Blackburn Rovers are closing in on the appointment of a new head coach following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael in early February, after a disappointing run of results left the club in serious danger of relegation.
The decision to sack the former Barnsley boss came after nine matches without a win in all competitions, including a damaging 1-0 defeat at home to Hull City, which proved to be the final straw for the board.
With survival now the clear priority, Rovers are focused on bringing in an experienced manager who can steady the ship and deliver immediate results.
Robbie Savage Link Fades Away
Earlier this month, Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage emerged as one of the leading candidates for the vacant role, with reports suggesting he was high on the club’s shortlist.
However, that interest has since cooled, with Blackburn increasingly reluctant to take a major gamble on a coach who has never managed at Championship level. Savage’s lack of experience in a relegation battle appears to have raised concerns among decision-makers.
Given the high stakes involved, Rovers are now prioritising proven pedigree over potential.
Blackburn Set to Offer Contract to Rowett
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Blackburn are now ready to offer personal terms to Gary Rowett, who has been identified as their preferred candidate to replace Ismael.
The former Millwall and Birmingham boss has been out of work since leaving Oxford United in December and is keen to return to management as soon as possible.
Reports suggest the club are pushing to secure a quick agreement and are prepared to offer a long-term contract running until the summer of 2028, underlining their desire for stability.
Why Rowett Fits Blackburn’s Needs
Blackburn’s hierarchy are keen to rediscover the stability they previously enjoyed under Tony Mowbray, who spent more than five years at Ewood Park and guided the club through multiple Championship campaigns.
Since Mowbray’s departure, managerial turnover has been high, with no permanent head coach lasting more than 18 months. This lack of continuity has contributed to inconsistent performances and poor long-term planning.
Rowett’s reputation as a steady and reliable coach makes him an attractive option in this context.
Rowett’s Championship Experience
Few managers in English football possess Rowett’s level of experience in the second tier, having overseen more than 400 Championship matches across spells with Birmingham City, Millwall, Stoke City, Derby County and Oxford United.
Throughout his career, he has built competitive teams based on organisation, defensive solidity and tactical discipline, often outperforming expectations on limited budgets.
His average of 1.46 points per game suggests he is capable of consistently guiding teams away from relegation trouble.
Comparison with Tony Mowbray
Rowett’s managerial profile shares several similarities with Tony Mowbray’s time at Blackburn, particularly in terms of prioritising structure, consistency and squad development.
Neither manager is known for expansive, attacking football, but both have demonstrated an ability to maximise resources and build resilient squads.
For Rovers, replicating even part of Mowbray’s stability would represent a major step forward after several turbulent seasons.
Relegation Battle Demands Experience
With Blackburn currently sitting in the relegation zone, the margin for error is extremely small, and another failed appointment could have disastrous consequences.
The Championship is notoriously unforgiving, especially for clubs lacking momentum, and only managers with deep knowledge of the league tend to thrive in such circumstances.
Rowett’s history of navigating survival battles gives him a significant advantage over less experienced candidates.
Not a Glamorous Appointment — But a Necessary One
Gary Rowett is unlikely to be viewed as an exciting or fashionable managerial choice, particularly in an era dominated by young, progressive coaches.
He has never managed at elite European level and does not possess a reputation for revolutionary tactics or high-tempo attacking football.
However, his pragmatic approach and focus on results could be exactly what Blackburn need at this stage of the season.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
