Blackpool, Blackburn and Barnsley open managerial talks with list of contenders revealed

Blackpool, Blackburn and Barnsley open managerial talks with a list of contenders revealed for all those clubs according to reports.

Preparations for the 2022/23 season have already begun with the transfer window opening on Friday, fixtures released in a few weeks time and pre-season games confirmed.

However some EFL clubs are without managers, with Blackpool losing Neil Critchley to Aston Villa, Tony Mowbray leaving Blackburn and Barnsley still searching for a replacement following the exit of Poya Asbaghi.

BLACKPOOL

Matt Scrafton of the Blackpool Gazette says Blackpool are now beginning the process of narrowing down their shortlist of candidates for their head coach vacancy.

Plenty of names have been linked with the job, with speculation and betting odds changing as the days go on, however there are some names firmly in the frame.

Michael Appleton, 46, is said to be is “in the frame” for a surprise return to Bloomfield Road having previously managed them between 2012 and 2013. At his time of departure, Blackburn were 18th in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone, thirteen points adrift of the play-off places with only nine games to go. relegated League One side Lincoln City last season. Appleton left the Imps at the end of the campaign after finishing a disappointing season 12 points above the League One relegation zone in 17th. He did, however, lead the Imps to the play-off final the previous year where they were beaten 2-1 at Wembley by the Seasiders

Cheltenham Town boss Michael Duff, who was interviewed by the club on Tuesday, a day after he spoke with Barnsley but the Robins are trying to tempt Duff to stay with a new contract, and Derby County’s number two Liam Rosenior are also being considered, the latter going from 33/1 to become the odds-on favourite.

Dave Challinor, manager of Stockport, rocketed up the bookies’ odds earlier this week, being second favourite behind Michael Duff, mainly due to rumours on social media suggesting he had been interviewed by the club on Tuesday, yet it’s claimed the 46-year-old is still away on holiday with his family and is not due back in the country until next week.

Ian Evatt is another name linked, Bolton News reported this week that Evatt is happy at Bolton, Alan Nixon says Blackpool are interested in speaking to the 40-year-old, but no official approach from the Seasiders. The Gazette report that Ian Evatt would have entertained a conversation with his former club had an approach been forthcoming.

Michael Duff – 11/4
Dave Challinor – 8/1
Michael Appleton – 8/1
Micky Mellon – 10/1
Simon Grayson – 20/1

BLACKBURN

Blackburn Rovers are preparing to hold talks with Bodo-Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen about their vacancy, TEAMtalk reveal.

Rovers have already spoken to a host of managers including former Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvahal. Former Celtic boss Ronny Deila and Everton legend Duncan Ferguson have also been approached with the latter reported to have had talks.

Michael Beale and Daniel Farke were also spoken to, but have since taken up other offers. Beale now a head coach at QPR, and Farke recently appointed coach of Borussia Monchengladbach.

Blackburn recently appointed Gregg Broughton from Bodo-Glimt to become their new director of football.

Broughton, who has worked for Norwich and Luton previously, unveiled by the club on Wednesday. He will take on responsibility for Blackburn’s overall football strategy.

Knutsen has done an outstanding job with Norwegian minnows Bodo-Glimt, guiding them to a league title last season and also reached the quarter-final of the Europa Conference League.

He has already been linked with a host of English sides. Burnley have been mentioned as suitors, but he is now in line for talks with Blackburn.

Ronny Deila – 5/2
Duncan Ferguson – 3/1
Jon Dahl Tomasson – 4/1
Kjetil Knutsen – 5/1
Gareth Ainsworth – 8/1
Paul Warne – 10/1

BARNSLEY

Barnsley are facing a race against time to appoint a new head coach by the club’s planned date of Monday.

Leading target Michael Duff met with the club’s officials on two occasions, including on Monday. The 44-year-old is also the subject of rival interest from Blackpool, who held initial discussions with him about the vacant head coaching position on Tuesday, but Cheltenham are trying to keep him by offering a new contract.

Another name on the final shortlist was Burton Albion boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, but he pulled out of the race on Wednesday.

Former Reds head coach Daniel Stendel is understood to be among a number of individuals spoken to during the process alongside ex-Carlisle United manager Chris Beech.

Reports claim that there was a mix-up in communication ahead of a scheduled Zoom meeting on Monday between Hasselbaink and Barnsley representatives.

Manchester United set-piece coach Eric Ramsay is one other contender whose credentials have been considered while Neil Warnock has been contacted but is unlikely to come out of retirement, yet is the leading favourite according to BetVictor.

Mick McCarthy has held talks with Barnsley but turned down the role.

Neil Warnock – 5/4
Michael Duff – 6/4
Chris Beech – 8/1
Eric Ramsay – 8/1
Martin Devaney – 25/1
Jonathan Woodgate – 25/1

As mentioned, Blackpool, Blackburn and Barnsley open managerial talks with a list of contenders revealed. Now you have seen them, what do you make of it? Who do you want to see appointed? Let us know via our socials!