Blackburn Rovers head coach, John Eustace. (Image: CameraSport - Richard Martin-Roberts)
Blackburn Rovers head coach, John Eustace. (Image: CameraSport - Richard Martin-Roberts)
For about 45 minutes, those in the Blackburn Rovers social media bubble hit the panic button as John Eustace was linked with the now-vacant Wolves job.
Rovers' head coach has performed a minor miracle at Ewood Park this season, winning six in a row to push his team into fifth. Considering the context of the summer and the backdrop of financial uncertainty he is working within, there are few who could argue he isn't worthy of Manager of the Season in the Championship at this point.
That means that Eustace's stock is as high as it has ever been. Twice now, he has overperformed in difficult circumstances, uniting a fractured club and exceeding expectations with limited resources available.
So it should not come as a shock to Blackburn Rovers fans that Eustace will begin to appear in reports linking him away. He will begin to top betting markets and clubs will take admiring glances. There have already been a few.
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The Lancashire Telegraph understands Coventry City and Hull City have recently flirted with the idea of appointing Eustace as their new head coach. Neither made official approaches but eyelashes were fluttered.
I personally don't believe Eustace would've left for Hull, who may have more present and outwardly ambitious owners, but would be a sideways move at best. Given his historic connection with Coventry, though, that might've been more tempting but owner Doug King had his eyes set on Frank Lampard.
The geography would've made that move appealing too. Eustace is from the midlands where his wife, and two children, still reside. The Rovers head coach lives in a hotel in Blackburn during the week and travels home when possible in a packed schedule.
We recently reported that he spent his Sunday 'off' travelling four hours and back to scout Leeds United as they travelled to Swansea City. His commitment and dedication to the Rovers job has never been, and can't be, questioned.
According to a number of reputable sources, Wolves are firm on appointing Vitor Pereira to succeed Gary O'Neil despite the initial links to Eustace. It would've been a step up the ladder to a Premier League club and a commute from home and so it would be naïve to suggest the job would not have tempted.
But this is part and parcel of being successful and the English Football food chain. It is not something Blackburn Rovers, or their fans, can fear. Up until now, Eustace, who has a deal until the summer of 2026, has not attempted to jump ship.
So how do they ensure that stays the case? Eustace has repeatedly spoken about the need for Rovers to invest wisely and continue to grow. They have made phenomenal strides this term but everyone connected at Ewood Park knows the team has been in a similar position before.
They simply must strengthen in January as actions speak louder than words. If Eustace feels he is being backed and supported, there is no reason he can't achieve his goals at Ewood Park. He has complete buy-in from the players, the media and the fans right now.
January is the moment for the owners to evidence that too. They do not need to spend millions but it's clear a striker and left-winger would significantly bolster this group. Even if they are loans, make them premium ones; players that can make the difference.