Coyle gets chop from Blackburn
Dean controversy clips Owls’ wings
BLACKBURN are searching for an eighth manager in seven years after sacking Owen Coyle with the club facing relegation from the Championship.
Coyle, right, was dismissed less than 48 hours after his side gave Manchester United a significant scare in the FA Cup, before losing 2-1.
But Rovers are next to bottom in the league, three points off safety with 15 games left and in serious danger of SHEFFIELD Wednesday’s play-off hopes suffered a dent with a 2-1 defeat at home to Brentford after couple of minutes of controversy involving Bees captain Harlee Dean.
The experienced defender was lucky to escape a penalty shout from the home side after he appeared to push Fernando Forestieri in the back after 32 minutes.
Soon after, the Owls’ complaints were even louder after John Egan dropping to the third tier for the first time since 1980. Assistant manager Sandy Stewart, first-team coach John Henry and goalkeeping coach Phil Hughes have also left the club.
Coyle is understood to have had a fractious relationship with Blackburn’s new director of football operations Paul Senior.
There had been suggestions the ex-Bolton and Wigan boss would leave last week and there rose to head in from a free-kick by Ryan Woods.
Just before half-time, Dean then headed in a second goal from Jota’s corner. Forestieri scored a late consolation. But Brentford’s joy was tempered by a seriouslooking injury to midfielder Josh McEachran, who was taken off on a stretcher after a collision.
Conor Washington scored the winner to was some surprise he was still in charge for the United game.
Blackburn go to fifthfrom-bottom Burton on Friday and Rovers are seeking to have a new man in place by then – with ex-Coventry boss Tony Mowbray and former Birmingham manager Gary Rowett among the names believed to be in contention. Coyle was a continue QPR’s resurgence as they beat Wigan 2-1.
The striker netted with a beauty from the edge of the area, before making an embarrassing attempt at a cartwheel celebration and nearly landing on his face.
Matt Smith had put QPR ahead after four minutes when he turned in Washington’s cross. But Wigan levelled from the spot through Omar Bogle.
Darren Bent was guilty of a horrible miss as Derby controversial choice with Rovers fans when he signed a two-year contract last summer because he had spent three years as boss of local rivals Burnley. Blackburn have won just seven games all term. But Coyle was working under significant financial restrictions, having to sell Grant Hanley and Shane Duffy last summer for £10million. drew 0-0 with Burton at Pride Park.
Nigel Clough was back as Burton boss for the first time since he was sacked by the Rams in 2013. And he watched his relegationthreatened Brewers side frustrate his former club to leave current Rams boss Steve McClaren fuming.
The former England boss was left raging when, just before half-time, Bent blasted over the bar from two yards from a crossshot by Tom Ince.