Eustace exit more disappointing than surprising
As the old adage goes, "nothing surprises you in football" - but Blackburn looking for a new head coach a year after appointing John Eustace is more disappointing than surprising.
On the face of it, he's leaving a team currently in a play-off position for one that is in the Championship's bottom three, and without a transfer window to assist his second relegation escape in as many years.
So what are the factors at play that have seen Eustace move on?
Geography – His family home is in the Midlands, so a manageable commute into work every day.
Former club – Eustace had two spells with Derby, one on loan as well as ending his playing days with the Rams in January 2015.
Contract – Derby might be offering far greater terms and a longer deal, giving him more family security.
Relationship with Blackburn hierarchy – Eustace appeared to be at odds with the January recruitment policy where six players arrived, he gave the impression he didn't have a great deal of input into as many as five of them.
The general feeling of the supporters who comment on social media is a mix of anger towards the directors and owners, which has largely been the case since the takeover of the club by Venky's in 2010.
The term "significant investment" in the board's statement this week has done nothing to appease that feeling.
Many feel six arrivals, five of which aren't contracted beyond the end of the season can hardly be described as significant even if the wage contribution for Emmanuel Dennis' loan from Nottingham Forest will be the most expensive salary the club are currently paying out to a player.
There is also a level of criticism aimed in the direction of Eustace too.
For a head coach who preached the "family atmosphere" philosophy, to desert that family to the first party with a firm interest has come as a blow but judging by the terrific 2-0 success at West Brom without him, it may not prove a fatal one.
The win, under David Lowe's leadership at The Hawthorns, was a classic Eustace-type victory. Hard to beat, solid in all departments, error-free and some lovely football on the counter.
In terms of the hierarchy, previous bosses Jon Dahl Tomasson, Tony Mowbray, Owen Coyle and Paul Lambert have all had their issues which ultimately led to each moving on after varying degrees of success.
Whoever the next head coach is of Blackburn Rovers, their must be clear or clearer objectives of what they want. Are they aligned in terms of recruitment? Do they know exactly what the remit is?
Despite losing talisman Sam Szmodics to Ipswich, Eustace kept his side largely in the top six for most of the season to date.
His departure will hit the players hard. They were always happy to talk about his positive impact on their careers. Todd Cantwell described him as the best he's worked for.
A swift appointment is paramount for a club that won't have been expecting to be looking for a head coach so soon.
Bookmakers' odds change by the hour, but Lee Carsley, a former Rovers captain, has come to the fore. Would he prefer a tilt at promotion with an old club or return to England under-21 duties? Time will tell.
It's also crucial, in my view, the club communicates with its fanbase to answer legitimate questions and concerns that just won't go away.
What is the long-term plan with so many of the players out of contract this summer or next? The model of selling promising players for big money can't continue unless players are tied down to long-term deals.
What is the plan of the owners? The Rao family haven't attended matches for a very long time and it's their right not to.
But how do they see the club realistically challenging for promotion with head coaches walking away - and how long do they want to continue with the club operating in this fashion?
The last time they communicated directly with me was when they sacked Sam Allardyce in 2010. A conversation with one of the family now would be most welcome.
