Gary Rowett Emerges as Leading Candidate for Blackburn Rovers Managerial Vacancy
Former Millwall head coach Gary Rowett is poised for a potential return to Championship management, with Blackburn Rovers planning to hold talks with the experienced manager in the coming days. The 51-year-old is also on the radar of Leicester City, as both clubs seek new leadership amid a challenging second-tier campaign.
Championship Clubs Scramble for Managerial Appointments
The Championship has witnessed significant managerial upheaval in recent weeks, creating opportunities for available coaches. Leicester City parted ways with Marti Cifuentes last month, subsequently facing a points deduction that has plunged them into relegation concerns. Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers dismissed Valerian Ismael on Deadline Day, briefly enjoying a victory against Sheffield Wednesday before a 2-0 defeat to Norwich City underscored their precarious position.
Currently sitting 22nd in the Championship and in the relegation zone, Blackburn are under pressure to make a swift appointment. Transfer specialist Alan Nixon reports that talks with Rowett are scheduled within the next 48 hours, indicating Rovers' urgency to secure a manager capable of steering them to safety.
Rowett's Managerial Career and Recent Setbacks
Gary Rowett brings considerable experience to the table, having spent four years at Millwall where he managed 196 matches and secured 76 wins before departing by mutual consent in October 2023. Reflecting on his time at Millwall, Rowett stated, "I have thoroughly enjoyed being manager of Millwall and depart with a feeling that the club has progressed during my tenure."
His most recent role at Oxford United ended in December after just one year, with Rowett expressing mild surprise at his dismissal. He remarked, "Yeah, a little bit. But when you’ve been in this job for 14 years, you know that if you don’t get results then at some point any club that’s desperate to stay in the Championship... has to roll the dice."
Competition from Leicester City and Managerial Preferences
Leicester City have identified Rowett as a frontrunner alongside Hearts boss Derek McInnes, according to reports from Football League World. However, it remains uncertain whether Rowett will be persuaded by either opportunity, as he is reportedly seeking a long-term project rather than a short-term rescue mission. This preference may influence his decision, with former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic having recently declined talks with Blackburn for similar reasons.
Should Rowett join Leicester City, he would face his former club Millwall at the end of April, adding an intriguing subplot to the Championship run-in. Millwall are scheduled to play Blackburn Rovers on March 14, potentially setting up a reunion regardless of his choice.
Broader Championship Context and Implications
The managerial merry-go-round in the Championship highlights the intense pressure clubs face to avoid relegation. With both Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City level on points and embroiled in a survival battle, the appointment of a manager with Rowett's pedigree could prove crucial. His track record at Millwall demonstrates an ability to build and sustain progress, qualities that may appeal to clubs looking beyond immediate results.
As talks progress, the football community will watch closely to see if Rowett opts for the challenge at Ewood Park or the King Power Stadium, with his decision likely to have significant ramifications for the Championship's relegation scrap.
