I would like to see a replacement for Blackwell, i don't think he has the tactical nouse to manage at this level, he's a league 2 manager at best, from my personal opinion.
However, we have to look at whether to replace him realistically. McCabe gave Blackie a contract extension recently so sacking him would be expensive, which will effect any money available to bring a new manager in, be that through wages, or compensation, if the targetted manager already has a current club. Not to mention potential transfer monies.
Bearing all this in mind we can way up potential targets:
Paul Ince - Not with a club so not compensation payable, would however require a sizable salary, because he's Paul Ince, and would no doubt want to bring in his own players.
Roberto Martinez - Compo would be payable, and i think he recently signed a new deal with the Swans so could be sizeable. However i think he wouldn't command a massive wage and has shown at Swansea you don't need to spend to create a decent footballing side.
Alan Curbishley - As stated in todays rags, he may have issues taking on another club at the moment as he is suing West Ham for £1.5mill. That said, he would command massive wages and a big transfer budget, coupled with the fact he's always stated that West Ham weren't in the wrong over the Tevez affair, which makes it a non-starter.
Alan Pardew - Despite his success at Reading, didn't really pull up any trees at West Ham and subsequently demolished Charlton into relegation fodder. Would be on decent wages and a massive risk.
Tony Adams - NO!
Neil Warnock - Would welcome him back kindly, even just to stabilise things. Unfortunately i think his relationship with McCabe would not be the same and for that reason the appointment it wouldn't work. Also, Simon Jordan being who he is, would want a massive compensation fee!
Gary Speed - This would more like the appointment McCabe would look to. Already knows the club, but new enough to the game to bring in his own ideas. Similar to the appointment of Blackwell, but with Speed's success in the game and method of playing could transfer to the Management side. Big gamble however, we all know that most great players don't make great managers.
Joe Royle - Is a possibility, been around a while, knows the game well. Would be similar to the Kendall appointment years ago. Would want sizeable wages i would think, but could be a masterstroke.
Venables, Hoddle etc - NO
Feel free to add any others to said list!
My thoughts anyway, feel free to discuss!
