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

Scottish Premiership goals and free match highlights of every game in 2025/26 season

Scottish Premiership goals and free match highlights of every game in 2025/26 season

Your Site Essential EFL podcast: League One & Two reviewSimeon Gholam is joined by Aaron McLean and Ben Tozer on League One and Two review on the Your...

Championship play-offs: EFL likely to opt for six-team expanded format in 2026/27 ahead of general meeting

Championship play-offs: EFL likely to opt for six-team expanded format in 2026/27 ahead of general meeting

The Championship play-offs are likely to include six teams for the first time from next season, Your Site News understands.All EFL clubs will take par...

Kai Havertz: Arsenal forward set to miss at least four matches with muscular injury

Kai Havertz: Arsenal forward set to miss at least four matches with muscular injury

Kai Havertz has picked up a muscular injury and is set to miss Arsenal's next four games at least, ruling him out of the north London derby at Tottenh...

Ref Watch recap: Brighton, Leeds incidents and more analysed by former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher

Ref Watch recap: Brighton, Leeds incidents and more analysed by former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher

'Casemiro keen on Europe move ahead of Man Utd exit'Casemiro is keen to continue his career in Europe after he leaves Manchester United&nbsp...

Charlton 1-0 Stoke: Tyreece Campbell scores winner as Addicks boost survival chances with victory at The Valley

Charlton 1-0 Stoke: Tyreece Campbell scores winner as Addicks boost survival chances with victory at The Valley

Substitute Tyreece Campbell scored his third goal of the season as Charlton opened up a seven-point gap to the Championship bottom three after a 1-0 v...

UEFA Nations League: England drawn with Spain for 2026/27 tournament, Wales to face Portugal

UEFA Nations League: England drawn with Spain for 2026/27 tournament, Wales to face Portugal

England are set for a redo of the 2024 European Championship final after being drawn with Spain in the 2026/27 Nations League group phase.Thomas Tuche...