Valerian Ismael has left Blackburn Rovers by mutual consent, just hours before the January Transfer Window closes. With the former Premier League Champions 22nd in the Championship, his dismissal is hardly a surprise.
Although what is a surprise is the timing of the decision. It was only three days ago that the Frenchman stated his desire for attacking players to be brought in before the transfer deadline.
Attacker Oladapo Afolayan has since been brought in from St. Pauli, but he won’t be playing for Ismael.
Blackburn’s main target this transfer window has been Barnsley superstar Reyes Cleary, although they have reportedly fallen way short of Barnsley’s asking price.
As poor as Blackburn have been this season, there is only so much that Ismael could’ve done. His squad was decimated in the summer and not adequately reinforced.
The Venkys tumultuous tenure as owners of Blackburn is well documented. Whoever they decide to bring in to will know that they won’t have a wealth of resources to work with.
So, who will it be?
A fan favourite at Ewood Park, Mowbray managed the club from February 2017 until May 2022. Despite being relegated at the end of his first season, Mowbray remained at the club, leading them back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
In the following seasons, the lowest Blackburn finished was 15th and the highest was 8th in Mowbray’s final season. The 62-year old’s most recent job was with West Bromwich Albion.
He returned to the club in January 2025 following the departure of Carlos Corberan. However, he would only last until April before being dismissed.
Mowbray would bring some much-needed stability to Ewood Park. His wealth of Championship experience could be just what Blackburn need to keep them in the division.
Another former West Brom boss, Slaven Bilic is also being considered by Blackburn. Bilic hasn’t managed in English football since March 2023 when he was dismissed by Watford.
His only job since then was a 12-month stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Fateh which ended in August 2024. The 57-year-old is something of a wildcard in this situation.
He has managed in the Championship previously, with Watford as mentioned and West Brom where he finished 2nd. But if I was a Blackburn fan, I don’t think that Bilic would be my first choice.
Oxford United’s decision to let Gary Rowett go earlier in the season was definitely controversial. Many thought that the 51-year-old is exactly who a club who were fighting relegation would want at the helm.
This could be a great opportunity for Blackburn to pounce. They find themselves in a similar situation to Oxford.
In a relegation battle but struggling to get out of it due to a lack of resources. Rowett would also bring experience and stability and to Blackburn.
The latter being something that the club has lacked for a long time.
