Blackburn Rovers v Burnley will have added spice after big Turf Moor update | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers and Burnley share one of the biggest rivalries in the Championship

Blackburn Rovers and Burnley share one of the biggest rivalries in the Championship, and one which will be renewed next term following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League.

The Lancashire rivals discover next season's second-tier fixture list on 25 June, and both sets of supporters will keep a particularly keen eye on when their respective sides are locking horns.

Blackburn and Burnley last clashed in January 2025, when Zian Flemming's goal sealed a 1-0 win for the Clarets at Ewood Park, which helped them earn automatic promotion to the Premier League alongside Leeds United.

The Turf Moor club are vying to win yet another promotion next season, but they must first appoint their next manager following Scott Parker's exit.

Burnley manager update adds extra heat to Blackburn Rovers rivalry

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Blackburn were also recently searching for a new manager after Michael O'Neill decided against agreeing permanent terms at Ewood Park, following last season's stint in the dugout.

The 56-year-old has instead continued to fulfil his duties as Northern Ireland boss and will oversee their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign.

Rovers have re-appointed Tony Mowbray as their new head coach, with the former West Bromwich Albion boss embarking on his second spell in charge of the Lancashire outfit.

While they are yet to complete their next managerial appointment, Burnley have stepped up their interest in Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who has largely done a solid job in charge of the nation he used to play for, despite failing to guide them to this summer's World Cup.

Bellamy already has a strong affiliation with the Clarets, having served as Vincent Kompany's assistant manager between 2022 and 2024 before embarking on his journey into international management, while the aforementioned Belgian moved to Bayern Munich.

Even though the 46-year-old has those ties with Burnley, becoming the Turf Moor side's head coach will add extra spice to next season's clashes with Blackburn.

The former forward, who represented the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham United, Manchester City, and Liverpool, also played for Rovers during the 2005/06 season.

Bellamy scored 17 goals and registered four assists in 32 appearances for the Ewood Park club, helping them earn a top six finish in the Premier League and consequent qualification for the UEFA Cup.

Having previously enjoyed his services as a Blackburn player, the Rovers faithful would not have envisaged a time when the former Wales star would turn up to their stadium as Burnley boss.

That could soon become reality, though, and it is certain to add an extra layer to the atmosphere at one of the Championship's biggest derbies.

Craig Bellamy is taking a big risk if he joins Burnley from Wales

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Bellamy appears increasingly likely to swap his international duties with Wales to take up the vacant managerial role at Burnley, who are vying for an immediate Premier League return.

The Clarets' promotion aspirations mean that the 46-year-old will be under pressure in a new environment, while his stock as Wales boss remains high.

Bellamy has led his national side to positive results, such as last November's 7-1 triumph over North Macedonia, and could lead them to qualification to the 2028 European Championships.

Wales are one of the co-hosts of the 2028 tournament, which would make it an even more special occasion.

Moving to Burnley and leaving such an opportunity behind is a big risk, but one that may pay off if he can guide the Clarets back to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Burnley and Blackburn supporters will have differing emotions if a former Rovers player takes up the managerial duties at Turf Moor, which will impact the atmosphere on derby day.