Blackburn Rovers target Wayne Rooney as potential Valerien Ismael replacement

Jaquob Crooke Published: 15 Apr 25 13:48

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly considering making Wayne Rooney their next manager if they decide to part company with Valerien Ismael.

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talkSPORT have revealed that Rooney is at the top of Blackburn's shortlist to replace under pressure boss Ismael, who's endured a difficult start to life at Ewood Park.

Rooney was most recently in charge of Championship side Plymouth Argyle and despite initial promise, the 39-year-old was dismissed at the end of December after a run of six defeats in seven.

Former West Brom and Watford chief Ismael was named John Eustace's successor at the end of February on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Although Blackburn's form had deteriorated in the latter stages of Eustace's tenure, Ismael inherited a side that were on the cusp of the top-six but a run of one win in eight matches has resulted in the Lancashire club sliding out of play-off contention.

The nature of Blackburn's regression sparked great frustration amongst supporters, who have grown tired of senior club figures whom they hold responsible for the deterioration of a once-promising season.

Ismael picked up his first win as Blackburn boss with a 1-0 triumph over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. While he faces an uphill battle to win over the fans, the club's head of football operations Rudy Gestede has publicly backed Ismael on multiple occasions and reiterated the need for patience.

Despite being linked to Blackburn, it's understood that Rooney wasn't considered during the search for Eustace's replacement in February.

Rooney started his managerial career with Derby County where he initially made the headlines for orchestrating their survival in the 2020/21 Championship season.

Manchester United's record goalscorer then relocated Stateside for a year with DC United before moving back to the UK when an opportunity arose at Birmingham City.

Rooney oversaw a dismal period at the second city outfit with just two wins in 15 matches before he was sacked in January 2024, but he wasn't out of work for too long as Plymouth came calling in May.