Blackburn Rovers set for major decision on next manager ahead of Newcastle United FA Cup tie

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly set to make a major decision over their management team ahead of their FA Cup fifth round clash with Newcastle United later this month.

Former Magpies forward Jon Dahl Tomasson and assistant manager Remy Reijnierse are said to be in the final stages of negotiating their departure from Ewood Park after their side embarked on an eight-game winless run in the second tier. After taking just two points from those games, Rovers will head into Saturday’s home game with Stoke City sat four places and five points above the relegation zone.

Tomasson has reportedly offered to resign and there have been suggestions former Birmingham City manager Eustace has already been lined up as his replacement. The 44-year-old has been out of work since he left his role at St Andrews in October after the Blues board opted to name Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney as his successor. There was some surprise over Eustace’s departure after he guided his side into the Championship play-off places prior to his departure and the former Coventry City midfielder admitted he was leaving the club ‘with a heavy heart’ after his 15-month reign at St Andrews.

In a statement released via the League Managers Association, he said: “When I came into the job fifteen months ago there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the club and we had some very challenging times, but there was a determination and focus from all of the staff and players to make sure we came through those times together. The development of the players and the staff over that period is there for everyone to see and I feel we have left the club in a much stronger position then when we first arrived.

“I would like to thank the players who went out onto the pitch every week and fought for each other with a togetherness and spirit of which Birmingham City Football Club is all about. As for the fans, you have been amazing! I wanted to bring that connection back between you and the team and I feel that we did that. You supported us through the good times and the tough times. You never lost faith and your loyalty and passion has been outstanding. It has been an honour and a privilege to have served the fans and the club in the city where I was born and grew up in. I leave with a heavy heart, however, I would like to wish everyone at the football club huge success in the future.”

As his former club sits just above the relegation zone after former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray replaced Rooney, Eustace is now set to return to the dugout and is expected to be in charge of Blackburn in the near future.