'Another Valerien Ismael?' - Blackburn Rovers reaction given to Slaven Bilic update | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are open to having talks with former West Ham United and Watford boss Slaven Bilic over their managerial vacancy

Blackburn Rovers are on the hunt for their next permanent boss after Michael O'Neill opted against extending his stay at Ewood Park.

O'Neill joined the Lancashire outfit in February on a short-term deal through to the end of the Championship campaign, fulfilling the role alongside his duties as Northern Ireland manager.

The 56-year-old will continue his job in international management, but Rovers have been tasked with finding a replacement ahead of next season.

Blackburn achieved Championship survival this term, finishing five points clear of the drop zone, but will want to enjoy a more comfortable 2026/27 campaign.

Blackburn Rovers given Slaven Bilic verdict as manager hunt continues

The Ewood Park club have struggled for managerial stability in recent seasons, but will hope that their next boss can help them progress in the Championship.

Meanwhile, as reported by Alan Nixon via Patreon, Blackburn and Turkish club Amedspor are both keen on appointing Slaven Bilic, who formerly managed West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, and Watford.

Football League World asked our Rovers fan pundit, Simon Middlehurst, if he would take Bilic in the Ewood Park dugout.

Middlehurst told FLW: "To be honest, it just seems to be the same old names that are getting recycled every time there's a Championship club needing a manager.

"Russell Martin, Slaven Bilic, same names that always get brandished about. Slaven Bilic, I don't know. I think that may be the best of a worst bunch, I suppose.

"Saying that, though, his track record in English football. Would he be another Valerien Ismael? It's really difficult to say if he would be any good or not.

"It would be nice to see someone else get mentioned. Somebody who's got a bit of credibility behind them would be ideal. Saying that, though, all the good coaches could still be in jobs.

"It's probably always going to be three of the same different names that get brandished out next week."

Slaven Bilic appointment could go either way for Blackburn

Blackburn's issues under the Venky's ownership, including those of small transfer budgets, have been well documented over the years, making the Lancashire outfit a less attractive club for managerial candidates to join than many of their Championship rivals.

However, Bilic is a big name to be in discussions regarding the vacancy, having previously been in charge of the Croatia national team, Turkish giants Besiktas, and Premier League outfit West Ham.

Furthermore, the 57-year-old steered West Brom to promotion from the Championship in 2020, proving his impressive credentials in the second tier.

However, more recently, Bilic joined the long list of managers to be sacked by Watford when he was dismissed by the Hornets in March 2023.

He then went on to guide Al Fateh to a seventh-place finish at the end of the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League campaign, which arguably isn't the greatest endorsement of his managerial ability.

Bilic's previous exploits in charge of West Brom prove that he could be a success in charge of Blackburn, as he steered the Baggies back to the Premier League.

On the other hand, the 57-year-old's recent managerial performances make less positive reading, and Rovers' ownership aren't easy to work for.