Blackburn Rovers are now exploring a move for one manager who’s won multiple top flight titles abroad, with talks for Gary Rowett hitting a standstill.
Rovers were said to be closing in on Rowett and ready to offer him the role after sacking Valerien Ismael on deadline day, but with negotiations now stalling, they’re having to consider a return to square one.
The club’s decision to terminate Ismael’s contract has yielded precious little improvement, with the Lancashire side remaining firmly entrenched in Championship relegation warfare following mixed results under interim boss Damien Johnson.
The former Blackburn midfielder assumed caretaker responsibilities after Ismael’s dismissal on February 2nd, following an eight-match winless nightmare that culminated in Saturday’s 1-0 Hull City capitulation at Ewood Park.
Ismael departed alongside assistant Dean Whitehead after managing just seven victories across the entire campaign, leaving Rovers marooned in 22nd and three points adrift of safety at the time.
Blackburn Rovers hold talks with ex-Watford boss as clear message sent
They’re searching for Valerien Ismael’s replacement.
Johnson delivered immediate respite through last Tuesday’s crucial 1-0 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday, secured via Eiran Cashin’s solitary first-half strike.
The victory represented Blackburn’s first three-point haul since a win over Millwall just before Christmas, temporarily lifting spirits amongst supporters desperate for Championship survival.
However, optimism proved short-lived.
Saturday’s 2-0 Norwich City defeat at Carrow Road dragged Blackburn back into the relegation zone, with West Brom’s simultaneous point against Stoke City condemning Rovers to 22nd on goal difference.
The performance proved so underwhelming that Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas said he got a one-word text summing up Blackburn’s display, though broadcasting standards prevented him from sharing what was said — telling you all you need to know.
Blackburn’s hierarchy continue pursuing permanent replacements for Ismael, with former Millwall and Oxford United manager Rowett previously seen as the frontrunner.
Rovers held talks with Slaven Bilic as well, but he wasn’t interested, and they’ve now run into similar issues with Rowett.
So, bearing that in mind, Venkys are now beginning to turn their attention towards Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill.
Blackburn exploring deal for Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Rovers are weighing up a move for O’Neill, who won two League of Ireland titles in charge of Shamrock Rovers back in 2010 and 2011.
The 56-year-old also enjoyed a previous stint at Stoke City, where he took charge of 142 games in-between two seperate spells in charge of Northern Ireland.
Since returning to the national team, O’Neill signed a five-and-a-half-year contract in 2022 after Ian Baraclough’s dismal tenure produced 14 defeats from 28 matches.
The tactician has successfully rebuilt confidence amongst a young squad, securing Nations League promotion to League B and crucially earning World Cup playoff qualification despite finishing third behind Germany and Slovakia.
Northern Ireland face a daunting March 26th playoff semi-final away to four-time champions Italy in Bergamo, with victory potentially setting up a tie with Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place at the 2026 World Cup — which would be their first appearance since 1986.
Bearing this in mind, the Rovers job would potentally need to be on a part-time basis.