Mark Hughes fear shared by many Blackburn Rovers fans | OneFootball

As the club continue their search for a new manager, Mark Hughes' departure from Carlisle United has sparked concern among some Blackburn Rovers fans.

Blackburn Rovers are still on the hunt for a new manager following the departure of Michael O'Neill earlier this month.

O'Neill took over at Blackburn in February after signing a short-term contract that saw him combine the role with his duties as Northern Ireland manager, and he successfully kept the club in the Championship after winning five of his 15 games in charge.

After leading Rovers to safety, O'Neill was offered a new three-year contract, but despite holding talks about potential additions to his backroom team, he rejected the chance to stay on at Ewood Park in order to concentrate on his international job.

A number of names have been linked with Blackburn since O'Neill's shock exit, with the club said to be keen to speak to ex-West Brom and Watford manager Slaven Bilic, while Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley and former Southampton and Rangers boss Russell Martin are also reportedly in the running.

However, as the wait continues to discover who O'Neill's replacement will be, news of a managerial departure in the National League has sparked concern among Rovers supporters.

Mark Hughes, Carlisle United news could impact Blackburn Rovers manager search

Blackburn last conducted a managerial search just over three months ago following the departure of Valerien Ismael, and it was reported that former Rovers manager Mark Hughes was under consideration for the vacancy before the appointment of O'Neill.

Hughes previously spent almost four years in charge at Ewood Park after leaving his role as Wales manager to take over in Lancashire in September 2004, and he led the club to three consecutive top half finishes in the Premier League and two FA Cup semi-finals before departing for Manchester City in June 2008.

The 62-year-old has had spells with the likes of Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, Southampton and Bradford City since then, and his most recent managerial post was at Carlisle United.

Hughes was unable to prevent the Cumbrians' relegation from League Two after arriving at Brunton Park in February 2025, but he led his side to a third-placed finish in their first season back in the National League, accumulating an impressive tally of 95 points.

However, Carlisle's promotion hopes came to an end when they were beaten 2-1 by Boreham Wood in their play-off semi-final earlier this month, and it was announced on Thursday that Hughes had left the club by mutual consent, with Rob Elliot being named as his replacement after masterminding Gateshead's great escape from relegation.

In normal circumstances, the prospect of a recently-departed National League manager making the move to a Championship side would seem far-fetched, but it remains to be seen whether Hughes could come into the frame for the Blackburn job now that he is available.

Blackburn Rovers fans share the same reaction as Mark Hughes departs Carlisle United

Hughes was a popular figure during his time in charge of Blackburn, with his impressive work at Ewood Park also seeing him shortlisted for the Chelsea job prior to his move to Manchester City.

However, Hughes has fallen down the leagues over the past decade, and in response to a post on X from RoversXtra asking whether supporters would welcome the Welshman back to the club after his exit from Carlisle, many made it clear that he should be left in the past.

"No, unfortunately time has moved on. Carlisle had one of the biggest budgets in the National League and backed by very wealthy people and he couldn’t get them up," wrote @johnrobinson07.

"That ship has well and truly sailed. I’ve seen a bit of Carlisle this season, I have work up there quite a bit and been watching them on and off for a while now. The fans turned on him, he couldn’t seem to get a tune out of what were very good players in that league," said @JonathanL35886.

"No thank you. One of the best managers we have had but he has regressed ever since leaving us," commented @GiallorossiBlue.

Blackburn were an established Premier League club when Hughes occupied the dugout, and Rovers fans could not resist pointing out the contrast between the situation during his tenure and the current state of affairs under the ownership of the Venky's.

"He'd come back, look around the place and think what on earth has happened here over the past 20 years?" said @brfcbee1875.

"Imagine coming back to Ewood from Benni, Roque, Emerton to Dion De Neve and Axel Henriksson," wrote @GeeNelsss.

However, while most were strongly against Hughes' return, there were some who were more open to the idea, particularly given the lack of quality options on the market.

"Love him but nope. Unless it gets to August and we are being linked with Owen Coyle, Chris Coleman and Wayne Rooney, then I will take him back," admitted @FyldeCoastRover.