Tony Mowbray, 62, appointed as Blackburn Rovers' new head coach for a second spell, bringing experience and stability after a turbulent 2025-26 season.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill rejects a longer-term contract with Blackburn Rovers to stay, aiming for Euro 2028 qualification with a promising young squad.
Michael O'Neill will not be taking the Blackburn Rovers job on a permanent basis and will remain in his role as Northern Ireland manager.
Michael O'Neill has admitted he "maybe underestimated" the demands of juggling his roles as Northern Ireland manager and Blackburn Rovers head coach after securing the club's Championship safety. The 54-year-old led Rovers to victory over Sheffield United to ensure second-tier status but faces a decision about his future, with his IFA contract running until 2028. O'Neill will lead Blackburn in their final game against Leicester on 2 May.
Tony Parkes, former Blackburn Rovers player and coach, has died aged 76 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. He made over 400 appearances for Rovers after joining from non-league Buxton in 1970, scoring 46 goals. After retiring as a player in 1982, he served under 16 different managers including Kenny Dalglish during the Premier League title-winning season of 1994-95. Parkes had six spells as caretaker manager and helped steer the club to top-flight safety in 1996-97. He left in 2004 and later worked at Leicester City and Blackpool.
