If this were the 1960s, I wonder what David Frost and the “That Was The Week That Was “(TW3) team would have made of the happenings at Ewood Park this past week? No doubt Millicent Martin* would have belted out a song about it…

Barely had we kicked off in the Cup clash with Wolves when there was speculation and conjecture spinning around about the future of John Eustace. As confirmed by Eustace himself it all started to unfold last Friday.

The disappointment of being knocked out of the FA Cup had barely dissipated only to be replaced by that feeling of déjà vu. Eustace looked anything but comfortable in his post-match deliberations which were exacerbated when being asked if he felt “supported” (by the club’s hierarchy). A clenched teeth “yes” followed by a nervous laugh captured the moment perfectly.

It is easy to speculate when you haven’t the benefit of knowing the full facts and the bigger personal picture. However, to quote Paul Simon  there were some “hints and allegations”, and you sensed the fingerprints of the Rovers upper echelons would not be too far removed from the scene. 

In a previous piece I mentioned job satisfaction. Whatever the underlying personal reasons for Eustace’s departure, whether they be opportunistic or not, those reasons were pertinent enough to force a parting of the ways.

With an important mid-week game pending, long-time coach, David Lowe was given the task of taking charge and you have to say he played a blinder. I think he channeled his inner Donald Rumsfeld, with the knowns and unknowns at play. 

Thankfully, Lowe went with the knowns and put out a team with which he was comfortable and knew, whatever the outcome, they would do the Rovers proud. His set up was perfect, his execution excellent.

Thoughts now move on to tomorrow and beyond. Firstly with Plymouth  the visitors (on the back of going nap) to Ewood, allowing the Rovers a great opportunity to reinforce their play off credentials.

To the beyond, let’s hope the Club doesn’t act with undue haste in their managerial search but instead gave careful thought to the next incumbent. There is a case to be made for a short-term appointee but given the thought processes in play, no doubt the Rovers will go long.

So, there we have it. For good or bad, the exit of a manager/coach is never pleasant, usually charged with recrimination, regret, pent up feeling and emotion. 

Other than a short-term play off possibility I am unsure what the owners in terms of longevity can offer a prospective candidate. 

Notwithstanding that, the Rovers continue to be regarded as a very attractive proposition in football, with any amount of willing takers.

Returning to TW3, the opening song concluded with “TWTWTW…it’s over let it go” – however, as far as the owners are concerned, I think we’re back to Donald Rumsfeld & his unknown unknowns. 

* Also, Daphne Moon’s mother in Frasier - TV ed.