Former West Ham Manager Slaven Bilic in Frame for Blackburn Rovers Position
Slaven Bilic, the former West Ham United boss, has emerged as a strong contender for the managerial vacancy at Blackburn Rovers. This development follows the Championship club's decision to part ways with Valerien Ismael on Monday, after a disappointing run of results.
Blackburn Rovers Sack Ismael Amid Relegation Battle
Blackburn Rovers confirmed the departure of head coach Valerien Ismael by mutual consent, ending his tenure of just under a year. Ismael, who was appointed in late February 2025, leaves with the club in a precarious position, sitting in the relegation zone and three points from safety, albeit with a game in hand.
The club's statement expressed gratitude for Ismael's efforts, noting that assistant head coach Dean Whitehead has also left. Blackburn now face the critical task of appointing a new manager to steer them away from the threat of dropping into League One.
Leading Candidates for the Ewood Park Hotseat
As speculation mounts, two names have surfaced as frontrunners for the role. Tony Mowbray, a former Blackburn Rovers manager with a successful past at Ewood Park, is one of the favourites. His familiarity with the club and positive previous spell make him a compelling option.
However, Slaven Bilic is also strongly linked, marking a potential return to English football. Bilic has been out of work since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Fateh in 2024. His previous experience in England includes notable spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, and Watford, where he demonstrated his managerial capabilities.
Bilic was previously considered for the West Ham job before Nuno Espirito Santo's appointment following Graham Potter's sacking, highlighting his continued appeal in the Championship. Other names in the mix include former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner, though Bilic and Mowbray appear to be the primary targets.
Blackburn's Immediate Fixtures and Interim Arrangements
Blackburn Rovers are set to face bottom club Sheffield Wednesday at home on Tuesday night, with Damien Johnson taking interim charge. The timing of Ismael's sacking suggests the club was not overly concerned about this fixture, given Sheffield Wednesday's struggles this season, with only one win to their name.
Looking ahead, Blackburn have challenging matches against Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers in their next two outings. These games will be crucial for the new manager, whoever it may be, to implement changes and secure vital points in the fight for survival.
The club has emphasised that it will begin the process of appointing a new head coach immediately, with no further comments until a decision is confirmed. This period of uncertainty comes at a critical juncture in the Championship season, with every point vital for Blackburn's future.
