Blackburn Rovers are still looking for a new manager following John Eustace’s surprising departure to Derby County, but a financial stumbling block has emerged about the salary package on offer for the position.
The play-off prospects have exceeded all expectations this season, after narrowly avoiding relegation to League One last season and losing top scorer Sammie Szmodics. The former Premier League winners are on the verge of returning to the top division after making significant transfers.
The Rovers’ defeat to Swansea City on Saturday has put a dent in their ambitions of remaining in the top six.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Blackburn’s new manager’s contract is unlikely to attract high-profile candidates like Gary O’Neil and Steve Cooper.
Blackburn Rovers contract offer putting Steve Cooper and co off taking the job
According to Nixon, the Rovers hierarchy offers a salary of roughly £600,00 each year, including bonuses and future advancement opportunities. However, this contract isn’t luring former top flight prospects like O’Neil or Cooper, who are currently unemployed.
Since Eustace left earlier this month, Blackburn has been looking for a new manager who can carry on what the former Birmingham City manager started. Richie Wellens of Leyton Orient was rumoured to be considered, although reports indicate he did not make the final cut for interviews.
Blackburn are now sixth in the Championship standings and have a strong chance of reaching the play-offs. They will need to hire a new manager as soon as feasible. According to Nixon, Rovers may struggle to find the right manager with the current deal.
| Championship Table (BBC Sport) | |||||||
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GD | Points |
| 5 | West Brom | 34 | 12 | 15 | 7 | 13 | 51 |
| 6 | Blackburn Rovers | 34 | 15 | 6 | 13 | 5 | 50 |
| 7 | Coventry City | 34 | 14 | 8 | 12 | 4 | 50 |
| *As of Feb 23 2025 | |||||||
With hopes to return to the Premier League, it appears that the contract on offer at Ewood Park is insufficient to entice out-of-work managers with top-flight experience. This will be a frightening revelation for Blackburn fans, who are already dissatisfied with their ownership.
According to Nixon, technical director Adam Owen is now more involved in the team’s operations. This means Owen will work more closely with the future coach, which improves the chances of current interim manager David Lowe staying in charge, though a severe defeat at Swansea may expedite the need to find a different, long-term option.
Fresh Blackburn Rovers reports may fuel fresh Venky’s frustrations
Since acquiring the club in November 2010, the Venky’s have not been the most popular owners in the EFL. They’ve seen the club go from prominence in the Premier League to League One status.
Throughout their stay at the club, the Venkys have made numerous poor judgements that have had a negative influence on the club. Eustace’s resignation from Ewood Park was due to a lack of support, despite his outstanding performance.
The club’s fanbase may become even more dissatisfied with the ownership group, since reports claim that the current offer is insufficient to recruit the desired manager.
Eustace’s departure was due to a lack of board support, in addition to a contract that did not meet his expectations as a top-level manager. It’s easy to see why any unemployed managers would go elsewhere, despite the club’s solid league position.
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