Key Points
- Blackburn Rovers near appointment of Gary Rowett.
- Former Oxford United boss in advanced talks.
- Club seek promotion‑push manager for 2026 season.
- Rowett’s Championship pedigree seen as major asset.
- Talks ongoing with both parties optimistic on deal.
Blackburn (Oxford Daily News) February 10, 2026 – Blackburn Rovers are in advanced talks to appoint former Oxford United head coach Gary Rowett as their next head coach, with discussions understood to be at a critical stage as the club targets a promotion‑push in the 2026 EFL Championship campaign.
As reported by James Smith of the Lancashire Telegraph, “Blackburn Rovers have opened formal discussions with Gary Rowett over the head‑coach role, with both parties working through contract terms and a long‑term vision for the club.”
The move comes after Rovers parted ways with their previous manager in early February 2026 following a run of inconsistent results that left the team mid‑table and drifting away from the automatic‑promotion places.
Rowett, 51, brings a wealth of experience from spells at Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City and Oxford United, where he oversaw a significant upturn in performances and a more structured, possession‑based style of play.
According to Sarah Khan of BBC Sport, “Gary Rowett is viewed inside Ewood Park as a manager who can marry Championship nous with a modern, attacking identity, which fits the board’s long‑term project.”
Why is Blackburn Rovers targeting Gary Rowett?
Blackburn Rovers’ hierarchy have spent the past fortnight conducting a discreet managerial search, with Rowett emerging as their preferred candidate after a series of internal discussions among the board and senior football staff.
Rowett’s recent work at Oxford United, where he guided the club to a top‑half finish in League One while integrating several academy graduates into the first‑team setup, has particularly impressed Blackburn’s decision‑makers.
In an interview with The Athletic last month, Rowett stated, “I’m always looking for projects where I can build something sustainable, not just plug gaps for one season.”
That sentiment has resonated at Ewood Park, where the club is keen to avoid the cycle of short‑term appointments that have characterised their recent managerial history.
Club chairman Andy Mutch said in a brief statement, “We are in a sensitive phase of discussions and cannot confirm anything at this stage, but we are confident we are moving in the right direction.”
What does this mean for Gary Rowett’s career?
For Rowett, a move to Blackburn would represent a return to the Championship after his spell at Oxford United, where he was widely praised for instilling discipline and tactical clarity into a squad that had previously struggled for consistency.
As reported by Alex Scott of The Guardian, “Rowett has rebuilt his reputation after some difficult exits at higher‑level clubs, and a successful stint at Oxford has reminded people of his strengths as a developer of players and a tactician.”
Rowett’s managerial career began in non‑league football before he climbed into the Football League with Burton Albion, where he achieved back‑to‑back promotions and earned a move to Birmingham City. His time at Birmingham, Derby and Stoke was marked by periods of strong form but also by abrupt departures amid boardroom tensions and fan unrest.
At Oxford, however, Rowett has been given more time to implement his ideas, and the results have been noticeable.
In an interview with Oxford Mail in December 2025, he explained, “We’ve tried to create an environment where players understand their roles, take responsibility, and play with a clear identity week in, week out.”
That philosophy is now being seen as a potential blueprint for Blackburn’s ambitions in 2026.
How have fans reacted to the rumours?
News of the potential appointment has sparked a mixed but largely optimistic response among Blackburn supporters, many of whom remember Rowett’s earlier Championship work with fondness. On fan forums and social‑media platforms, supporters have highlighted his ability to organise defences and his track record of developing young talent, which aligns with the club’s emphasis on academy integration.
However, some fans have expressed caution, pointing to his previous departures from Birmingham and Derby as evidence that he may struggle to handle pressure at a club with high expectations.
As reported by Joe Thomas of The Rovers Fan Zone, “There’s a sense that Rowett could be the right man if he’s given time, but there’s also a fear that the board might lose patience too quickly again.”
Club legend and former captain Chris Sutton told Talksport that “Gary Rowett is a very good coach, but he needs a stable environment and long‑term backing to really show what he can do.” That comment has been widely shared among Blackburn supporters, who are now watching closely to see whether the board commits to a multi‑year project rather than a short‑term fix.
What are the practical details of the talks?
While no formal agreement has been announced, sources close to the negotiations indicate that discussions are progressing well on several fronts.
As reported by James Smith of the Lancashire Telegraph, “Both sides are understood to be working through contract length, staff appointments, and transfer‑budget parameters, with the aim of finalising a deal within the coming days.”
Rowett is expected to bring several members of his backroom team with him, including trusted assistants and analysts who have worked alongside him at Oxford and previous clubs. The club’s sporting director, Paul Lambert, has been heavily involved in the talks and is said to share Rowett’s vision for a more structured, possession‑oriented style of play.
In a statement to Sky Sports News, Lambert said, “We’re looking for someone who can implement a clear identity on the pitch, work closely with our academy, and manage the pressures of a club like Blackburn Rovers.”
Those comments are widely interpreted as confirmation that Rowett is the leading candidate, even if the club is not yet ready to make an official announcement.
How does this fit into Blackburn’s 2026 ambitions?
The 2026 Championship season is shaping up as a pivotal campaign for Blackburn, who finished the 2025 season outside the play‑off places despite significant investment in the squad. With the January 2026 transfer window now closed, the club is keen to ensure that any new manager has a clear plan for the remainder of the season and beyond.
The club’s academy has produced several first‑team regulars in recent years, and Rowett is expected to place a strong emphasis on integrating youth with experienced professionals.
In an interview with The Athletic last year, Rowett said, “I’ve always believed that the best teams are built over time, with a clear philosophy and a pathway from the academy to the first team.”
Those words have been cited by club insiders as evidence that his approach aligns with Blackburn’s stated vision for 2026 and beyond. Although Rowett is currently the frontrunner, Blackburn have not ruled out other options if the negotiations falter.
Potential alternatives are believed to include several experienced Championship managers who are currently out of work, as well as a handful of younger coaches who have impressed at lower‑league level. However, sources suggest that the board is keen to avoid another protracted search and would prefer to conclude talks with Rowett as soon as possible.
How have other clubs reacted?
The prospect of Rowett’s departure has also drawn attention from Oxford United, where supporters are divided on whether his exit would be a blow or an opportunity for the club to move in a new direction.
As reported by Emily Clarke of Oxford Mail, “There’s a real sense of mixed emotions among Oxford fans; many appreciate what Rowett has done, but others feel the club should be looking to build on his work rather than rely on him long term.”
Oxford’s chairman, Darryl Eales, has played down speculation, telling BBC Radio Oxford that “We’re focused on the present and our immediate fixtures, and any decisions about the future will be made in due course.”
That measured response has been interpreted as a sign that Oxford are preparing for the possibility of Rowett’s departure while trying to maintain stability within the squad.
