Tony Mowbray has made a remarkable comeback to Blackburn Rovers, taking charge at Ewood Park for a second time after agreeing a long-term contract with the Championship club.
The 62-year-old's appointment was confirmed on Friday evening, bringing an end to a 24-day hunt for a permanent manager following Michael O'Neill's departure.
O'Neill had steered Rovers to Championship survival but opted against taking the role permanently, instead continuing as Northern Ireland boss.
Mowbray returns four years after his initial stint concluded, with the club stating he will commence work immediately as preparations for the forthcoming campaign begin.
Tony Mowbray, 62, lands first job since bowel cancer battle | GETTY
Mowbray's first tenure at Ewood Park spanned five years, during which he achieved immediate success by securing promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt after the club's relegation to League One.
He subsequently established Rovers as a competitive second-tier outfit before departing when his contract expired in 2022.
The club opted not to renew his deal at the time, believing they could progress further, but the subsequent years have proved turbulent, with two brushes with relegation alongside a pair of seventh-place finishes.
Jon Dahl Tomasson succeeded him in the dugout, though stability has remained elusive since Mowbray's exit.
Tony Mowbray was sacked as West Brom coach in April last year
| PAFollowing his Blackburn departure, Mowbray took charge at Sunderland, where he guided the Black Cats to an unexpected top-six finish during their maiden Championship campaign after promotion.
His dismissal from Wearside in December 2023 was widely considered harsh, and he subsequently joined Birmingham City.
It was during his time with the Blues that Mowbray received a bowel cancer diagnosis, leading to what he described as the "toughest year" of his life.
After making a complete recovery, he expressed his determination to return to the dugout.
A second spell at West Brom followed in January 2025, though this lasted merely three months before ending in April.
Mowbray has spoken of his desire to complete what he started during his first spell, with top-flight promotion firmly in his sights.
"It almost feels like I'm coming back to finish the job, because the aim of every team in the Championship is to try and get to the Premier League," he told RoversTV.
The veteran manager admitted his passion for football continues to burn brightly, joking that his wife is delighted he has found employment again.
"I've been driving everybody mad in the house," he said. "I'm full of energy, but the highlight of my day has been going out and walking the dog!"