Overview
- Blackburn confirmed the 56-year-old as head coach on a deal to the end of the season, with O’Neill continuing as Northern Ireland manager.
- The Irish FA publicly backed the arrangement, stating World Cup play-off planning remains on track for the 26 March semi-final against Italy in Bergamo.
- Interim coach Damien Johnson will lead Saturday’s game at QPR with O’Neill watching from the stands before taking charge of day-to-day work.
- Phil Jones and Steven Davis have joined O’Neill’s backroom staff as Blackburn restructure the coaching team.
- Rovers are 22nd in the Championship with 15 matches left and just one win in 10, underscoring the urgency of the relegation fight.