Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Valerien Ismael as their new manager on a long-term contract.
The former Premier League winners confirmed the former Watford boss will be in the dugout at Ewood Park in time for Rovers' clash against Norwich City on Saturday.
Rovers chief executive Steve Waggott expressed his delight at securing the 49-year-old's services.
“We were hugely impressed with Valérien throughout what was a rigorous recruitment process," Waggott said.
“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."
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Ismael's appointment is historic for Rovers given he is their first French manager.
Former West Brom boss Ismael has been out of work since being sacked by Watford in March 2024.
He replaces John Eustace, who departed Rovers earlier this month.
His exit came after agreeing to take charge of strugglers Derby, where he has signed a deal through to the summer of 2028.
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Eustace has since lost each of his two matches in charge of the Rams as his former club continue their search to replace him.
Long-serving assistant manager David Lowe was appointed caretaker boss and will form part of Ismael's backroom staff.
Following wins over West Brom and Plymouth, Rovers were beaten 3-0 at Swansea on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Ismael has previously had spells in charge of Barnsley, West Brom and Watford in the Championship.
His last role with the Hornets saw the club win 12 of the Frenchman's 40 matches as boss.
Ismael guided Barnsley into the play-offs in 2021 before his move to the Hawthorns, where he remained at the helm for eight months.
The former defender arrives at Ewood Park with Blackburn sixth in the table with 12 matches remaining.
Rovers currently sit a point clear of seventh place Coventry despite Saturday's away defeat.
A top six finish and qualification for the play-offs would mark Rovers' best season since relegation from the Premier League in 2012.
Their seventh place finish two seasons ago is currently the highest they have ended a campaign in the last 12 years.
