Blackburn Rovers Seek New Manager After Sacking Valerien Ismael
Blackburn Rovers have parted ways with head coach Valerien Ismael, prompting bookmakers to open a market on who will succeed him at Ewood Park. The decision came on transfer deadline day, a time when most clubs were focused on player movements, following a dismal run of eight league games without a victory.
A narrow 1-0 home defeat to Hull City on Saturday left Rovers languishing in the Championship relegation zone, though they remain just three points from safety with a game in hand. Ismael, who guided the team to a seventh-place finish last season—missing out on the play-offs by a mere two points—failed to replicate that success this term. With only seven wins from twenty-nine league matches, the club's hierarchy felt compelled to act.
Bookmakers' Favourites for the Blackburn Hotseat
As managerial vacancies also arise at Leicester City and Watford, several familiar names are circulating in the speculation. A former Blackburn player currently leads the betting, with odds fluctuating across various football betting sites. Below is a snapshot of the leading contenders and their latest odds.
- Chris Coleman – 5/2 (BetVictor)
- David Wagner – 5/2 (Parimatch)
- Slaven Bilic – 4/1 (talkSPORT BET)
- Tony Mowbray – 6/1 (BetVictor)
- Damien Duff – 8/1 (BetVictor)
- Gary Rowett – 10/1 (Parimatch)
Could Chris Coleman Make a Dramatic Return to Ewood Park?
Former Fulham and Wales manager Chris Coleman has emerged as the frontrunner for the Blackburn role, having also been linked with the Leicester job. He aims to rebuild his career in England after an eight-year absence from club management in the country. His last stint was at Sunderland, where he was unable to prevent their relegation from the Championship before being sacked shortly after the club's sale.
Since then, Coleman has managed in China, Greece, Cyprus, and Belgium, most recently leaving Greek side Asteras Tripolis. As a player, he spent eighteen months at Blackburn Rovers, joining the then-Premier League champions before moving to Fulham in 1997.
Other Contenders with Blackburn Connections
Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff, another former Rovers player, is also in the frame. Currently out of work after leaving Shelbourne in the summer, Duff's managerial experience includes leading Shelbourne to the FAI Cup, UEFA Conference League qualification, and a league title. He also has coaching experience at Celtic and served as assistant manager of Ireland under Stephen Kenny.
Tony Mowbray is heavily linked with a return, having managed Blackburn for five years between 2017 and 2022. He guided the club back to the Championship in his first full season but achieved finishes of 15th and 11th before being replaced by Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Slaven Bilic: A Proven Championship Operator
Former West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic was immediately linked with the vacancy following Ismael's departure. Bilic left English football in 2023 after being sacked by Watford, later taking charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh, where he won only thirteen of thirty-six games before being dismissed. His Championship experience includes an eighteen-month spell at West Bromwich Albion, where he secured promotion to the Premier League in 2020.
David Wagner: A Tactical Masterstroke?
German manager David Wagner, formerly of Huddersfield Town, Schalke 04, and Norwich City, is joint-favourite with Coleman. Out of work since leaving Norwich in 2024—despite leading them to the Championship play-offs—Wagner has a proven track record. He guided Huddersfield to Premier League promotion via the play-offs in May 2018 and kept them in the top flight the following season.
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