League One Leyton Orient could be set to lose a key element to their recent success with reports of interest from Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
Despite mounting a challenge for promotion to the Premier League, the second tier side lost their manager John Eustace to relegation threatened Derby County after they sacked Paul Warne.
The loss will have been a major blow to their ambitions, with the board publicly expressing their “disappointment” in Eustace’s decision.
Now they have been left to locate a new boss, as they head towards the climax of the season.
Leyton Orient’s Richie Wellens On The Shortlist
One of the first names to emerge has been that of Leyton Orient’s Richie Wellens, who has overseen his side’s turn of fortunes this season.
Orient were battling towards the relegation places at the beginning of the season, but a good run of form has seen them competing for a spot in the play-offs.
The League One coach has been in demand for some time, having been linked to a number of third tier and Championship vacancies.
However, he had previously indicated that he would only leave his current club when the job was over.
According to Alan Nixon, he could be available for a cut price fee due to a “low compensation figure” with his salary demands “within their capabilities”.
Another potential name is that of Gary O’Neil who is “well supported” at Ewood Park.
Will Blackburn Rovers Get Their Man?
Firstly, it is not indicated whether or not Wellens is the preferred option, and at this stage he is more likely part of a larger shortlist of potential names.
The Leyton Orient boss has always been clear in the past when opportunities have presented themselves that he would only leave, once he felt he had achieved all he could with his current side.
With The O’s once again battling for a spot in the play-offs he may feel as though he still could get them over the line.
However, the opportunity to push himself for a possible shot at the Premier League, could be too good to turn around. That is despite the reported “challenges” presented at Blackburn Rovers.
Blackburn find themselves in 5th, and although they are not going to catch the leading pack of Leeds United, Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland they are well placed to take one of the two remaining spots.
The fact that their previous manager was willing to swap this for a team in 21st in the same league may indicate some issues.