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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Draytonian III on May 10, 2026, 08:44:36 pm

Title: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: Draytonian III on May 10, 2026, 08:44:36 pm
It’s looking increasingly likely that Michael O Neill is going to take the Blackburn Rovers manager’s full time, as reported in the Belfast Telegraph. It also mentions the possible replacements.
Stephen Robinson, just took over at Aberdeen.
Tommy Wright, N.Ireland U21s manager
Steve Davis, ex captain and on O’Neill’s coaching staff, also been temporarily in charge of Rangers
Jim Malligton, ex N.Ireland U21s manager, ex Ipswich and presently managing Cliftonville.
David Healy, record goalscorer, manager of Linfield.
Grant McCann, ………..

I personally would think Healy would be the last choice because his on management experience is Linfield.
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: keyser_soze on May 10, 2026, 08:56:30 pm
McCann is obviously a proud Northern Irishman and said as much in his recent interview with Hoden that he would love to manage his country. I’d hate them to come knocking but you must imagine he is on their list.
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: roversdude on May 10, 2026, 09:59:58 pm
I think (hope) Grant is too enamoured with the project at Rover at the minute - he can take the NI job when he’s winding down a bit
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on May 11, 2026, 06:39:38 am
It would be a higher profile job and if he did well (considering expectations with NI) would lead to championship jobs. Not sure it’s a winding down job personally
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: Petche on May 11, 2026, 06:42:27 am
If this job were to come up I think we could be in danger of losing Grant!
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 11, 2026, 07:01:23 am
Yes, I think we're more likely to lose McCann to international duty than club management, if the call comes and he gets the chance to impress
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: In the box on May 12, 2026, 10:19:21 am
I think (hope) Grant is too enamoured with the project at Rover at the minute - he can take the NI job when he’s winding down a bit
A few months ago McCanns tenure was looking very tenuous with Rovers sitting too close to the drop . If an opportunity was to arrive he’d be stupid not to take it , as the life as league manger is more fragile and more immediate of results . NI are not looking short term and it’s better to have a loyal Irishman at the helm who’s sees most of the players play from the championship down to the lower leagues .
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: roversdude on May 12, 2026, 11:49:17 am
Don’t think it was ever tenuous
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: In the box on May 12, 2026, 11:56:47 am
Don’t think it was ever tenuous
The results at the start of January weren’t promising of us staying league 1 and finding goals from a striker who firing blanks .there wee a few on here who were on  his case  !!
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: Fal on May 12, 2026, 03:27:11 pm
Panic Over, Michael is staying as NI manager.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cd7p80ny5l3o
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: GazLaz on May 12, 2026, 03:37:33 pm
Panic Over, Michael is staying as NI manager.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cd7p80ny5l3o

That’s handy. The last thing we needed to be doing this summer is finding a new manager.


Blackburn thought he was nearly certain to stay last week.

Funnily enough MON changed his mind on becoming Celtic manager whilst driving to sign the contract and do the press conference. Similar circumstances here.
Title: Re: Blackburn Rovers , Michael O Neill
Post by: Metalmicky on May 12, 2026, 04:17:42 pm
Blackburn will probably offer the job to McCann... :whistle: :blink: