the way we want.
“However, I leave with the great respect for the club and the country, I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future, and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.”
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