Football Feb 15, 2026

Michael O'Neill: Blackburn Rovers name Northern Ireland manager as new head coach on 'short-term arrangement'

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Michael O'Neill: Blackburn Rovers name Northern Ireland manager as new head coach on 'short-term arrangement'

Blackburn Rovers have announced the appointment of Michael O'Neill as the club's new head coach.

In an announcement on Friday afternoon, Rovers said the 56-year-old had joined "on a short-term arrangement".

Phil Jones and Steven Davis will be part of his backroom staff.

He succeeds Valerien Ismael, who was sacked on February 2 after less than a year in the job at Ewood Park.

Blackburn sit 22nd in the Sky Bet Championship table with 15 games left to play, inside the relegation zone on goal difference. They have won just one of their last 10 league games.

O'Neill will also continue in his role as Northern Ireland manager, as he did during the first five months of his tenure at Stoke City.

Northern Ireland face Italy in a World Cup play-off semi-final next month, then either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in a final should they beat Italy.

In a statement posted on the club's official website, O'Neill said: "I am grateful to the Irish FA for their support and cooperation in allowing me to take this opportunity.

"Blackburn Rovers is a historic Premier League-winning club with a proud tradition, and the chance to work at a club of that stature is one I felt was important to embrace.

"The immediate focus is clear - there is a challenge ahead in the final stretch of the season and the objective is to help the team build momentum and climb the Championship table.

"From a professional perspective, being back on the training pitch every day, involved in matches and the rhythm of club football, is always valuable. It keeps you sharp and connected to the demands of the game at this level.

"For now, my focus is on giving everything to Blackburn Rovers in the weeks ahead. I understand what this club means to its supporters and I am looking forward to working with the players and staff to deliver performances the fans can be proud of."

February 14: QPR (A)

February 20: Preston (H) - Live on Your Site

February 24: Bristol City (H)

February 28: Derby (A) - Live on Your Site

March 7: Portsmouth (H)

Tags:

football news

Share this article

Related Posts

World Cup 2026: Scotland assistant Steven Naismith 'very optimistic' about chances of progressing from group stages

World Cup 2026: Scotland assistant Steven Naismith 'very optimistic' about chances of progressing from group stages

100 days out from World Cup 2026, Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith is feeling “very optimistic” about his country’s chances of progressing bey...

World Cup 2026: Scotland assistant Steven Naismith 'very optimistic' about chances of progressing from group stages

World Cup 2026: Scotland assistant Steven Naismith 'very optimistic' about chances of progressing from group stages

100 days out from World Cup 2026, Scotland assistant coach Steven Naismith is feeling “very optimistic” about his country’s chances of progressing bey...

Aberdeen head coach search: Sandro Schwarz in mix for Pittodrie job as Eirik Horneland deal stalls

Aberdeen head coach search: Sandro Schwarz in mix for Pittodrie job as Eirik Horneland deal stalls

Aberdeen are looking at other options for their managerial vacancy due to the delay in finalising a deal with Eirik Horneland. The Dons were , but he...

Danny Röhl believes Rangers aren't out of Scottish Premiership title race but Kris Boyd backs Hearts after Celtic draw

Danny Röhl believes Rangers aren't out of Scottish Premiership title race but Kris Boyd backs Hearts after Celtic draw

A defiant Danny Röhl believes Rangers are not out of the Scottish Premiership title race, but Your Site' Kris Boyd is now backing Hearts for the top s...

Tottenham new sporting director search: Paul Winstanley and Dougie Freedman targets - Paper Talk and transfer gossip

Tottenham new sporting director search: Paul Winstanley and Dougie Freedman targets - Paper Talk and transfer gossip

The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday's newspapers...PREMIER LEAGUETottenham Hotspur have stepped up their hunt for a new sporting directo...

Race for the Champions League: Should Aston Villa be 'panicked' ahead of 'cup final' with Chelsea?

Race for the Champions League: Should Aston Villa be 'panicked' ahead of 'cup final' with Chelsea?

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was "dreaming" of the Premier League title only a few weeks ago, but now they face something of a 'cup final' with Chel...