'Ismael ticks a lot of boxes for Rovers' - McAnuffpublished at 14:35 27 February
14:35 27 February
Image source, Rex Features
Valerien Ismael's appointment as Blackburn Rovers boss "ticks a lot of boxes" even if it might be considered unambitious, according to BBC EFL pundit Jobi McAnuff.
The 49-year-old Frenchman guided Barnsley to the Championship play-offs in 2021 before leaving for West Bromwich Albion, where he began by winning four of his first five games as the Baggies went unbeaten in their opening 10 league fixtures.
However, he was sacked in January after 29 league games, winning one of his final seven matches in charge at The Hawthorns, and lasted little longer at Watford in the 2023-24 season, losing six of his final eight games to be sacked in March.
"It's a manager who's out of work, so they're clearly not going to have to pay anything.
"It's somebody who knows the division, how well he's done in his last couple of gigs is probably the concern for Rovers fans, but I would caveat that and say he had a pretty good start at West Brom and then things really tailed off.
"We're talking about a short impact, between now and the end of the season. His remit is to try and get that team in the play-offs."
McAnuff said similarities between Ismael's direct playing style and that of predecessor John Eustace might ease the transition.
"You know what he's all about, I look at the style of football, I think that's another tick.
"It's not somebody who is going to come in and change things dramatically from what John Eustace was doing – it's a group of players that will understand roughly what he wants to do.
"It ticks a lot of boxes. Is it the most ambitious g? No, but it makes sense. It fits within the framework of where Blackburn are right now."
Ismael in place at Ewood with clear short-term goalpublished at 10:11 26 February
10:11 26 February
Andy Bayes Sports Editor, BBC Radio Lancashire
Image source, Blackburn Rovers
It's a fifth spell in English football for Valerien Ismael - his fourth as a head coach following his time as a Crystal Palace player more than 25 years ago.
He's been out of management for just under a year after a 40-match tenure at Watford came to end in March 2024 and inherits a Blackburn Rovers team that sits sixth with a dozen games to go.
The contract might be long-term (three years), but the short-term objective is clear - secure a play-off spot.
If Ismael achieves that, he will be first of the 10 appointments made under Venky's ownership to do so.
This is an appointment that at the start of February just wasn't on the radar. John Eustace was navigating a sticky spell in of results but all appeared calm. But as soon as Derby came calling, Rovers were powerless to keep him. The last couple of weeks have been all about finding the right man.
After more than 100 expressions of interest and the bookmakers favourite changing on a regular basis, a shortlist was drawn up.
CEO Steve Waggott working alongside chief operating officer Suhail Shaikh and head of football operations Rudy Gestede all tasked with whittling down the candidates in to a far more manageable number.
Initial phone conversations were followed by meetings held remotely before the face-to-face discussions took place to find the right man.
Ismael's experience of the second tier has undoubtedly helped his application. His role at Barnsley, albeit four years ago, could have swung the vote - 25 wins from 44 games and a very strong second half to the season secured a play-off spot where in the end they succumbed to Swansea.
The Frenchman would often make substitutions relatively early. He wasn't afraid to make a raft of them at half-time or certainly before the hour mark.
It's certainly something that Eustace introduced to his team this year, citing how it had gained the Tykes the edge over others in the play-off race in 2021.
His leading scorer in that play-off campaign was Cauley Woodrow, now with Blackburn. Another Rovers player, Callum Brittain was also part of that team, missing only six games all year.
Both will know what to expect going forward as will Emmanuel Dennis who played under Ismael at Watford last season.
The club where it didn't work out in England for him was West Bromwich Albion. A run of one win in eight was enough to see him leave in February 2022 with the Baggies unable to readjust to his methods and style of play. The feeling was that the football on show just didn't cut it.
A quick look at Ismael's CV shows that longevity is missing. A 50-match spell in charge of Austrian side LASK is his longest to date. Undoubtedly, he'd have gone well past that mark at Barnsley had he not left to the Baggies, but nonetheless it is worthy of note.
The club statement mentions his core principles of respect, discipline, commitment and hard work. If he has the much talked about new manager bounce, it could be enough.
A dozen games to play, six at home and six away - whether the season extends beyond the final day visit to Sheffield United remains to be seen.
They began with back-to-back 2-0 wins over West Bromwich Albion and Plymouth, however Rovers slipped to sixth in the Championship table after a 3-0 defeat at Swansea on Saturday.
More than 100 expressions of interest in the job have been considered by the Blackburn board before being whittled down to a more manageable number.
Former Watford, West Brom and Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael is the favourite with bookmakers ahead of former Huddersfield and Norwich coach David Wagner, while Gary O'Neil and Aitor Karanka have also been linked with the post.
'The waiting game rumbles on at Rovers'published at 17:36 21 February
17:36 21 February
Andy Bayes Sports Editor, BBC Radio Lancashire
Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,
David Lowe has won both of his games in temporary charge of Rovers
The wait for a head coach goes on at Blackburn Rovers.
It's been two weeks since John Eustace first heard of Derby's interest to take him from Ewood Park to Pride Park and well over a week since he said his goodbyes in Lancashire and ed the Rams.
His departure could have set the players back. It hasn't. The togetherness that Eustace so often preached has never been so evident.
Back-to-back 2-0 victories have been both convincing and comprehensive. A defence with one clean sheet in eleven league games prior to Eustace leaving hasn't really looked like being breached by either West Bromwich Albion or Plymouth Arygle.
Long-serving David Lowe has taken on the role of interim head coach, ably assisted by Damien Johnson and things appear to be calm. There is a harmony between the coaching staff, the playing staff and the ers and a dressing room that is largely managing itself.
It's the classic Catch-22 situation that the powers-that-be find themselves in ahead of Lowe's third match in charge.
If he wins, the clamour will understandably be to leave things as they are. A defeat and the necessity for a new boss before the home match against Norwich on 1 March will go into overdrive.
Edging closer to Ewood appointment
More than 100 expressions of interest in the job have been considered and whittled down to a more manageable number. Formal interviews have taken place in the capital and it appears that it's only a matter of time until an appointment is made.
The last time that a managerial change took place, in February 2024, a departure and an appointment were announced in the same hour.
Rovers' Premier League title winning midfielder Mark Atkins believes that a great deal of care must be taken of who comes next.
He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "If you think you've got the right man then bring him in straight away. It's so important that they get the right man for these players. If they haven't, then don't rush it.
"Don't bring someone in for the sake of it, bring them in on their name. This is the perfect time for someone to come in and get them in the play-offs."
Whoever takes on the role is inheriting a squad that have taken the division by surprise. If an appointment is made imminently, they'll inherit a team in the play-off places and be in with a shout.
It's been suggested that the players have over-achieved to this point. Nobody has more than half a dozen league goals to their name. The burden has been shared since the departure of Sam Szmodics to Ipswich in August.
But, a flick through the goals catalogue from this season will show you that some of the football they're playing has been terrific.
Rovers' results with captain Lewis Travis in the team have shown his importance. Despite missing eight league games through injury, he's missed only two of the victories. Without their skipper, they are simply not the same. If they are victorious at Swansea, what happens next will be very interesting.
Pick of the stats: Swansea v Blackburnpublished at 16:03 20 February
16:03 20 February
A game of two managerless sides.
Swansea will have interim head coach Alan Sheehan in caretaker charge for the visit of Blackburn after head coach Luke Williams left the club on Monday.
Last Saturday's 3-1 defeat against fellow strugglers Stoke City was Williams' final game in charge after 13 months with the Swans. The defeat means the Swans are a run of seven defeats in their past nine Championship matches.
The Welsh club say that their search for a new boss is "under way" with the club 17th in the table and eight points clear of the bottom three with 13 fixtures remaining this season.
Different perspective from a Blackburn Rovers point of view as interim boss David Lowe has picked up two wins from his opening two matches at the helm since John Eustace's departure to Derby County.
Rovers are fifth in the Championship after their 2-0 home win over Plymouth with midfielder Adam Forshaw getting on the scoresheet for the first time in nearly nine years.
Swansea City have won two of their last three league games against Blackburn Rovers (L1), as many as across their prior nine meetings with the Lancashire side combined (D4 L3).
Blackburn Rovers have won just one of their last seven away league games against Swansea City (D1 L5), scoring more than one goal in just one of those matches.
Swansea City lost six of their final seven league games under former manager Luke Williams, including the last three in a row at Liberty Stadium. The Swans last suffered four in a row in January/February 2024, which were there first four at home under Williams.
Blackburn Rovers have won their two league games since John Eustace's departure, having won just two of their last 11 under their former boss (D2 L7).
Tyrhys Dolan has been involved in four goals in his last four Championship appearances for Blackburn (2 goals, 2 assists), as many as in his previous 26 games combined (1 goal, 3 assists).
Captain Travis 'very close' to ex-manager Eustacepublished at 17:12 19 February
17:12 19 February
Image source, Rex Features
Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis has said he was "very close" to John Eustace before his ex-boss left for Derby County last week.
The 27-year-old would not be pushed to answer whether he was surprised Eustace left fifth-placed Rovers for fourth-bottom Derby, but did state he had a very healthy relationship with him during their year together at Ewood Park.
"I was very close to him, so it is hard to see a gaffer you're so close to leave," Travis told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"The gaffer didn't leave us in a bad position. Obviously, when he arrived we were down near the bottom and now we're in the top five".
Since Eustace left for Pride Park, Rovers have won both their matches under interim boss David Lowe, and Travis was quick to praise the club's new-look managerial set-up.
"He's [Lowe's] been driving things, he's been really good, and even [first-team technical coach and head of player development] Damien Johnson alongside him is tactically a really good football coach," Travis added.
Rovers interim boss Lowe 'enjoying' time in chargepublished at 15:01 19 February
15:01 19 February
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
David Lowe was put in temporary charge at Ewood Park following John Eustace's move to Derby
Blackburn Rovers interim boss David Lowe has said he is enjoying his time in temporary charge of the club.
The 59-year-old took over as caretaker manager following John Eustace's departure to Derby County and has picked up two wins from his opening two matches at the helm.
"I've been surrounded by some fantastic people, fantastic players and my family's been very ive so I've really enjoyed it," Lowe told BBC Radio Lancashire.
It's over 16 years since Lowe was last a caretaker boss - his one-match spell as Derby interim boss saw the Rams beat Manchester United 1-0 in the League Cup semi-final first-leg in January 2009.
And Lowe has been impressed by his current squad's efforts so far as they attempt to hold on to a place in the Championship play-offs.
"They've all respected the staff that have come in to help them out and they've been a credit to the profession. I've got nothing but respect for them," he said.
Lowe also confirmed that central defender Danny Batth remains unavailable for Rovers' trip to Swansea City on Saturday with a hamstring injury.
Blackburn release Iceland midfielder Sigurdssonpublished at 19:06 17 February
19:06 17 February
Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,
Arnor Sigurdsson has made seven appearances for Blackburn Rovers this season, with his most recent coming in their 1-0 defeat by Watford on 26 October
Blackburn Rovers have reached an agreement to release Iceland midfielder Arnor Sigurdsson from his contract in order to another club.
The 25-year-old ed the club from CSKA Moscow during the summer 2023 transfer window on an initial loan deal before ing on a permanent basis.
He scored on his Blackburn debut against Ipswich Town in September of that year and found the net on a total of eight occasions in 41 games during an injury-hit spell with the club.
"Everyone at Rovers thanks Siggy for his efforts with us and wishes him all the very best in his future career," a club statement said., external
'Fantastic': Lowe verdict on Forshaw goalpublished at 18:53 15 February
18:53 15 February
Blackburn caretaker manager David Lowe hailed Adam Forshaw's first goal for nearly nine years as "fantastic".
A month after g from Plymouth, the veteran midfielder scored against the Pilgrims in Rovers' 2-0 win and Lowe said: "He was saying he hasn't scored many goals over the years but in fairness to him today he managed to get into the penalty area and it was a fantastic finish.
"I'm pleased for him because he's a terrific pro and has been really good since he's been at the club, setting good habits for the young players.
"It's been a hectic few days but the players have applied themselves brilliantly and I'm really pleased they gave a good show for the fans at Ewood [Park].
"We played some decent football in the first half without getting any reward, and second half the quick play and movement, in and out of possession, was really good. We were prepared to tackle and win second balls, and then to play football and score two quality goals."
Pick of the stats: Blackburn Rovers v Plymouth Argylepublished at 10:08 14 February
10:08 14 February
Blackburn begin life after John Eustace at Ewood Park with the visit of Plymouth on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
The Pilgrims seem to have turned a corner under Miron Muslic and climbed off the foot of the table on Wednesday with a 5-1 thrashing of Millwall, following up a draw at Sunderland, victory over West Brom and Sunday's stunning FA Cup shock against Liverpool.
Rovers returned to fifth in mid-week with a 2-0 win at West Brom led by interim boss David Lowe, however just eight points separate 11 sides in the race for the final two play-off spots.
Blackburn Rovers are yet to beat Plymouth Argyle in the Football League this century (D2 L3), with their last league win against the Pilgrims coming in May 1992 (3-1).
Since a 2-1 win in March 1989, Plymouth are winless in each of their past five trips to Blackburn in the league (D3 L2).
Blackburn have won two of their past three league games at Ewood Park (L1), as many as in their prior eight games (D2 L4).
Plymouth have drawn each of their past two away league games, picking up as many points as they did in their previous 15 away league matches combined (D2 L13).
Blackburn's Makhtar Gueye has been involved in five goals in his past seven league games at Ewood Park (2 goals, 3 assists), netting in two of his last three league games there.
'Hard to take... he's done us dirty' published at 14:17 13 February
14:17 13 February
Image source, Rex Features
We asked you earlier how you feel about John Eustace leaving for Derby, why you think he left and what impact you think it will have on the rest of the season.
Here are some of your responses:
James: I have always been of the opinion that if a player or manager wants to go, let them go. This one is a bit hard to take considering the league positions, but I can well understand that the pull of family, club history, and possibly a more ing board room will have been a big influence. I hope he does well at Derby, but I have bigger hopes that whomever the new Blackburn manager is can keep them on the right track.
Steven: In all walks of life you should stop to see the project to its conclusion. For me, John Eustace has shown himself to be selfish and disloyal - he was the leader of the Blackburn players, some of which are new to the club and who ed to be part of his group. Very disappointed with John.
Gary: Quite simply this demonstrates that there is no loyalty in football, money is killing the game and contracts are worthless.
Martyn: I went through a range of emotions since the Derby approach was apparent. I'm now honestly quite glad. Clearly he didn't want to be there anymore, despite the words he's been spouting of late.
Why did he leave? I'm now of the belief he got ideas above his station and once the Derby job was available he immediately had an eye on it. I don't think the Rovers board lied or mislead him regarding investment (as bad as they are), I think he knew what the deal was.
It's a tough ask for us to stay in the play-off spots but last night proves we can go toe-to-toe with our rivals and the squad togetherness is intact. Some of our better players are soon back from injury, it's all to play for.
Fiona: Very disappointing at this stage of the season, but suggests all is still not well behind the scenes at Rovers. Good response from the players last night.
Max: Basically he wanted to go to the midlands from day one, not once did he say 'I am committed to Blackburn.' Also Derby is his old club so he has a connection. Nevertheless we gave him an opportunity at our club and took him on. He used us to get a rep and he never had plans to ever stay with us. Yes Venky's are half to blame, but he has had more than any other manager at Rovers in January. He did us dirty to be honest.
Mark T: Strange one for me, his stock was high, one or two Premier League clubs may have even been looking at him. He's done a very good job wherever he's been. He was badly treated at Birmingham and he'll be missed at Ewood, but I wish him well. Derby's a big club, I'm sure he'll get them moving.
Chris: I guess there are two factors. Being closer to home and the long-term vision for Rovers. Considering where we are the league he has used the club as a stop-gap in his career which doesn't look good. We need new ownership instead of being a stagnant, mediocre-run business operation.
Adam: Another chapter in the circus that is Blackburn Rovers at the moment unfortunately. Until the owners and CEO are gone it will continue. I thank John for steadying the listing ship and keeping us up and getting us to dream of play-offs again, but also if I was a Rams fan be cautious of believing him when he says soundbites of togetherness etc.
Mark F: John has done a great job with a limited squad, ing all of the talk about being relegation favourites after Szmodics was sold.
Tom: A damning indictment on the state of our club (i.e. the owners) that our manager wants to go to a club one spot above relegation, when we are well in play-off contention. What else needs saying?
Roger: It seems madness to leave when he has a real chance of getting into the Premier League. He should have moved his family up if that's a big issue.
Graeme: Personally find it disappointing that he didn't see out the promotion challenge. Hopefully the new manager wants to be at Ewood and we push on.
Eustace exit 'more disappointing than surprising'published at 11:34 13 February
11:34 13 February
Andy Bayes BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
As the old adage goes, "nothing surprises you in football" - but Blackburn looking for a new head coach a year after appointing John Eustace is more disappointing than surprising.
On the face of it, he's leaving a team currently in a play-off position for one that is just outside the Championship's bottom three, and without a transfer window to assist his second relegation escape in as many years.
So what are the factors at play that have seen Eustace move on?
Geography – His family home is in the Midlands, so a manageable commute into work every day.
Former club – Eustace had two spells with Derby, one on loan as well as ending his playing days with the Rams in January 2015.
Contract – Derby might be offering far greater and a longer deal, giving him more family security.
Relationship with Blackburn hierarchy – Eustace appeared to be at odds with the January recruitment policy where six players arrived, he gave the impression he didn't have a great deal of input into as many as five of them.
The general feeling of the ers who comment on social media is a mix of anger towards the directors and owners, which has largely been the case since the takeover of the club by Venky's in 2010.
The term "significant investment" in the board's statement this week has done nothing to appease that feeling.
Many feel six arrivals, five of which aren't contracted beyond the end of the season can hardly be described as significant even if the wage contribution for Emmanuel Dennis' loan from Nottingham Forest will be the most expensive salary the club are currently paying out to a player.
There is also a level of criticism aimed in the direction of Eustace too.
For a head coach who preached the "family atmosphere" philosophy, to desert that family to the first party with a firm interest has come as a blow but judging by the terrific 2-0 success at West Brom without him, it may not prove a fatal one.
The win, under David Lowe's leadership at The Hawthorns, was a classic Eustace-type victory. Hard to beat, solid in all departments, error-free and some lovely football on the counter.
Image source, Getty Images
In of the hierarchy, previous bosses Jon Dahl Tomasson, Tony Mowbray, Owen Coyle and Paul Lambert have all had their issues which ultimately led to each moving on after varying degrees of success.
Whoever the next head coach is of Blackburn Rovers, there must be clear or clearer objectives of what they want. Are they aligned in of recruitment? Do they know exactly what the remit is?
Despite losing talisman Sam Szmodics to Ipswich, Eustace kept his side largely in the top six for most of the season to date.
His departure will hit the players hard. They were always happy to talk about his positive impact on their careers. Todd Cantwell described him as the best he's worked for.
A swift appointment is paramount for a club that won't have been expecting to be looking for a head coach so soon.
Bookmakers' odds change by the hour, but Lee Carsley, a former Rovers captain, has come to the fore. Would he prefer a tilt at promotion with an old club or return to England under-21 duties? Time will tell.
It's also crucial, in my view, the club communicates with its fanbase to answer legitimate questions and concerns that just won't go away.
What is the long-term plan with so many of the players out of contract this summer or next? The model of selling promising players for big money can't continue unless players are tied down to long-term deals.
What is the plan of the owners? The Rao family haven't attended matches for a very long time and it's their right not to.
But how do they see the club realistically challenging for promotion with head coaches walking away - and how long do they want to continue with the club operating in this fashion?
The last time they communicated directly with me was when they sacked Sam Allardyce in 2010. A conversation with one of the family now would be most welcome.
Your thoughts on Rovers boss Eustace ing Derbypublished at 10:31 13 February
10:31 13 February
Image source, Rex Features
Derby County have appointed Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace as their new head coach.
We want to hear from both sets of ers about what this means for your clubs.
Rams fans...
Are you happy with Eustace's appointment?
Do you think Eustace will keep you up this season?
'Sad to see John go' - interim boss Lowepublished at 23:31 12 February
23:31 12 February
Image source, Getty Images
Blackburn Rovers interim boss David Lowe is ready to "keep on going" in the role until a replacement for John Eustace is found by the club.
Eustace is expected to become Derby County head coach after Rovers reluctantly agreed to let him speak to the Rams - but his players responded with a 2-0 win over West Brom to boost their play-off hopes.
"It's been a difficult week, so to come to a place like this and perform like we did in and out of possession was a great credit to the lads.
"It's sad to see John Eustace and the other two coaches go. They've worked really hard here. We'll just keep on going until an announcement is made. And we're now just focusing on Saturday," Lowe told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"Our defensive organisation was really good and, up front, Makhtar Gueye looks a real handful. He's taken time to settle in, but we've been working a lot with him – and he took his goals really well."
Lowe's only previous game as a caretaker boss was, ironically, for Derby County back in 2009 when they pulled off an upset 1-0 win over Manchester United in the first leg of an EFL Cup semi-final.
Lowe to lead Rovers in West Brom clashpublished at 18:13 12 February
18:13 12 February
Image source, Rex Features
David Lowe will be in charge of the Blackburn team for their Championship game against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, the club has confirmed.
A statement from Rovers , externalconfirmed: "Discussions between Rovers and another Championship club over the future of John Eustace and his backroom staff remain ongoing.
"As a result, David Lowe will lead the team for tonight's important Championship fixture, ed by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler."
Eustace and coaches Keith Downing and Matt Gardiner are expected to be unveiled by Derby County, with reports suggesting have already been agreed.
Ironically, Lowe took interim charge of Derby for one game in 2009 when he was academy boss, following the departure of Paul Jewell and then caretaker Chris Hutchings, and oversaw a shock 1-0 win over Manchester United in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg.
Reasons for Eustace move won't be 'black and white' - Rowettpublished at 13:21 12 February
13:21 12 February
Andrew Aloia BBC Sport, East Midlands
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
John Eustace has been in charge of Blackburn Rovers for a year
Swapping a promotion push with Blackburn Rovers for a relegation battle with Derby County is "too simplistic" a way to look at head coach John Eustace's potential move, says Oxford United boss Gary Rowett.
Eustace is close to leaving sixth-placed Rovers for a Derby side that moved out of the relegation places on goal difference on Tuesday night after picking up a point against Rowett's Oxford in a underwhelming goalless draw at Pride Park.
Despite being at opposite ends of the table, it is understood that Eustace believes that Derby are the better long-term project. And with him and his family living in the region, location is also seen as motivating factor behind the potential move.
"It's very difficult to judge that decision," Rowett told BBC Sport.
"It's very easy to be black and white and say one team is sixth and one team is fourth from bottom when trying to understand why.
"Unless you are in a certain person's shoes, it's hard to judge why they want to make that decision. Both clubs are very good clubs, there is a history [as a player] with this club with someone like John.
"I'm not judging that, it's not for me to make comment on it, but I think it is a little too simplistic to think about it in those .
"What I would say is that it is very difficult to get into that position in the Championship [play-off spots], so there must be some form of a reason and I can only presume why he would want to make that move."
Image source, Rex Features
