Tony Mowbray appointed Blackburn Rovers head coach

Tony Mowbray has returned to Blackburn Rovers as head coach, marking a significant comeback to football management following a battle with bowel cancer. The 62-year-old, who previously managed the Championship club from 2017 to 2022, has signed a long-term contract and succeeds Michael O’Neill, who departed last month.

Mowbray’s appointment ends a period away from the professional game. His most recent role was a brief tenure at West Bromwich Albion, which concluded in April 2025. Prior to that, he stepped down from his position at Birmingham City in early 2024 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. He has since received the all-clear and has spoken publicly about his recovery, which included surgery and a significant weight loss followed by a dedicated effort to regain his strength.

In his first comments since the appointment, Mowbray expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Ewood Park. He stated that football burns away in him and that he cannot wait to get started. He described the club as feeling like home, referencing his previous five-and-a-half-year spell where he helped rebuild the team following their promotion back to the Championship. He said it almost feels like...