Former Hibs man takes up short term EFL Championship top job while juggling International management role
The former Stoke City and Shamrock Rovers boss has taken up a position at Blackburn Rovers.
Former Hibs midfielder, Michael O’Neill has been appointed Blackburn Rovers Head Coach on a short-term basis, while continuing his role as Northern Ireland boss.
The 56-year old will take over from Valerien Ismael at Ewood Park, who was sacked earlier this month after a year in charge. Rovers have won just once in their last eleven, sliding into the EFL Championship relegation zone in the process.
O’Neill, who spent three years at Hibs during the 1990s, is currently in the fourth year of his second spell as Northern Ireland boss as the Green and White Army prepare for next month’s all-important World Cup play-off clash with Italy. Despite this, the veteran boss insists his new club duties won’t act as a distraction for his International goals.
Damien Johnson has taken charge of Blackburn’s two most recent matches since Ismael’s dismissal and will remain as the club’s first team technical coach. O’Neill’s backroom staff team also consists of former Rangers midfielder, Steven Davis and ex Manchester United defender, Phil Jones.
O’Neill appointed as Rovers boss
A Blackburn Rovers statement read: “Blackburn Rovers are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael O’Neill as the club’s new Head Coach on a short-term arrangement. He will take charge of first team matters at Rovers while continuing in his role as Northern Ireland manager, as agreed with the Irish FA.
“A manager of outstanding experience and character, with a clear footballing philosophy and a reputation for getting the best out of players, the 56-year-old brings a proven track record at both club and international level over the past 20 years. Damien Johnson will be in the dugout for Rovers’ game against Queens Park Rangers this Saturday, with O’Neill watching from the stands. Welcome, Michael.”
It isn’t the first time O’Neill has been appointed at a club while managing his country, as he took charge of Stoke City in 2019 during his first spell as Northern Ireland manager. He is now ready to take on his latest challenge and insists his ‘full focus’ is on Blackburn in the immediate future.
O’Neill ready for a war on two fronts
The new Rovers boss added: “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.”