Manager completes emotional return to EFL club four years after leaving

Blackburn Rovers have announced the return of Tony Mowbray as their new head coach.

The Championship side signed the 62-year-old on a ‘long-term contract’.

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It is Mowbray’s second stint at Ewood Park having previously managed Rovers between February 2017 and May 2022.

In his first season, Mowbray steered the former Premier League champions out of League One and into the Championship, where they have remained since.

Blackburn’s club statement remarked ‘a number of talented young players emerged through the ranks’ under Mowbray’s tutelage.

The statement added Mowbray had Rovers ‘playing an exciting brand of attacking football,’ something which they will hope he can bring back to Ewood Park for next season.

Ton of experience

Mowbray’s previous spell with Blackburn spanned 267 games, marking the longest time he has spent at one club throughout his managerial career.

His record across those matches boasted 108 wins, 69 draws and 90 losses.

Mowbray’s appointment at Blackburn is also his second managerial role since he stepped down from Birmingham City after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in May 2024.

The 62-year-old was back in a dugout less than a year later as he returned to West Bromwich Albion, where he had been in charge from October 2006 to June 2009.

However, Mowbray was axed just four months in after winning just five matches out of 17 for the Baggies.

He now has the challenging task of reinvigorating Blackburn after they finished 20th in the Championship last term.

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Although Rovers finished five points clear of relegation, it was their lowest finish in the Championship since they returned to the second tier under Mowbray.

Mic drop

The 62-year-old replaces Michael O’Neill at the helm.

O’Neill was installed at Ewood Park in February, although he remained in his post as the Northern Ireland boss.

However, O’Neill declined the opportunity to extend his contract with Blackburn as he opted to focus on Northern Ireland’s Euro 2028 qualification.

Upon confirming his decision to fans, O’Neill said: “Blackburn Rovers is a historic football club with a proud tradition and passionate supporters.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the players, staff and everyone around the club.

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“After careful consideration, I have decided that my long-term focus must remain with Northern Ireland and the journey towards the European Championship campaign ahead.

“I would like to thank the owners, board, staff, players and supporters for the welcome and support shown to me during my time at the club.”