Blackburn Rovers are still working toward appointing a new manager, with opinion among supporters and pundits split over the best direction for the club. Ryan Hildred said there is not yet enough concrete evidence to feel confident about any frontrunner, though he welcomed the club’s careful approach after getting four of their last five managerial appointments right. Even so, he stressed that as June begins, the process needs to move forward quickly.
The discussion around the next manager is being shaped by uncertainty over the structure at Ewood Park. Questions remain about what authority Steve Curwood will have, while Rudy Gestede has also been linked in the press with possible changes of his own. That means there could be wider internal discussion before the club settles on a final direction. Three broad options have emerged: hiring an experienced Championship manager such as Gary Rowett, targeting a strong performer from League One such as Dave Challinor, or looking abroad and aligning with the club’s recruitment strategy through a continental candidate like Wouter Vrancken.
Challinor has become a popular choice among several contributors because of his work at Stockport County. His teams are seen as organised, competitive and tactically flexible, while also carrying an attacking threat through wing-backs and transitions. Supporters who favor this option believe he could bring structure and energy to a squad that needs improvement without requiring a complete rebuild. There is also a belief that his back-three system could suit Blackburn’s current resources.
Others see more merit in an appointment from overseas. Hildred pointed to the examples of Hull City and Huddersfield Town, where left-field choices helped drive strong Championship campaigns. He suggested that a similar appointment could work for Blackburn, but only if it is backed by recruitment that fits the manager’s ideas. He warned that the squad cannot once again be filled with untested foreign signings without the right budget and support.
Mark Hitchen argued that the club’s next manager should be able to get more out of the squad than its individual quality suggests. He said understanding the Football League is important, especially for a young and relatively inexperienced squad in a demanding 46-game Championship season. Challinor again stood out to him as a realistic and attractive option, though he also highlighted Luke Williams at Peterborough United as an exciting coach who has improved results, identity and attacking play.
Rory Larmer took a more cautious view, suggesting Blackburn may need another firefighter-type appointment simply to preserve Championship status after a summer of upheaval. With more than half the squad out of contract this June or entering the final year of their deals, and with experienced figures such as Sondre Tronstad and Ryan Hedges likely departing, he believes the club must be pragmatic. He said Challinor feels realistic and sensible in the context of the club’s finances and boardroom situation.
Mike Delap added some humour but also endorsed Challinor as his preferred choice. He said the Stockport boss has built a strong identity and would represent a step up, while also helping establish a foundation alongside the club’s new CEO. Delap dismissed some of the other names linked, including Slaven Bilic, Gary Rowett, Will Still and Henrik Pedersen.
Overall, the mood is one of cautious anticipation, with Blackburn hoping to appoint a manager who can stabilise the club quickly and build toward a more competitive Championship future.
