Russell Martin or Tom Cleverley? Blackburn Rovers reaction given after manager twist | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers have been linked with approaches for Russell Martin and Tom Cleverley, with Michael O'Neill departing the club...

Blackburn Rovers are in need of a new manager after Michael O'Neill decided to continue with Northern Ireland, with both Tom Cleverley and Russell Martin since linked with the vacancy.

Michael O'Neill managed five wins, five draws, and five defeats in his 15 games in charge. After finishing seventh last season and seventh in 2022/23, Blackburn Rovers have finished 19th and 20th in two of the last four Championship seasons.

They need stability again this summer, having chopped and changed managers numerous times under the Venky's. O'Neill U-turned on his decision to stay at Blackburn. However, it's been the Blackburn hierarchy that have shouldered most of the blame.

Blackburn have had four permanent managers in four years since the brilliant Tony Mowbray left the club. A long-term appointment could return the side to former glory, having been out of English football's top flight since 2012.

The Blackburn Rovers verdict on Tom Cleverley and Russell Martin

Tom Cleverley and Russell Martin have been linked to Blackburn, with the former in work with Plymouth Argyle and the latter out of work. FLW’s Blackburn fan pundit Simon Middlehurst has had his say on the situation.

We asked about the reports and who he would prefer and why. He said: "To be honest, both have got some sort of Championship managerial experience.

"You know, apart from his stint with Rangers, he's been pretty successful or at least had some success in the Championship.

"Out of the two, I would probably prefer him. I think he's be a better fit for Blackburn as well.

"Given his experience and what he's done so far in his managerial career, if I was the Blackburn hierarchy, he would be someone I'd look at to come in and take the job."

The changes Blackburn must make to turn the club around

The big question surrounding Blackburn is where the club goes from here after yet another season of inconsistency and underachievement in the Championship. Since relegation from the Premier League in 2012, Rovers have rarely looked like a club with a clear long-term direction.

Despite occasional moments where a push towards the play-offs appeared possible and promising spells under managers such as Mowbray, where the club developed an exciting young squad and briefly looked capable of challenging near the top end of the division, it has not been a very stable and concerted push to the top.

Key player sales, limited investment, and a failure to adequately replace important figures has repeatedly halted progress at crucial moments. Blackburn have too often operated like a club caught between rebuilding and competing immediately, without fully committing to either approach.

Now, more than ever, Rovers need a stronger identity and clearer structure. Supporters want to see smarter recruitment, stability in leadership and a squad capable of competing consistently. That starts with the right managerial hire this summer.

For a club with Blackburn’s history, fanbase, and pedigree, simply drifting through Championship seasons should not be accepted as enough. Be it Cleverley, Martin, or someone else, the fans need to see more ambition this summer.