Michael O’Neill has taken charge at Blackburn Rovers until the conclusion of the current campaign, whilst continuing his duties as Northern Ireland manager in a dual-role arrangement confirmed on Friday.
The 56-year-old will not be in the dugout for tomorrow’s Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers.
Interim manager Damien Johnson will instead lead the team at Loftus Road, with O’Neill watching proceedings from the stands.
Blackburn currently occupy 22nd position in the Championship standings, separated from safety only by goal difference.
The club has been without a permanent manager since Valerien Ismael departed on February 2.
O’Neill expressed gratitude to the IFA for “their support and co-operation in allowing me to take this opportunity”.
He said: “Blackburn Rovers is a historic Premier League-winning club with a proud tradition, and the chance to work at a club of that stature is one I felt was important to embrace.”
The manager acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, he said: “The immediate focus is clear there is a challenge ahead in the final stretch of the season and the objective is to help the team build momentum and climb the Championship table.”
Michael O’Neill has taken charge at Blackburn Rovers until the conclusion of the current campaign
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He pledged his full commitment to Rovers in the coming weeks, adding: “I understand what this club means to its supporters and I am looking forward to working with the players and staff to deliver performances the fans can be proud of.”
This arrangement mirrors O’Neill’s previous experience at Stoke City, where he initially combined club management with his international responsibilities when joining in late 2019.
On that occasion, Covid-19 disruptions meant he ultimately stepped down from the Northern Ireland post before the delayed Euro 2020 play-offs took place.
Beyond the relegation fight at Ewood Park, O’Neill must prepare his national side for a World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in Bergamo on March 26.
Michael O’Neill will not be in the dugout for tomorrow’s Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers
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Victory there would set up a final against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina five days later, with Northern Ireland chasing their first World Cup appearance in four decades.
IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson described the appointment as a “progressive move”, emphasising that the arrangement has been structured to ensure Northern Ireland’s preparations and planning remain unaffected.
Nelson said: “Michael remaining active on the grass during this period can only enhance the level of our preparation for the play-off.
“We are assured that, following four months of preparation, everything remains on track, and our focus is firmly on ensuring the squad is ready between now and kick-off in Bergamo.
IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson described the appointment as a ‘progressive move’
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He added: “Michael will be using his downtime productively by being in and amongst the cut and thrust of elite-level football.
“With a World Cup play-off on the horizon, we are confident this experience will only strengthen his preparedness ahead of such a key fixture.”
Nelson expressed confidence that O’Neill’s involvement in elite club football will further sharpen his readiness ahead of the pivotal fixture.