Negotiations for the Northern Ireland boss have accelerated, with Blackburn hopeful O’Neill could take charge of training as early as Friday ahead of the QPR clash.
Blackburn Rovers are moving at lightning speed to secure their next permanent manager. After negotiations with Gary Rowett hit a standstill, Ewood Park chiefs have reportedly launched a “fresh proposal” to Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill.
With a crucial relegation battle against Queens Park Rangers looming on Saturday, the club is desperate to have a new leader in the dugout. According to reputable journalist Alan Nixon, the deal is moving so quickly that O’Neill could be on the grass at Brockhall for Friday’s training session.
The Fight for Survival
Blackburn’s situation in the Championship is precarious. Even with Leicester City’s recent six-point deduction, Rovers remain entrenched in the bottom three on goal difference. The failure to land initial targets like Slaven Bilic and Rowett has left the Venkys with no room for further errors.
The stakes are even higher as Rowett is now being linked with relegation rivals Leicester—a scenario Blackburn owners are desperate to avoid.
The O’Neill Obstacle: Club vs Country
While the 56-year-old is the priority, the deal remains complex. O’Neill is currently under contract with the Irish FA, and Blackburn are in active talks to find a workable arrangement.
Whether O’Neill can balance his international duties with a Championship survival scrap, or if he will leave the Green and White Army entirely, remains the “key obstacle” in these 24-hour negotiations.
Michael O’Neill’s Championship Record (Stoke City):
- Games: 142
- Wins: 55
- Win Percentage: 38.7%
Why O’Neill?
Despite a mixed spell at Stoke City, O’Neill is viewed as a “safe pair of hands” with the tactical discipline required to stabilize a leaking defense. For a Blackburn side that has struggled for consistency since Valerien Ismael’s departure, his experience in high-pressure environments both at club and international level could be the catalyst for survival.
As the clock ticks toward Saturday’s trip to Loftus Road, Blackburn fans are waiting for the “white smoke.” If the proposal is accepted today, the O’Neill era could begin before the weekend even starts.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
