Former Celtic boss turns 'shock' Blackburn Rovers manager contender as door opens after financial dilemma
Ex Rangers and West Ham bosses are also in the running
Former Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has become a contender for the Blackburn Rovers vacancy as he could be set for a ‘shock’ return.
The veteran gaffer was previously in the dugout at Ewood Park for five years, when he helped them get promoted from EFL League One and become a stable Championship outfit. At Celtic, he was less successful as he was sacked after just a season in charge. The 62-year old also had coaching spells Hibs, West Brom, Coventry and Sunderland among others.
Blackburn have been left manager-less since Michael O’Neill decided to leave at the end of the season to concentrate on international matters with Northern Ireland. Along with Mowbray, former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is in the running to become his successor, while ex Rangers boss Russell Martin has also been linked.
Financial issues open door for former Hoops boss
According to prominent transfer journalist Alan Nixon, Rovers are hoping to appoint Bilic, but are struggling to meet terms financially, leaving the door ‘open’ for Mowbray. He said via Patreon: "Blackburn’s move to make Slaven Bilic their next boss is hitting a snag over the size of his pay-off - to open the door for a shock Tony Mowbray return.
“Croatian coach Bilic is wanted by Rovers and is interested in the post after being out of football for a couple of years. However Bilic wants a stunning guaranteed payment if the move does not work out, the equivalent of two year’s salary. Blackburn are happy to pay decent money for the free agent but have been taken aback by the amount of that settlement if it does not work out. Bilic is also trying to get clarification on the budget available but owners Venkys are not known for giving precise figures.”
Mowbray ‘back in contention’
The ex Celtic boss most recently took the reins at West Brom - another side he’d managed in the past. However, after a poor run of results, he was sacked in April 2025 after just four months in charge. Having been out of work since, the ball may now be in Mowbray’s court if he wants to make his Rovers return.
Nixon continued: “Former boss Mowbray was originally ruled out but will come back into contention if he is fit and keen on the job. Contact has been made with Mowbray to sound him out as the Bilic talks drag on. There are other candidates but Russell Martin is close to a Leicester City move after having foreign interest. Marti Cifuentes has been considered but seems an outsider."
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