EFL news: Michael O’Neill turns down Blackburn Rovers, Liam Manning leaves Huddersfield Town and more

Michael O’Neill will stay on as Northern Ireland boss after turning down an opportunity to take the Blackburn Rovers job on a long-term basis.

O’Neill finished the season juggling both roles after being named Rovers boss in February, steering the club to Championship safety as he took 20 points from his 15 games in charge, while insisting it was not viable to hold both positions going forward.

The 56-year-old had offered encouragement to Blackburn fans hoping he might stay as he talked up his Ewood Park experience, describing discussions with the club as “very positive” and speaking of finding an agreement that “suited all three parties”.

Instead he has decided his future remains in international football.

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Rovers disappointed as O’Neill opts for Northern Ireland

The Press Association understands O’Neill has discussed a new contract with the Irish FA but, as things stand, nothing has been agreed and he remains on a deal that runs until 2028.

“Blackburn Rovers is a historic football club with a proud tradition and passionate supporters,” O’Neill said in a club statement.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the players, staff and everyone around the club.

“After careful consideration, I have decided that my long-term focus must remain with Northern Ireland and the journey towards the European Championship campaign ahead.

“I would like to thank the owners, Board, staff, players and supporters for the welcome and support shown to me during my time at the club.”

Blackburn chief operating officer Suhail Shaikh thanked O’Neill for his work with the club.

“Michael’s experience and leadership have been highly valued by everyone at Blackburn Rovers,” a statement said.

“Whilst we are naturally disappointed that he will not be continuing on a permanent basis, we fully respect his decision to focus on his long-term ambitions with Northern Ireland.”

O’Neill was named Blackburn boss in February with Rovers in the relegation zone on goal difference.

Although he quickly lifted them out of the bottom three, safety was not assured until a win away to Sheffield United in their penultimate match.

His initial decision to join Blackburn, announced a day after O’Neill attended the Nations League draw in Brussels, stunned many Northern Ireland fans as it came only six weeks before their World Cup qualifying play-off away to Italy, a match they lost 2-0 in Bergamo.

Blackburn on the hunt for a new manager again

O’Neill is in his second stint as Northern Ireland boss, having previously left after taking the Stoke City job in November 2019.

Then too he had combined the roles for a period, but his plan to take charge of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 qualifying play-off in March that year was ended by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The man who led Northern Ireland to Euro 2016 then returned to Windsor Park in December 2022, and in October last year he reached a century of games in charge.

A statement from the Irish FA read: “We are delighted Michael has decided to stay on as Northern Ireland senior men’s manager.

“He has built another exciting squad of players and we now look forward to building on this momentum as we plan for both the UEFA Nations League campaign this autumn and the subsequent qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2028 with Michael at the helm.”

O’Neill – who was this week named on FIFA’s Technical Study Group for the World Cup – will now turn his attention to friendlies next month against Guinea in Cadiz, Spain and France in Lille before preparing for a Nations League campaign in which Northern Ireland will face Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine.

Blackburn, however, are seeking a fourth permanent manager since Jon Dahl Tomasson left in February 2024.

Manning on ‘difficult decision’ to leave Huddersfield

In other news, Huddersfield Town confirmed on Monday that head coach Liam Manning has left by mutual consent, two months after taking compassionate leave during the closing stages of the season.

The League One club confirmed in March that Manning would take leave for the remainder of the season after informing them of ongoing personal matters linked to the tragic passing of his newborn son Theo in October 2024.

Chairman Kevin Nagle paid tribute to Manning, saying his decision to step away was the right one for both himself and his family.

Manning added: “Stepping down from Huddersfield Town has been a difficult decision, but one I feel is best for the club, my family and myself at this time.

“It has been a privilege to manage this team and be a part of this community. I am grateful to the fans for their support and compassion in recent months.”

The 39-year-old was Bristol City manager when Theo died and briefly took time away before returning to lead the Robins into the Championship play-offs last season.

Manning left Ashton Gate in June 2025 to join Norwich City but his spell there lasted only 17 games before his departure in November. He then replaced Lee Grant at Huddersfield in January.

After Manning took compassionate leave in March, coaches Martin Drury and Jon Stead guided the Terriers through the rest of the campaign as they finished ninth in League One.

Stendel returns and Wild departs

Elsewhere, Barnsley have reappointed Daniel Stendel as head coach on a two-year contract, seven years after he guided the club to promotion from League One with a club-record 91 points.

The 52-year-old German replaces Conor Hourihane, who stepped down at the end of the season after the Tykes finished 15th in League One.

Stendel was previously sacked in October 2019 following a difficult start to life back in the Championship.

Since leaving Oakwell, Stendel has managed Scottish side Hearts and French club Nancy before a spell in Germany.

Barnsley chairman Neerav Parekh said the club wanted to restore the energetic, high-intensity identity supporters connected with during Stendel’s first spell.

Stendel added: “This is a place that means a great deal to me and I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with old friends, while also getting to know new faces around the club and in the town,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get back to work and start this next chapter together.”

Meanwhile, League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers have confirmed Pete Wild has left the club following the expiration of his short-term contract.

Wild took charge on an interim basis in March after Andy Crosby’s dismissal, winning one of his 10 games as Rovers narrowly avoided relegation from League Two by two points.

Assistant boss Adam Temple has also departed as the club begins the search for a new manager.

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