Blackburn Rovers have appointed Valerien Ismael as their new head coach on a deal until the end of the 2027-28 season.

The former Barnsley, West Brom and Watford boss replaces John Eustace, who left Rovers to take the Derby County job earlier this month.

Ismael, 49, led Barnsley to the Championship play-offs in his sole season at Oakwell and will look to do the same with Blackburn, who are sixth with 12 games to play.

“We were hugely impressed with Valerien throughout what was a rigorous recruitment process,” chief executive Steve Waggott told the club website., external

“He knows the Championship extremely well and what it takes to finish in the play-offs.

“He has played and managed in some of the biggest environments across Europe, and has all the credentials to have a successful spell with us over the coming years.”

Ismael’s first game in charge will be at home to Norwich City – who are also challenging for a play-off spot – on Saturday.