Blackburn 2026/27 Championship Preview
Blackburn Rovers enter the 2026/27 Championship campaign searching for stability following a gruelling 25/26 season in which they narrowly avoided relegation with a 20th-place finish. After Valerien Ismael was relieved of his duties in February, interim boss Michael O’Neill steered Rovers to safety, but the club hierarchy opted for a familiar face to lead the long-term project at Ewood Park by bringing back Tony Mowbray for his second spell in charge.
Mowbray returns to a squad that possesses underlying quality despite last season’s struggles. Player of the Season Ryoya Morishita proved to be a standout performer with nine league assists, while Japanese forward Yuki Ohashi led the team in scoring with 10 goals. Midfield quality from Todd Cantwell alongside physical presence upfront from Andri Gudjohnsen gives Mowbray a strong creative foundation to build upon.
The priority for the 26/27 season will be shoring up a defensive unit that leaked 62 goals last campaign while regaining Ewood Park’s reputation as a tough venue for visiting sides. With Mowbray’s proven Championship experience and tactical clarity, Rovers fans will be expecting a far more comfortable, mid-table campaign rather than another tense relegation fight.

Blackburn’s set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Todd Cantwell, Yuki Ohashi
- Free-kicks: Todd Cantwell, Ryoya Morishita
- Corners: Ryoya Morishita, Todd Cantwell
Blackburn FAQs
Where did Blackburn finish in the 2025/26 Championship season?
Blackburn Rovers finished 20th in the Championship, securing safety late in the campaign.
Who is the Blackburn manager?
Tony Mowbray is the head coach of Blackburn Rovers. Mowbray returned to Ewood Park in June 2026 for a second stint in charge, having previously managed the club between 2017 and 2022.
Who is the current Blackburn captain?
Todd Cantwell serves as the Blackburn Rovers club captain, leading the side alongside vice-captains Sondre Tronstad and Hayden Carter.