Valerien Ismael has resigned as Blackburn Rovers manager.

Ismail has been with the club for 12 months after being appointed in February 2025. But when he left, the club was in the Championship relegation zone, three points shy of safety. They have not won any of their past eight games.

A club statement read: “Valerian Ismail has today (Monday) resigned as head coach of Blackburn Rovers by mutual consent.

“Ismail joined the club in February 2025 but it has been agreed that he will resign from his role with immediate effect, along with assistant head coach Dean Whitehead.

“Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Valerian and Dean for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them all the best for the future.

“The club will now begin the process of appointing a new head coach and will make no further comment until the appointment is confirmed.”

Blackburn are due to face Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night but it has not yet been announced who will be in charge of that match. Victory would take them out of the bottom three.

sky sports news Tony Mowbray and Slaven Bilic are understood to be among the contenders to replace Ismail at Ewood Park.

Blackburn Rovers February fixtures

Sheff Wednesday (H) – Tuesday 3, 7.45pm

Norwich City (away) – Saturday 7pm, 12.31pm – Live on Sky

QPR (A) – Saturday 14:00-3pm

Preston (H) – Friday 20th 8pm – Live on Sky

Bristol City (H) – Tuesday 24th 7.45pm – Sky Live

Derby (away) – Saturday 28th 12.30pm – Live on Sky