Next Blackburn Manager Odds: Ismael Backed For Rovers Role
Blackburn are searching for a new manager following John Eustace's move to Derby and betting sites are offering odds on who could fill the vacancy.
The Rams sacked Paul Warne after a run of seven successive league defeats saw them drop into the Championship relegation zone.
Eustace decided to swap a promotion battle with Rovers for a relegation scrap with a club where he ended his playing career.
Blackburn are sitting in a play-off spot with 51 points from 34 games as they look to return to the top tier of English football for the first time since 2012.
Eustace's decision to leave was a disappointment to the club, but they will be happy that the long, drawn-out saga has finally ended.
They will now have to move swiftly to secure a replacement in order to maintain their play-off charge.
We take a look at some of the candidates that Rovers may turn to in order to keep their promotion hopes on track.
Ismael Now Favourite For Role
Valerien Ismael is looking for his next challenge after he was dismissed by Watford early last year.
Having taken Barnsley to a fifth-place finish in the 2020/2021 season, the Frenchman became the West Bromwich Albion boss later that year, but he was dismissed in February 2022 after a series of disappointing results.
After a stint with Turkish club Besiktas, Ismael was then appointed head coach of Watford in 2023, but was relieved of his duties after less than a year.
Despite a far from solid track record, the 48-year-old is currently favourite in the next Blackburn manager market with odds of 1/3.
Next Blackburn Manager Odds
Manager | Odds | Bookmaker |
Valerien Ismael | 1/3 | |
David Wagner | 6/1 | |
Aitor Karanka | 12/1 | |
Steven Gerrard | 14/1 | |
George Boateng | 20/1 | |
David Lowe | 20/1 | |
Gary O'Neil | 25/1 | |
Pep Lijnders | 25/1 | |
Niels Frederiksen | 25/1 | |
Raphael Wicky | 33/1 |
Wagner Waiting For Next Chance
David Wagner has had plenty of time to get over the disappointment of last season's play-off defeat to Leeds, which ultimately cost him his job as Norwich manager.
Wagner knows the Championship very well and won promotion to the Premier League with Huddersfield, and with Rovers still in the mix for a play-off place, his experience could be vital in the closing stages of the season.
Few would be surprised if Wagner got a call from Ewood Park in the coming weeks and he is currently 6/1 to get the job.
Karanka Drifting In The Market
Aitor Karanka is now 12/1 with football betting sites to be the next Blackburn Rovers boss having been 5/2 favourite last week.
The Spaniard has had a mixed managerial career in England, first leading Middlesbrough back into the Premier League, before disappointing at both Nottingham Forest and Birmingham.
He has been out of work since leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv in June 2023 and is keen on a return to the dugout.
Gerrard Linked With Blackburn Vacancy
Steven Gerrard is available once again after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq at the end of January.
As manager of Rangers, Gerrard famously prevented Old Firm rivals Celtic from winning a 10th successive Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season but left the club to join Aston Villa for an ill-fated spell which lasted just 11 months.
His links to the north-west region make him a natural fit, but the former England international may want to bide his time before choosing the right club.
Gerrard is 14/1 with betting apps to get back on the managerial merry-go-round at Ewood Park.
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
Boateng Would Be Bold Choice
George Boateng finds himself in the reckoning for the vacancy despite having very little managerial experience.
The former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough midfielder has had just one job in the dugout and that came 10 years ago at Malaysian club Kelentan where he won just under half of his matches in charge.
However, he was a professional development coach for Aston Villa's U18 and U23 squads, but since then he has been assistant coach with the Ghana national team and at Coventry under Mark Robins only to leave when Frank Lampard was appointed.
Boateng is 20/1 with bookmakers to get the Blackburn job.
Caretaker Lowe Knows The Club
David Lowe won his first two matches in charge as caretaker manager of Blackburn following the departure of John Eustace.
But after couple of 2-0 victories at promotion rivals West Brom and against relegation-threatened Plymouth, a 3-0 loss to Swansea has seen Lowe drift to 20/1 in the next Blackburn manager market.
The experienced coach joined the club in 2011, beginning as the head of the youth set-up.
He was promoted to assistant boss in 2017 and is now being considered as a candidate for the top job.
O'Neil Drifting In The Market
Gary O'Neil is on the look-out for a new job after being sacked by Wolves following their 2-1 loss to Ipswich in December.
O'Neil still has a lot of credit in the bank following his time at Molineux, and if he wants to get back into management while his stock is still high, the Blackburn job might appeal.
His availability makes him an attractive candidate, with Rovers still in the play-off mix. Despite this, he is drifting in the market and can be backed at 25/1.
Lijnders On The List
Former RB Salzburg boss Pep Lijnders (25/1) is a somewhat surprising name on Blackburn's candidate list.
The Dutchman has experience of the English game having been assistant to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, and would bring an exciting style of play to Ewood Park.
He has only been out of work since December, so it would be a quick return to management should he get the job.
Other names in the frame include Niels Frederiksen (25/1) and Raphael Wicky (33/1).
Stay In The Loop With Free Bets, Insider Tips & More!
Live Betting. Sports Promos. Sent Weekly.
