Blackburn Rovers have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Slaven Bilic as he opts out of joining the club mid-season, as reported by Alex Crook on X.
Blackburn Rovers are looking for a new manager The departure of Valerien Ismael on the deadline day. While many felt the Frenchman’s departure was inevitable, the timing of the decision left sections of the Ewood Park faithful baffled.
A difficult task now awaits his permanent successor in Lancashire. The mood around Rovers has been negative for some time, with supporters increasingly calling for changes to the club’s ownership and overall structure.
It was reported that Slaven Bilic was one of the names being considered by Rovers. However, new information has been reported by Alex Crook on X suggests he will not join the club at this stage.
Bilic is reportedly not keen on a move during the season. Several other names have been linked to the post in recent days, including Gary Rowett and Leam Richardson.
Bilic’s administrative record
Blackburn Rovers FC News
Bilic’s recent managerial career has taken him across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, building on previous successes with the Croatia national team (2006-2012), Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and West Ham United.
After leaving West Ham in November 2017, Bilic had a short spell at Saudi club Al-Ittihad between 2018 and 2019.
He returned to England in June 2019 with West Bromwich Albion and led them to automatic promotion from the Championship as runners-up in 2019–20, but was sacked in December 2020 after a difficult start to life in the Premier League.
In January 2021, Bilic moved to China to take charge of Beijing Guoan, where he remained until January 2022 in a relatively stable but short period during a challenging period for the league. He returned to English football with Watford in September 2022, but his time at Vicarage Road only lasted until March 2023 after mixed results, with around 10 wins in 26 games.
His most recent role came in July 2023, when he was appointed manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh. He oversaw 36 games, averaging approximately 1.33 points per game, before leaving by mutual agreement on August 16, 2024, just before the start of the new season.
The last management of Blackburn Rovers
As previously mentioned, Bilic is one of several names that have been linked to the Rovers post.
Shortly after Ismael was sacked, Blackburn Rovers were linked with Richardson. However, the Reading boss was quick to play down the speculation and was telling BBC:
“You can never stop the speculation and I understand that. We have had no direct contact.” [with Blackburn] and I don’t think there are many questions left to be answered.”
Robbie Savage also discussed ties with his former club. The ex-Rovers midfielder, now in charge of Forest Green Rovers in the National League, said: “It’s pure speculation. I enjoyed my time there, brilliant football club. I loved all my old clubs I played for but it’s pure speculation.”
Robbie Savage’s time as Forest Green Rovers boss
Chris Coleman has also been mentioned in connection with the Blackburn job following his dismissal by Greek side Asteras Tripolis.
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