Ex-West Ham boss linked with Championship job after sacking within two weeks of QPR clash
A former West Ham boss has been linked with a now vacant Championship job.
A former West Ham boss is being linked with a return to management in the Championship after a deadline day sacking. Blackburn Rovers decided to sack Valerien Ismael on Monday after an eight-game winless run that has left the club in the relegation zone, three points from safety with a game in-hand to play.
Ismael had been in charge for just under a year having been appointed in late February of last year. Rovers are now in a precarious position, needing to get their next appointment right if they want to avoid dropping into League One.
As is always the case, a number of managers are already being linked with the job, and there are two clear favourites. The first is former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, who has had a positive spell at Ewood Park in the past.
And the second favourite is former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who has been out of work since leaving Al-Fateh in 2024. Bilic did very well with West Ham and was linked with a return prior to Nuno Espirito Santo getting the job following Graham Potter’s sacking.
Bilic has also had spells with West Brom and Watford, along with spending time with numerous clubs abroad. Former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner has also been linked with the role.
Blackburn are actually in action on Tuesday night, facing bottom club Sheffield Wednesday at home, and Damien Johnson will be in interim charge for that game. Rovers won’t have been too bothered about waiting until after that game to sack Israel, given Wednesday only have one win all season, and they have continued to strip away their squad in preparation for League One, notably selling Barry Bannan.
Blackburn face Norwich City and QPR in their next two games after the Wednesday clash.
Rovers club statement
Confirming Ismael’s departure, Rovers said in a statement: “Valérien Ismaël has today left his position as Blackburn Rovers’ Head Coach by mutual consent. Ismaël joined the club in February 2025, however it has been mutually agreed that he will step away from his role with immediate effect, along with Assistant Head Coach Dean Whitehead.
“Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Valérien and Dean for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them both the very best for the future. The club will now begin the process of appointing a new Head Coach and will make no further comment until an appointment is confirmed.”
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