It’s entirely possible that Sam Allardyce is in pole position to become the next manager of Blackburn Rovers. After all, he has been interviewed at Ewood Park about the position and has demonstrated his prowess in the Premier League with Bolton. Some might argue he might have done well at St James’ Park if he’d been given the opportunity, although that was cut short by some fickle fans and an owner who knows less about football than my great aunt.

The Guardian report that other ‘candidate’ Paul Ince has had no contact from Rovers, although it certainly sounds as though he’d like a phone call, practically dribbling when it comes to talking about their stature as a club. Should the Lancashire outfit give the MK Dons boss a chance, or will they plump for the plump figure of Allardyce instead?

“At the moment I am preparing for the season with Milton Keynes,” said the former England captain. “I can’t make any decisions until I get a phone call from my chairman at Milton Keynes saying ‘Blackburn have permission to speak to you’. Blackburn are a great club, great traditions, a lovely family club. It is absolutely a fantastic club.”

So you’re a fan of Blackburn then Incey? That’s news to us, after all, you’ve got no connections with the place, apart from the fact that your old playing mate Sparky used to manage there. Is this a come-and-get-me-plea or what?