Relegation-threatened Blackburn announce supervisor exit after eight video games winless
Blackburn Rovers have announced that manager Valerien Ismael has left the club by mutual consent.
Ismael joined Blackburn in February 2025 but his time at Ewood Park has ended a year on from his arrival with Rovers in the relegation zone after eight games without a win and just one victory in 14. Blackburn were beaten 1-0 by high-flying Hull City on Saturday, leaving them on 29 points after 29 games and in 22nd place – three points behind West Brom.
A statement from the club announcing his exit read: “Valérien Ismaël has today left his position as Blackburn Rovers’ Head Coach by mutual consent.
(Image: Kate McShane/Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
“Ismaël joined the club in February 2025, however it has been mutually agreed that he will step away from his role with immediate effect, along with Assistant Head Coach Dean Whitehead.
“Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Valérien and Dean for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them both the very best for the future.
“The club will now begin the process of appointing a new Head Coach and will make no further comment until an appointment is confirmed.”
The 50-year-old won just seven of his 31 games in charge of Blackburn this season, with 16 of those matches ending in defeat. Blackburn finished 7th in the Championship last season – missing out on the play-offs by just two points on the final day.
Problems at Blackburn extend beyond the pitch with growing anger among the fans after boycotts of matches started in protest at the owners.
Tony Mowbray and Slaven Bilic are reportedly the leading contenders to replace Ismael.
Blackburn face a crucial week with rock-bottom Sheffield Wednesday to come at home on Tuesday before travelling to Carrow Road on Saturday to face a Norwich City team just four points ahead of them.
