Blackburn Rovers eyeing Wayne Rooney as potential Valerien Ismael replacement | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers are lining up potential next managers amid Valerien Ismael's poor start to life at the club

Wayne Rooney has emerged as a potential candidate to take over at Blackburn Rovers should Valerien Ismael be sacked.

According to Talksport, the Lancashire outfit are weighing up the 39-year-old as a potential option to take charge of the first team squad.

Ismael was only appointed in February following John Eustace’s move to Derby County, but the Croatian has struggled for results.

Blackburn have won just one of their eight games with Ismael in charge, which has seen their promotion hopes fade away.

Wayne Rooney emerges as Blackburn target

Rooney is currently available as a manager following his dismissal from Plymouth Argyle in December.

The former England international arrived at Home Park in the summer, but only survived 25 games in charge before being dismissed, with the team in danger of relegation to League One.

However, a 2-1 win over Blackburn in October has obviously left an impression as Rooney is now reportedly on the shortlist of potential replacements for Ismael, should he be sacked.

It’s been claimed that the 49-year-old is under pressure after a dismal start to life at Ewood Park.

Blackburn have slipped to 10th in the Championship table after winning just one in eight games under Ismael.

The gap to the play-offs is seven points with only four fixtures remaining.

Wayne Rooney’s EFL experience

Rooney’s EFL experience prior to his spell at Plymouth includes a short stint in charge at Birmingham City, in which he lasted just 15 games before being let go, winning just twice in that period.

Rooney also spent almost two years as Derby County manager, where he oversaw 24 wins from 85 games in charge, which ultimately culminated in relegation to League One under dire financial circumstances.

However, with Ismael still currently in charge, there are no immediate concrete plans in place for him to take over at Ewood Park.

Rooney appointment would be a questionable decision by Blackburn

Blackburn had a really good thing going with Eustace and managed to tear that down by failing to back him.

The consequences of that led to him moving to Derby, and the appointment of Ismael has proven a real step backwards for the club.

But replacing him with Rooney wouldn’t help matters, as his record at this level is abysmal.

The 38-year-old struggled for results at both Birmingham and Plymouth, and failed to implement a style of play that inspired any confidence that he could turn it around at either club.