SPECULATION regarding the appointment of Graeme Souness's successor began in earnest today.

Former Blackburn player and current Wales manager MARK HUGHES would get the full backing of the players and the fans following his time at Ewood.

And Hughes has since gained valuable experience as a manager during his reign as the boss of arguably the best Welsh squad since they last reached a major championship in 1958.

However, the temptation to write his name in Welsh folklore may prove too strong for Hughes if Ewood officials did decide to make a move for the ex-Manchester United star.

TERRY VENABLES - another man with experience of managing at international level - could also be a serious contender for the post.

Venables was being tipped to take over at Newcastle until news of Souness's shock appointment broke this morning.

And the former England boss has many of the credentials that Rovers would be looking for.

From one fiery Scot to another, GORDON STRACHAN may also be an attractive proposition to replace Souness.

The former Southampton manager has now had the break from the game he was craving after quitting the Saints in March of this year and the lure of another job in the Premiership would surely prove too much to resist.

Frenchman GERARD HOULLIER is another astute manager waiting in the wings for the right opportunity to arise.

Houllier lost his job at Liverpool in the summer after failing to bring the coveted Premiership trophy to Anfield during his six years in charge.

Houllier's strong ties to the north would also leave him ideally placed to succeed Souness at Ewood Park.

Former Southampton boss Paul Sturrock is also looking for a job at the moment but he remains a firm outsider at this stage after hardly setting the world alight at St Mary's.

Another former Blackburn player who's currently making a name for himself in the lower divisions is MIKE NEWELL.

After leading Hartlepool to promotion from the Third Division the season before last, Newell has since taken Luton Town to the top of the Coca-Cola League One and he would jump at the chance of a return to the club where he won a Premier League title medal in 1995.

Rank outsiders for the job do not come any bigger than GEORGE GRAHAM.

The former Arsenal and Leeds United manager has been out of work since ending his association with Tottenham Hotspur in 2001.

However, there is a strong belief that Graham will only be happy with a job in the capital - a long way from Blackburn!