Championship boss leaves amid relegation battle as two major contenders emerge

Valerien Ismael has left Blackburn by mutual consent, it has been confirmed.

The former Premier League winners are in real danger of dropping down into League One.

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Rovers suffered a 1-0 defeat to Hull on Saturday after a late goal from Lewis Koumas.

Their last win in the Championship was a 2-0 victory against Millwall on December 20.

Blackburn are third from bottom and three points adrift of West Brom in 21st.

talkSPORT understands that Tony Mowbray is a contender to go back to Blackburn.

Former West Ham and Watford boss Slaven Bilic is also a contender for the job should Ismael be axed.

In a statement, Blackburn said: “Valerien Ismael has today left his position as Blackburn Rovers’ head coach by mutual consent.

“Ismael 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 Valerien 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.”

Ismael was in charge of Blackburn since February 2025 and won just 11 of his 43 games in charge.

He was the second Championship boss to leave within 24 hours, with Javi Gracia resigning from Watford on Sunday.

Blackburn turmoil

Fans have long lamented the club’s ownership under the Venky’s, who purchased the club in 2010.

A fan group called for the boycott of their Watford match in January, with many opting to watch nearby Chorley in the National League North.

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However, the Venky’s have no intention to sell the club anytime soon.

CEO Steve Waggott said in April last year: “The way it stands presently I can’t see them going anytime soon.

“Obviously, if there was an interest from another investor who put in a legitimate fully fledged offering that covered their time in the club that they felt was reasonable and fair, it’s just like a footballer. Every player’s up for sale. So clubs are up for sale.”

The Championship club was embroiled in more chaos this week when it emerged they were being sued by their kit supplier Macron.

Their five-year partnership will conclude at the end of this season.

On Thursday, Rovers revealed in a statement that Macron are taking legal action against them.

“The club has been served with court papers by its technical kit supplier, Macron S.p.A., in relation to a contractual dispute,” it read.

“The claim is being handled by the club with the support of its legal team and it would be inappropriate to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.”