Blackburn Rovers backed for Steve Cooper - 'he's aware of the issues at the club' | OneFootball

FLW's Blackburn fan pundit has shared their thoughts on the potential appointment of Steve Cooper

Blackburn Rovers remain on the hunt for a new permanent manager heading into next season after securing Championship survival, and are taking their time to ensure they make the correct decision.

Second-tier football will be coming to Ewood Park once again next season, with Blackburn having secured survival for another year, although at various stages, it didn't look pretty.

Valerien Ismael's time in Lancashire ended in disappointing circumstances, with the club embroiled in a relegation battle. In stepped Michael O'Neill, balancing his duties with Northern Ireland, who managed to keep the former Premier League champions afloat by picking up 20 points in 15 games at the helm.

O'Neill was subsequently offered a three-year deal to remain at Ewood Park, but turned it down in favour of remaining with his national side, leaving Blackburn looking elsewhere.

Former Stockport County boss Dave Challinor has been touted for the role as of late, but Rovers may consider making a move for a former play-off-winning boss instead, who has just become available.

Blackburn Rovers should consider former Swansea City and Nottingham Forest boss for the manager vacancy

Welsh manager Steve Cooper is currently without a club following his recent dismissal from Danish side Brondby, having failed to secure European football for the club.

Cooper has previously spent time in charge of both Swansea City and Nottingham Forest during three consecutive years in the Championship, achieving a play-off finish each time.

He would go one better on every occasion, losing out in the semi-finals the first time around, the final the second time around, and winning the play-offs third time lucky.

His most recent role in England was with Leicester City, with whom he struggled in the top flight after replacing Enzo Maresca at the helm, and would be subsequently replaced himself by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Football League World's Blackburn fan pundit, Simon Middlehurst, has provided his thoughts on whether Cooper should be someone the club should be looking at for the vacant managerial role following his recent availability.

Simon said: "Yeah, definitely. I think Steve Cooper would definitely be someone that Blackburn should be looking at. Whether he would actually come to Blackburn is a different matter.

"He's definitely someone who's got a lot of experience. He's obviously been very successful in some of his roles that he's done. But saying that, though, on the other side, he has also been critical towards Blackburn.

"A couple of years ago, when we were looking at one of the players at Forest, it never went through, and he was very critical of Blackburn. So I don't think personally he would come.

"He's aware of the issues at the club himself. But saying that, though, he would be someone that we should be looking at. You know, he's got great managerial experience and any club would be lucky to have him in the Championship."

Blackburn must consider Steve Cooper before deciding on their next manager ahead of a crucial summer transfer window

It goes without saying that this summer is a huge one for Blackburn.

The lack of investment in the playing squad has been evident over the years, and it very nearly caught up with them this season, and almost certainly would have if it weren't for the brilliance of O'Neill.

Before any incomings can be made, ideally, a manager needs to be appointed so that they can sign off on any potential arrivals.

Recruitment has been a hot talking point at Ewood Park over the past few years, with supporters criticising the club for their transfer dealings, or lack thereof.

Blackburn were knocking on the relegation trapdoor this season, and whoever they decide to appoint must ensure the same thing doesn't happen again next time around, otherwise they may not be so lucky.

Cooper has displayed his ability at Championship level before, though guiding Blackburn into the top six would be his toughest task to date, but he may well relish the opportunity, as the club should absolutely consider him as a possibility.