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Valerien Ismael left his previous job as Watford manager after 10 months in March 2024 Blackburn Rovers have appointed Valerien Ismael as their new head coach on a deal until the end of the 2027-28 season. The former Barnsley, West Brom and Watford boss replaces John Eustace, who left Rovers to take the Derby County job earlier this month. Ismael, 49, led Barnsley to the Championship play-offs in his sole season at Oakwell and will look to do the same with Blackburn, who are sixth with 12 games to play. "We were hugely impressed with Valerien throughout what was a rigorous recruitment process, " chief executive Steve Waggott told the club website. , external "He knows the Championship extremely well and what it takes to finish in the play-offs. "He has played and managed in some of the biggest environments across Europe, and has all the credentials to have a successful spell with us over the coming years. " Ismael's first game in charge will be at home to Norwich City - who are also challenging for a play-off spot - on Saturday. Swans thump Blackburn in first game since Williams exit Rare Forshaw goal sets up Blackburn win over Plymouth Eustace admits 'risk' of Derby move from Blackburn His spells at West Brom and Watford were less successful than his time in South Yorkshire and he was sacked by the Hornets in March last year after a run of one win in 10 matches. Following a playing career that included a spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, he moved into management with Hannover 96's reserves in 2011 and has also worked in Greece, Austria and Turkey. Blackburn have spent the majority of the season in the top six and caretaker David Lowe won both of his first two games in charge. However, Saturday's 3-0 defeat at fellow managerless side Swansea left them just one point clear of seventh-placed Coventry. Should they secure a play-off place this season it will be their highest league finish since being relegated from the Premier League in 2011-12. Ismael has previously worked with Rovers midfielder Callum Brittain and forward Cauley Woodrow when he was Barnsley boss and striker Emmanuel Dennis at Watford last season. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Premier League: Four games as Brighton host Bournemouth & Villa visit Palace Women's Nations League: Watch NI face Bosnia-Herzegovina after Slovenia beat ROI 'Over my dead body' - Arteta won't quit title race Do something funny for money this Red Nose Day Comic Relief is hitting the Big 4-0 and this Red Nose Day we’re going big to celebrate! Franz Ferdinand performs an electrifying session An effortless collaboration between the BBC Concert Orchestra and Franz Ferdinand Actor Bryan Cranston traces his father’s family line Lost connections and unknown histories are revealed as Bryan traces his family trees Sharing personal stories of discovery and family identity A death-bed promise to solve a family mystery takes a daughter on a remarkable journey Mourinho v Turkish football - what is going on? Lions watch week three: Fly-halves, back three & captain In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week What did we learn from Ferguson's Rangers unveiling? The Premier League perils awaiting Leeds as promotion edges closer The Carragher & Africa Cup of Nations row explained Sutton's predictions v singer Paige Cavell Is Salah set for greatest individual Premier League season? Crumbling fortresses - why are teams struggling to win at home? Inside the doping deal for tennis' world number one 'Let's call it now - the title race is over, Liverpool will be champions' Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? 'England have found an edge to bounce back' Everybody wants Usyk - what next for the heavyweights? England find a way to win to stay in title mix Leeds-born Coventry fan Inglis gives England blues with riotous knock 'Missed opportunities haunt Scotland on rough day' 'Holte End have a new hero' - Rashford shines in Aston Villa win What to look out for in MLS this season Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.