Appleton set for Blackburn talks
Indian-owned English club Blackburn Rovers have been given permission to talk to Michael Appleton, currently in charge of local rivals Blackpool, about becoming their new manager.
Second-tier Rovers, owned by Indian poultry firm Venky's, have been without a fulltime manager since sacking Henning Berg in December after the former Manchester United defender had been in charge for just 57 days.
"Blackpool FC can confirm that, following discussions with Blackburn Rovers and Michael Appleton, permission has been granted for the manager and (assistant) Ashley Westwood to discuss personal terms with the club," said a statement on Blackpool's website on Thursday.
Appleton, who started the season as manager of cash-strapped League One side Portsmouth, has taken 14th placed Blackpool to within a point of fellow north-west club Blackburn in the Championship – the division below the elite Premier League from which Rovers were relegated last season.
Appleton has won two and drawn two of 12 games since taking charge at Bloomfield Road. His most recent victory was a 2-0 home triumph over Blackburn on December 15.
That result was Rovers' fourth defeat in five matches and a 2-0 loss in their next fixture at Middlesbrough cost Berg his job after 10 games as manager.
