Blackburn Rovers eyeing up ex-Bristol City and Crystal Palace man for Ewood Park role | OneFootball

Steve Waggott left Blackburn Rovers in May 2025 but a former Bristol City and Crystal Palace figure could now replace him as CEO...

Blackburn Rovers appear to be set to finally replace Steve Waggott at Ewood Park, after the former chief executive departed back in May 2025.

Waggott is an English football executive known for his senior leadership roles at several professional clubs. He has held chief executive positions at other clubs, including Coventry City, Charlton Athletic, and Gillingham before joining Blackburn.

He was recognised for overseeing financial operations, club governance, commercial strategy, and day-to-day executive management. Waggott has built a reputation as an experienced administrator in English football, often working during financially challenging periods and focusing on sustainability.

Waggott served as 'Chief Executive Officer' but he left in 2025 after just nearly seven years in charge. Reports indicated his departure followed internal discussions about the club’s direction and ownership strategy, while fan pressure grew to dismiss him (BBC Sport).

His exit was presented as a leadership change, with the club restructuring its executive management as it aimed to adjust its long-term operational and financial approach. However, no one has stepped into the role since.

Blackburn Rovers eye Phil Alexander as Steve Waggott replacement

Blackburn are yet to replace Waggott as CEO, nearly a year after he left, but they could be making a move soon to do just that.

Now, the latest has been revealed by Alan Nixon. He reports that Phil Alexander is on their shortlist to become chief executive. It's stated that Blackburn want a new and experienced face in the role after Waggott's departure.

Alexander's CV has reportedly marked him down as a serious contender for the vacancy, with the 63-year-old having held a similar position with Crystal Palace for many years before a spell with Bristol City.

After leaving Palace in 2022 he moved on to Wycombe Wanderers as Senior Advisor. However, he was with the Robins from December 2022 until he stepped down in September 2023, having first joined Palace in 1996.

Alexander has since had a position with the National League as the fifth and sixth tier of English football's CEO since November 2025. It's also fair to say that he has an impressive CV when focusing on his achievements.

During his 26 years as CEO of Crystal Palace, the club won three promotions to the Premier League in 1997, 2004, and 2013. In May 2022, he was named Premier League CEO of the Year at the Football Business Awards.

Blackburn Rovers' direction of travel is a major concern

A club of Blackburn's size and heritage should be much more than they have been for 15 years now. More structure off the pitch could significantly stabilise them, even if relegation to EFL League One occurs in 2025/26.

Clear leadership, defined recruitment processes, and stronger communication between ownership and football operations would reduce short-term decision-making and create a sustainable model. It's something they simply haven't had yet.

Clubs relegated to League One often reset financially and strategically. But, with proper planning, it can become a platform for rebuilding rather than decline and a long-term stay in the third tier. As ever, though, the key question is ownership.

The Venky's do not necessarily have to sell if they commit to empowering experienced football executives and setting realistic budgets. Smart appointments — such as Alexander replacing Waggott — could improve governance, commercial growth, and long-term planning given his impressive work with Palace and the National League.

Ultimately, stability, transparency, and football expertise at board level matter more than whatever division they find themselves in next year. A well-run League One club with direction can recover, and appointments like this could see Blackburn bounce back in better shape.

If they do survive, a poorly structured Championship club rarely progresses, which is why Alexander could be a smart way to get things moving in the right direction — irrespective of survival or relegation under Michael O'Neill.