Blackburn Rovers

Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire

Image source, Getty Images

Michael O'Neill's decision to remain with Northern Ireland and end his association with Blackburn Rovers represents a significant moment for the club as they looks ahead to next season.

While there had been a degree of expectation that O'Neill might consider a full-time return to club management, his confirmation, delivered 10 days after the end of the Championship campaign, brings clarity to a situation that had lingered since the final whistle sounded in the home defeat by Leicester.

O'Neill's tenure at Ewood Park was brief but notably stabilising. Appointed during a period of uncertainty, his primary objective was clear - secure the club's Championship status.

He achieved that aim.

A record of five wins from 15 matches does not immediately stand out, but in context it represented a tangible improvement. The rot was stopped. It reflected a side that became harder to beat, more disciplined, and better organised defensively despite a chronic lack of goals.

However, the fact that survival was only confirmed on matchday 45 underlined the scale of the challenge he inherited. Blackburn were not a side operating from a position of comfort - they were one navigating a genuine relegation fight.

O'Neill's approach was consistent with that reality. His focus remained on efficiency rather than expansion - managing games, minimising risk, and extracting enough from the massively stretched squad available to achieve the desired outcome.

O'Neill's choice not to extend his stay appears to have been shaped by a combination of professional considerations and personal circumstances.

From a footballing perspective, discussions with the club would likely have centred on areas such as recruitment strategy, budgetary constraints, and long-term planning. These are standard elements of any managerial negotiation, particularly for a coach with O'Neill's level of experience.

Equally, his existing role with Northern Ireland offers a different type of stability. He is well established within that environment and faces the prospect of leading the national team into a European Championship qualifying campaign for the 2028 tournament, which will be hosted across the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) and the Republic of Ireland.

For Blackburn Rovers, the timing of this decision offers both a challenge and an opportunity.

In recent seasons, managerial appointments have largely been reactive, taking place mid-season in response to results or performance. This summer represents a different scenario and one in which the club has the opportunity to plan ahead rather than respond under pressure.

Attention will now turn to identifying O'Neill's successor.

As is often the case, early speculation has included familiar names, many of whom have been linked with the role in previous months. However, recent history suggests that the eventual appointment may not necessarily emerge from the most obvious candidates.

The key requirement appears to be a manager capable of operating within the realities of the Championship, a division defined by competitiveness, physical demands, and for those without parachute payments, tight margins, while also contributing to a more stable, longer-term framework.

O'Neill's contribution ultimately centred on stability. He inherited a challenging situation and achieved the immediate objective.

The next phase, however, is different.

With a summer window ahead and time to plan, the club are positioned to make a more measured and strategic choice than has been possible in recent seasons.

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton's Tonda Eckert has been named the Championship's manager of the month for April, his third successive award.

Saints went unbeaten in the Championship last month, taking 14 points from a six-game unbeaten run as well as reaching an FA Cup semi-final where they just lost out to Manchester City.

Southampton finished fourth in the table to secure a play-off place and will meet Middlesbrough in the semi-finals with the first leg on Teesside on Saturday, 9 May (12:30 BST).

"It's a real honour to receive this award again, but it's one that belongs to everyone at the football club," Eckert said.

"The players and staff have been outstanding, and our supporters continue to give us incredible backing every week.

"To win it three times in a row is something we can be proud of, but our focus remains fully on the games ahead.

"We've built a strong mentality as a group, and we have to keep pushing to finish the season as strongly as possible."

Coventry City's Frank Lampard, John Mousinho of Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers boss Michael O'Neill were also nominated for April's award.

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton's Tonda Eckert, Frank Lampard of Coventry, Portsmouth boss John Mousinho and Blackburn's Michael O'Neill have been nominated for April's Championship manager of the month award.

Eckert is hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins after taking the award for both February and March.

He led Saints to an unbeaten run of six games last month as they finished in fourth place to secure a play-off place.

Lampard took Coventry to the Championship title and a return to the Premier League after 25 years away. The Sky Blues were also unbeaten in April, taking 12 points from their six matches.

John Moushino has kept Portsmouth in the Championship for a second successive season with impressive wins over Middlesbrough and Ipswich part of a haul of 14 points from seven outings.

Pompey forward Adrian Segecic is up for the player of month award after scoring four goals as part of the club's successful battle against relegation.

Also nominated for the manager's award is Michael O'Neill of Blackburn Rovers after the Northern Ireland boss oversaw nine points from six games in April to guide the club to safety.

The winners will be announced on Friday, 8 May.

Blackburn head coach Michael O'Neill told BBC Radio Lancashire: "The game was a real end-of-season affair. I was disappointed with how we played in the first half but thought in the second half we played really well.

"The changes made an impact but you have to score when you're on top, and we had numerous chances that we didn't take.

"Then we were punished with a scrappy goal - a corner, second phase we should have defended better, so it's disappointing.

"[Balazs Toth] has been top-class from the moment I came into the building. He has that ability to make that big save, not only in a game like this that didn't have anything riding on it, but also in the key games he made big, big saves. That's a sign of a top-class goalkeeper."

Until about a fortnight ago this game had been highlighted as a potential relegation blockbuster.

As it turns out though, there will be sighs of relief on three sides of Ewood Park on Saturday (12:30 BST) as Blackburn fans celebrate a successful battle against the drop while in the away end, Leicester supporters will mark their final game in the Championship for at least one season.

• After their 2-0 win in November, Blackburn could complete their first league double over Leicester City since 1990-91.

• Both of Leicester's past two league meetings with Blackburn have seen them lose 2-0; the Foxes last lost three league matches in a row to Rovers in October 1987, while they have never done so without scoring before.

• Blackburn Rovers have only lost their final league match in one of the past 13 seasons (W9 D3), a 3-2 defeat away to Luton in 2019-20.

• Leicester have lost their final league match in four of the past six seasons (W2), as many as their previous 18 beforehand (W8 D6 L4).

• Leicester are the fifth team to be relegated from the Premier League and Championship in consecutive seasons, after Swindon Town (1993-94/94-95), Wolves (2011-12/12-13), Sunderland (2016-17/17-18) and Luton (2023-24/24-25).

Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire's sports editor

Image source, Clive Lawrence

It's been an emotional week for Blackburn Rovers - a week that seemed to hold both relief and heartbreak in the same breath.

In the club's 150th season, when relegation had hovered like a shadow for so long, Wednesday night finally brought the points needed to stay in the Championship.

And then, only hours later, came the news that broke so many hearts: the passing of one of Rovers' most beloved sons, Tony Parkes.

Losing Tony has hit me hard, both personally and professionally.

He wasn't just a club legend to me - he was a friend.

We lived in the same village, and our daily routines often crossed on long walks. We'd stop, talk football, set the world right for a few minutes, and if we bumped into each other the next day, we'd happily do it all again.

Tony would join me on BBC Radio Lancashire for match commentaries, preferring the touchline to the press box, but always bringing insight that fans valued. When Tony spoke, people listened.

Players and managers come and go. Some leave as heroes, others less so. But few stay the course - steady, loyal, unshakeable. Tony Parkes was one of those few. He embodied resilience, humility, skill and hard work. It's no wonder people called him "Mr Blackburn Rovers," a title he never sought but wore effortlessly.

Over the last day, tributes have poured in from supporters who adored him. Many believe he left this world knowing his beloved Rovers were safe and that their survival came in Sheffield, the city where he was born in 1949.

Former players have shared their memories too. At the club's 150th anniversary gala, Alan Shearer, Colin Hendry, and Kevin Gallacher spoke of his kindness, his humour, and the quiet strength that defined him.

Image source, Andy Bayes

Tony's Rovers story began in 1970, when he was plucked from non-league Buxton Town for a trial.

A striker turned midfielder, he became a constant presence - part of the 1974–75 promotion side under Gordon Lee, and again influential in the team that rose back to the second tier under Howard Kendall in 1980. A broken leg in 1981 ended his playing days but opened the door to a remarkable coaching career.

He took charge of Rovers six times. Three times he came close to being appointed permanently.

In 1986, after Bobby Saxton's departure, he was a strong contender before Don Mackay got the job. In 1991, after Jack Walker took control, Tony steadied the ship with five wins, two draws, and just one defeat - a run that helped pave the way to Wembley and the 1992 play-off final, a moment he cherished for the rest of his life.

Again in 1999, after relegation and Brian Kidd's departure, Tony stepped in, calmed the waters, and prepared the ground for Graeme Souness.

Through all the big-name arrivals and departures, Tony remained. Jack Walker trusted him implicitly. When things got tough, the answer was simple: send for Tony.

As a caretaker, he believed in change. "Why carry on what the previous manager was doing if he'd just been sacked?" he'd say.

He backed youth, gave players freedom, and treated everyone the same - whether they cost five million or five thousand. Mark Atkins moved from right-back to central midfield under Tony. Jason Wilcox got his chance. The late Len Johnrose was given an opportunity. Tony saw potential where others saw risk.

Away from football, Tony's world revolved around family. He preferred a quiet night at home with his late wife Eileen and his daughter Natalie to any spotlight or ceremony. Even persuading him to attend the North West Football Awards - where he was surprised with a lifetime achievement award - took some convincing.

After a spell at Blackpool and his retirement, Tony's health began to decline. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a cruel contrast to the fitness he'd maintained all his life.

I'll never forget sitting with Tony and Natalie as they prepared to share his diagnosis publicly. I'll always be grateful they trusted me with something so deeply personal.

Though conversation became difficult for him, his love for football never faded. He still came to Ewood Park, still felt at home there, still found moments of that dry humour and those one-liners that made him who he was.

Reading the tributes over the last 24 hours, it's clear Tony Parkes meant so much to so many. My sincerest condolences go to his family - the people he loved above all else.

Thanks for the memories, Tony. And thank you for the friendship.

In the wake of Championship survival being secured, we asked what you thought of Blackburn's turnaround under Michael O'Neill and whether you wanted him to remain at Ewood Park.

Rovers' status in the second tier was ensured after Wednesday's 3-1 win at Sheffield United and Rovers' form under the Northern Ireland boss has been excellent, although his future beyond this summer is still be decided.

Here are some of your responses:

Gavin: Absolute no brainer, he has worked miracles with a below average group of players apart from a few. Offer him the job, let him control the players he brings in and he can take us forward.

Ronnie: Definitely keep him as a manager. Start to show some ambition, that's been lacking for years. Merely keeping a club solvent isn't ambition. O'Neill has gotten a tune out of someone else's signings. Imagine what he could do with five or six of his own...

Matthew: Absolutely must keep him as manager. What he has achieved with that group is remarkable. Professional and statesman like in his leadership. I could see him being very successful if he stays.

Tom: I think every Rovers fan would like him to stay. With our current ownership we aren't appealing to all managers- and he has demonstrated he can do well with the squad available. Can we make enough appeal to him? I'm not sure. He has similar qualities to Mowbray who had a mostly good five years under Venkys - so I think we could do well if he can be persuaded to leave Northern Ireland.

Ali: Upon appointment of O'Neill in February I was sceptical - would his heart be in it and would the players respond to someone who can walk away in the summer whether relegated or not?

Am glad I was wrong - what a steadying hand he has been for the club, reuniting the fans with the players on the pitch (let's not talk about the owners) and talking honestly, candidly and refreshingly game by game. I for one hope he makes the permanent switch in the summer.

Ian: The club should be doing everything they can to keep him at the club!

Barry: He's done a fantastic job lifting the mood around the club and giving supporters something to believe in again.

The board need to act decisively now and trigger his release clause with (Northern Ireland) rather than letting this drag on.

With a full pre-season to implement his ideas, there's every chance he could build something special for next season... it's the Championship after all.

Calvin: Keep Michael O'Neill. He has saved us from relegation. He transformed Northern Ireland and his results speak for themselves.

Blackburn Rovers confirmed their survival with a 3-1 victory over Sheffield United on Wednesday evening, prompting much love for current boss Michael O'Neill.

Rovers have only lost one of their past eight matches under the Northern Irishman (W3 D4) but his appointment in February was presented as a short-term deal.

O'Neill still manages the Northern Ireland international team as things stand, but has a decision to make on his future if Rovers were to offer him a new deal.

Is keeping O'Neill important to next season's ambitions? Why is it going so right under the 56-year-old?

Let us know your thoughts here and check back on Friday to see a selection of the best responses.

Lindsey Lewis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

As I sat down this morning to write this, I thought about looking up the stats, some kind of in-depth analysis of our season but instead I have decided to write from the heart.

By the time Valerien Ismael exited Ewood Park I was resigned to relegation and baffled as to who would want the Rovers job.

While commentators said it was desirable, it felt for anyone considering the role it would be a slog on and off the pitch.

Then the rumours came of the gaffer, a job-share role with Northern Ireland and I was worried. The club felt like it needed to be someone's priority. Oh, how wrong I was.

From the moment Michael O'Neill entered the building he has gone about his work diligently and with humility.

He speaks well, has connected with the fanbase and has got the best out of a squad ripped apart in the summer transfer window and blighted with more injuries than I can mention.

He has used his international role to his advantage and secured Championship safety which feels nothing short of a miracle.

My relief is palpable. I have spent the morning randomly bursting into tears, but survival should be the bare minimum requirement. The hard work for the club starts now.

The biggest and most important move they will need to make this summer is tempting O'Neill to make this temporary role permanent, when no doubt many other clubs will have been extremely impressed with his time at Rovers.

Whatever he decides my message to the gaffer is clear - thank you. You will always have a place in my blue and white heart.

Blackburn head coach Michael O'Neill speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire after the 3-1 win over Sheffield United which ensured Championship safety.

"Relieved, more than anything else, delighted for the players, delighted for the club. I don't like to call it a celebration because you never want to be in this situation. A really good performance, first half was a terrific performance, second half we had to show a different side of our character.

"We made a little difficult for ourselves but they were always going to throw caution to the wind. To come here and win 3-1 is testament to the players and their application. Their reaction was first class.

"The squad has been really challenged with availability and that's never a good thing. It shows there is quite a lot of potential in the squad but equally we've got to recognise why we have to go the 45th game to preserve our Championship status. It was very difficult to get the right team on the pitch so I think the staff have done a magnificent job.

"I'm pleased because it was a difficult situation that I came into. The most important thing is there is a bit of positivity back in the club. When you're in a situation that we're in it's on your mind every day so at least now I can go into a game slightly more relaxed on Saturday. I think it's important that we finish strongly.

On his managerial future with Blackburn, O'Neill added that "discussions will take place".

"The club has a decision to make themselves which direction they want to go. I'm a contracted manager so the same goes for any club if they wanted me as their manager they would have to go thought the IFA and meet the terms of the release clause and I would have to want to do it.

"This was a loan and I suppose given where we are it would be deemed as a successful loan. I'm sure conversations will happen one way or the other in the weeks ahead.

"You can't do both, there's no way you can do both. At some point I'll have to make the decision one way or the other."

Image source, Opta

Blackburn will hope to secure their Championship status for another season when they visit Sheffield United on Wednesday night (kick-off 19:45 BST).

Rovers are 21st and five points clear of 22nd-placed Oxford United with two games to play, while the U's have three fixtures remaining.

If Blackburn win and Oxford fail to do so at home to Wrexham, Michael O'Neill's side will be safe from relegation.

Blackburn have lost just one of their past seven games (W2 D4), while the Blades, who cannot reach the play-offs or go down, have won two on the bounce to recover from a six-match winless run (D3 L3).

• Sheffield United are unbeaten in their previous seven home league games against Blackburn (W5 D2) since a 2-1 loss in January 1994 in the Premier League.

• Blackburn have lost six of their past nine league games against Sheffield United (W2 D1), going down 3-1 at Ewood Park in this season's reverse fixture.

• Sheffield United have both scored (20 goals) and conceded (15) in each of their past 10 home league games, their longest run since November 1970 (also 10). The Blades last did so in 11 straight home league matches in August 1954.

• Blackburn Rovers haven't lost their final away league game in any of the previous five seasons (W3 D2) since a 2-3 defeat at Luton in 2019-20. Their final away match of last season was a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United.

• Chris Wilder has lost none of his five league meetings with Blackburn as Sheffield United manager (W4 D1); his only league defeat to Rovers came as Middlesbrough boss in January 2022 (0-1).