Former Stoke City FC manager closing in on shock move to Championship rivals

Michael O’Neill is reportedly on the verge of committing his future to Blackburn Rovers FC by accepting an offer to become the club’s permanent manager.

The former Stoke City FC boss is expected to step down from his position with Northern Ireland national football team and put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Ewood Park. O’Neill initially arrived on a short-term basis in February and successfully steered Blackburn clear of relegation danger in the Championship.

While O’Neill previously stated that any long-term arrangement would need to suit himself, Blackburn and Northern Ireland, reports from Alan Nixon suggest that all parties have now reached an agreement.

As part of the deal, Northern Ireland are set to receive compensation for ending a contract that had been due to run until 2028. Blackburn are also understood to be planning to back O’Neill with an experienced assistant and funds to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window.

Following the end of the campaign, O’Neill took a short holiday but remained eager to settle both his own future and Blackburn’s preparations for the 2026/27 season, including decisions on retained players.

Speaking after the final game of the season, O’Neill admitted he had grown close to the club during his spell in charge and highlighted Blackburn’s long-term potential after achieving the target of Championship survival.

O’Neill departed Stoke in August 2022 before returning to manage Northern Ireland, whom he later guided into the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Blackburn eventually finished 20th in the Championship standings, ending the season five points above the relegation zone.