Championship club SACK their manager – just before his one-year anniversary – after eight games without a win

Blackburn Rovers have sacked manager Valerien Ismael after a run of eight games without a win left them deep in Championship relegation trouble.

Rovers appointed Ismael, 50, last February and he took them to a seventh-place finish in the Championship but the troubled club are now 22nd and three points from safety. 

A statement today read: ‘Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Valerien and (assistant) Dean (Whitehead) for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them both the very best for the future.

‘The club will now begin the process of appointing a new head coach and will make no further comment until an appointment is confirmed.’

Ismael’s final match in charge was a 1-0 home defeat against Hull City on Saturday.

The Frenchman took charge of 43 matches as Blackburn manager, winning 11, drawing 11 and losing 21.

Blackburn are the second lowest scorers in the Championship this season, scoring just 26 times in 29 matches.

Only rock bottom Sheffield Wednesday having scored fewer goals with 18.

The struggle for goals has been highlighted in Blackburn’s eight-match winless run in the league, where they have scored just four times.

The run has seen Rovers pick up just three points with draws against Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton.

Ismael’s departure comes on the eve of their home match against Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park.