Blackburn eyeing McKinlay

Published on 23/10/2012 03:53

BLACKBURN Rovers’ search for a new manager hit another obstacle yesterday when their request to speak to Billy McKinlay was turned down by Fulham.

The 43-year-old former Scotland international, who is first-team coach at Craven Cottage, is the latest target in Rovers’ bid to find a replacement for former boss Steve Kean, who resigned last month, and he is believed to be interested in the Ewood Park role.

However, he will only be allowed to talk to Blackburn if the clubs first agree on compensation.

McKinlay, who made 104 appearances for Rovers during a five-year spell at the club, is regarded as one of the best coaches in England and is also the current assistant manager with Northern Ireland.

The Lancashire club have turned to McKinlay having been thwarted in a bid for their former midfielder, Tim Sherwood, who is technical 
co-ordinator at Tottenham.

They had also made an approach for ex-Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he would not have been available for a further month owing to commitments with Molde, the Norwegian club where he is presently in charge.