West Brom v Blackburn: Announcement made ahead of Hawthorns clash
West Brom take on Blackburn Rovers in a potentially crucial Championship clash at The Hawthorns, as Tony Mowbray meets his former side.
The Albion manager spent a five-year stint with Rovers and achieved promotion from League One to the Championship with Wednesday night’s (12 February) visitors.
Sitting fifth and sixth respectively, the Baggies and Blackburn will see whoever comes out on top on Wednesday take the higher position in the table by the end of the night, but the away camp have made an announcement prior to kick-off.
Blackburn release statement before facing West Brom
Blackburn have confirmed that manager John Eustace will not be in attendance at The Hawthorns, as it is understood talks continue over a move to Derby County.
Eustace is in line to take over from Paul Warne at Pride Park, in a surprising move given Derby lie 15 places below Rovers in the league table and have sustained an exciting play-off push.
David Lowe will take charge of the visiting side in the West Midlands in Eustace’s absence, and will go toe-to-toe with one of his predecessors Mowbray across the dugouts.
Blackburn released this statement via their X page (12 February): “Discussions between Rovers and another Championship club over the future of John Eustace and his backroom staff remain ongoing.
“As a result, David Lowe will lead the team for tonight’s important Championship fixture against West Brom, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler.”
Eustace was in Baggies frame before Mowbray
Blackburn supporters are certainly not impressed by Eustace’s actions and the club themselves have delivered their verdict on the matter, while biting their collective tongue as much as possible.
Eustace was a name bandied around to replace Carlos Corberan at the Albion before Mowbray’s arrival was confirmed, with the Baggies board reportedly willing to pay the compensation required to snatch him from their promotion rivals.
Under their new – or returning – manager, West Brom have fluctuated between wins and defeats, while ironically having not yet drawn under Mowbray despite racking up 14 league draws this season.
This signifies a brazenness from the 61-year-old to take more risks in attack and allow his side to play expressive football going forward.