I'll always support the team regardless of the manager, but here's why I think Karanka is the wrong choice. Hasn't managed in England in just shy of four years. He left Birmingham perched above the drop zone when he did. At 51 years old he'll be the oldest manager we've had since Tony Mowbray, not that this is old by any means, but in a footballing landscape that's getting younger and younger (McKenna/O'Neil/Hurzler/JDT/Eustace) I'd much prefer a younger boss. His connection to Rudy Gestede is concerning, this smacks as "jobs for the boys". I hope Gestede knows he's putting his own burgeoning reputation on the line with this appointment, the success or failure of the two will be linked. It also feels like the cheap option. I agree you should be looking for value, but with supporter numbers and season tickets on the wane, taking the cheap option will hardly inspire supporters heading into the final 12 games and more importantly next season, our 150th Anniversary year. Lack of investment in the squad and coaching staff ultimately leads to lack of investment in the stands. The way he left Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest. Both times Karanka left because of issues with the board, having lost our last two managers to effectively the same issue, it feels like a ticking time bomb already. His only Championship success came at Middlesbrough in 2015/16, next season that's 10 years ago. For context when he had his best moment in English football, promotion to the Premier League, Steve Bruce was also promoted. If your argument is "he's done it before" then the same applies to Coyle, Bruce, Hughton, Wagner, Jokanovic all promoted with clubs around the same period. The snap poll from yesterday gave a worthy indicator of the overall thoughts of the fans. https://live.tiermaker.com/34616583 as of this moment 83% of the fanbase voted negatively to Karanka becoming the new boss. Combine this with many Rovers' fans feelings (based on recent experience) that the playoff push will fall short, any negativity now will no doubt be amplified come the summer. For any good will towards AK he'll have to hit the ground running. This could be argued for any Rovers boss, but at least some good favour would buy 'him' more time.

3pm update. 169 voters, 1000 votes https://live.tiermaker.com/34616583

I know its only a small sample size but for Karanka 27% Underwhelmed 61% Worried or Fuming An appointment that given whats being said would 'deflate' the fan base at best and 'anger' at worst.

Mr Wicky, decent looking chap to be fair to him

🤣 Completely unintentional. I would like a manager/head coach who has at least been boss somewhere else before coming into the club. Boateng and Boa Morte may make fine managers in the future, I hope they do, but as of 20/2/25 they shouldn't be in consideration.

Something for you morning coffee break or lunch break https://live.tiermaker.com/34616583

Will you ask him to get off the fence and tell us what he really thinks? 🤣

Either thats a guess/assumption or someone has leaked/divulged sensitive information from a formal interview process? If its the latter I can't imagine what benefit (he or she who leaked the information) would gain for themselves or the club. If that is true then Rovers are run even more amateurishly than we all fear.

4pm Update - Nearly 100 votes - As clear as mud! 🤣

Gerrard in to 3/1 fav on SkyBet! Not that I think you should read too much into it as O'Neil, Carsley and now Gerrard have all been favourite at some stage over the past few days.

2:20pm update Didn't include Wicky or Cooper as they were down the list on SkyBet (where I took the names from) Interesting to see 0 votes for 4 of the top 8 on SkyBet (Karanka, R.Lowe, D. Lowe, Wellens)

11am Update - Fair to say opinion is split

Thanks for those who have voted early in the Poll.

Please keep all chat in the New Manager Wishlist Thread Thank you

TIME FOR A POLL

If you were in charge, who do you choose?

Ironically missed his first open goal. "I wish I could have built something at Blackburn, the history, the quality players I had worked with and, importantly, the fans deserve all the success....unfortunately the ownership and hierarchy at the club are hindering that progress. I there saw an opportunity to work for a more passionate, visible and ambitious owner and I've taken that gamble..." Thats what he should have said 🔝 His jibes will be taken personally by the players and us fans alike. The disappointing episode has its typically disparaging conclusion.

With a game again in two days I don't blame the club nor a manager for taking their time in an approach/confirmation. We then have a full week of training and getting ready for Swansea City (a) on Saturday 22nd February, if a new boss can be in by Monday that should give him and the squad the best possible chance of hitting the ground running.

6/7 games at Home Park since middle of January. Only away win all season for them came in the FA Cup 3rd Round away at Brentford. They did get a 90th minute equaliser away at the Stadium of Light last time on the road in the Championship. First goal crucial as it is in most Championship fixtures.

All things considered, the performance of the season so far!

Win % and Points per game stats shouldn't really be used for Gary O'Neil as all his managerial games have come in the Premier League. Just as you should caveat Tony Mowbrays 61% win rate and 2.09 points per game numbers from the League One campaign. Of the names muted, he (O'Neil) is the only one with any real top level credentials. He was mentioned in the Manager of the Year discussion in the Premier League as recently as last season. Then in the summer lost his best player, Pedro Neto, before a poor season with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Glad the podcast has been well received, not bad given the lack of planning and notice. Hopefully we can talk more positively and about more 'on field issues' when we meet again.

Emergency Podcast Incoming ⏰ There are no winners in this. Eustace, Rovers, the fans. A tough day in the proud history of the club.

We can come back to that statement when they appoint a "cheap" replacement. If you're angry and serious, go out an get a top candidate. We know how this ends though, more futile correspondence from Statement FC

Making their Ewood curtain call.......👀