Colin Hendry could feature high on Blackburn's list of possible replacements for Roy Hodgson. Blackburn parted company with Hodgson in the wake of Saturday's home defeat against Southampton, which sent them to the bottom of the Premiership.

Now the race is on to install a new manager in time for next Sunday's clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

Long-serving coach Tony Parkes, who has been on the staff for 27 years, is expected to become caretaker manager for the fourth time and organise training today.

But Blackburn are likely to seek a big-name successor to Hodgson and Hendry would be a popular choice with the fans.

Hendry was a cult hero at Ewood Park prior to his summer move to Rangers and, at the age of 32, might be tempted to take on a player-manager role.

The Scotland international's lack of experience would count against him but reservations on that point might be offset by his inspirational qualities.

There is talk too of the likes of Jim Smith and Howard Wilkinson and even a reuniting of the Kenny Dalglish/Ray Harford partnership which took Blackburn to the title in 1995.

Meanwhile, Blackburn's crestfallen players have admitted a general sense of shock, particularly over the speed of Hodgson's exit.

But the club's longest-serving player has called for his team-mates to "pull together" in what is being seen as a straight fight to avoid relegation.

Jason Wilcox, 12 years a player at Ewood Park, said: "It's always sad when someone loses his job but we really need to tackle the matter head on.

"We have had some very poor results, and Saturday's defeat was probably the worst of the lot.

"Now it is up to us to stick together and fight our way out. What's happened has happened and the players have got to focus in on what's coming up, starting at Anfield on Sunday."

There have been signs of problems within the camp over recent weeks with many players appearing to be unsettled. Supporters too have become increasingly disenchanted, many believing that Hodgson had failed to spend money wisely in the transfer market.

Blackburn's directors, led by multi-millionaire owner Jack Walker, are sure to meet within the next few days but it could be that they have already ear-marked a target.

That would narrow down the field somewhat and possibly exclude some targets currently employed at other clubs both at home and abroad.