Alan Shearer Linked With Blackburn Rovers

Alan Shearer is the bookies' favourite to replace Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean should he be sacked. The former Rovers star has been handed odds of 9/4 with Stan James in the Next Blackburn Rovers Manager Betting. Speculation is currently rife about Kean's future following a shocking start to the season and a severe fans backlash. The club's Indian owners, Venky's, have so far stuck by their manager but, due to the scale and the ferocity of the fans protests towards Kean, they may now have little choice but to send him packing.

Shearer's only previous managerial experience came at Newcastle at the end of the 2008/09 season when he was unable to save them from relegation to the Championship. The 41-year-old has since continued to work as a pundit on Match of the Day. He remains a huge fan favourite at Ewood Park having led the club to the Premier League trophy in 1995 and in his time there scored over 100 goals before moving to Newcastle for a world record £15million. Another option for Rovers is former manager Mark Hughes who is reportedly eager to return to management following his surprise departure from Fulham during the summer. Other potential candidates include Rafa Benitez, Graeme Souness and Steve Bruce.

Rovers recently suffered back-to-back home defeats to West Brom and Bolton in the space of four days and their supporters weren't shy about expressing their views on Kean. The under-fire Scot was tormented by fans during the match against Bolton, with Ewood Park turning into a cauldon of hostility. Kean has shown remarkable character and is adamant that he will not quit. Rovers head into Christmas bottom of the table and they face a tough match away to Liverpool on Boxing Day. However, playing away from Ewood Park may be a welcome distraction for both Kean and his players, who will be determined to win their first game on the road this season.

Odds courtesy of Stan James.