Valerien Ismael Appointed as New Blackburn Rovers Head Coach

B MOKSHAGNA REDDY's profile image
3 min read
Incoming Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael

Image credits: Rex Features

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Valerien Ismael as their new head coach on a long-term contract until the end of the 2027-28 season. The former Watford, West Brom, and Barnsley boss replaces John Eustace, who left Rovers to take the Derby County job earlier this month. Ismael, 49, has a proven track record in the Championship, having led Barnsley to the play-offs in his sole season at Oakwell. He will look to replicate this success with Blackburn, who are currently sixth in the table with 12 games to play.

The Frenchman's appointment is a significant one for Rovers, given his experience in managing in some of the biggest environments across Europe. He has played and managed in the Premier League, Championship, and various European leagues, and has all the credentials to have a successful spell with Blackburn. Ismael's first game in charge will be at home to Norwich City, who are also challenging for a play-off spot, on Saturday. His team will need to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat at Swansea in their last game, which left them just one point clear of seventh-placed Coventry.

Ismael has previously worked with some of the Blackburn players, including midfielder Callum Brittain and forward Cauley Woodrow, during his time as Barnsley boss. He has also worked with striker Emmanuel Dennis at Watford last season. The new head coach will be looking to make a positive impact on the team and guide them to a top-six finish, which would be their highest league finish since being relegated from the Premier League in 2011-12. Championship fans will be eager to see how Ismael's team performs in the remaining games of the season. Ismael's experience and knowledge of the Championship will be crucial in helping the team achieve their goals.

Here are the key details of Valerien Ismael's appointment:

  • Appointed as Blackburn Rovers head coach on a deal until 2028
  • Replaces John Eustace, who left for Derby County
  • First game in charge against Norwich City on Saturday
  • Has previously managed Watford, West Brom, and Barnsley in the Championship
  • Has experience playing and managing in the Premier League and European leagues
Ismael's team will need to be consistent and perform well in the remaining games to secure a play-off spot. The play-offs are a crucial part of the Championship season, and Ismael will be looking to guide his team to success in this competition.

Blackburn Rovers' chief executive, Steve Waggott, expressed his delight at securing Ismael's services, saying that he was hugely impressed with the Frenchman throughout the recruitment process. Waggott believes that Ismael has all the credentials to have a successful spell with the club over the coming years. With Ismael at the helm, Blackburn Rovers will be looking to finish the season strongly and secure a top-six finish. The team's performance in the remaining games will be crucial in determining their final position in the table.

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