Former Rangers boss and ex Manchester United star competing to become next Blackburn Rovers manager
The former Ibrox gaffers had a forgettable spell in Govan earlier in the season
Former Rangers boss Russell Martin is reportedly one of the candidates to take over as Blackburn Rovers manager after Michael O’Neill left the club.
The Englishman is in the running for the vacancy at Ewood Park alongside former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley and ex West Ham boss Slaven Bilic. If successful, it would be Martin’s first job back in the game since his disastrous four month stint at Ibrox. The 40-year old won only one of seven league games before being sacked in October in his first season.
Former Newcastle and Dundee United man O’Neill announced at the end of the season he wouldn’t be extending his stay in Lancashire as he goes back to focusing on international matters. He made the controversial decision in February to take the Rovers job while also maintaining his position as Northern Ireland boss, but he will now have tunnel vision for the Green and White Army’s Euro 2028 qualification campaign. Rovers, who have Rangers man Todd Cantwell on their books, finished 20th in the Championship this season, narrowly avoiding the drop.
Ex Rangers boss in the running for Rovers vacancy
Transfer journalist Alan Nixon claims via Patreon: “Blackburn Rovers are looking for a manager with Championship experience - with Russell Martin and Tom Cleverley among the options. Rovers want a boss who has worked at the level after the disappointment of Michael O’Neill walking away.
“Martin won promotion with Southampton and also learned his trade at Swansea. His move to Rangers failed but he was too revolutionary in his methods. The experienced boss has other interests in Europe but would be keen to speak to Rovers. Martin is a free agent but Cleverley would cost compensation. Slaven Bilic was in the frame before and also comes with Championship hours on his CV but he sent out mixed messages last time.”
Martin has an impressive record in the English second tier with his possession-based, attacking style, however at Ibrox it couldn’t have gone any worse. To add to his poor league record, he oversaw Rangers lose 9-1 on aggregate to Club Brugge in their Champions League play off qualifier. A 1-1 draw away to Falkirk sealed his fate, when he had to be given a police escort out of the stadium as sections of the travelling support stopped the team bus from leaving the stadium.
Why did Michael O’Neill leave Blackburn?
The Northern Irishman said: "Blackburn Rovers is a historic football club with a proud tradition and passionate supporters. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the players, staff and everyone around the club. After careful consideration, I have decided that my long-term focus must remain with Northern Ireland and the journey towards the European Championship campaign ahead. I would like to thank the owners, board, staff, players and supporters for the welcome and support shown to me during my time at the club.”
In a statement, the club added: "Following discussions with the club, Michael has decided to continue his long-term commitment to his role as Northern Ireland head coach, with a focus on leading the national team towards qualification for the Uefa European Championships in 2028,"
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