MLS
Exclusive: Charlotte FC Boss Dean Smith Emerges as Blackburn Rovers Contender
Dean Smith is being poised for a return to England with Championship clubs interested. Richardson and Savage have been linked to Blackburn Rovers, but sources suggest Smith is being considered. Watford is also interested, and Smith is eager to manage in the UK again. Charlotte FC may lose him to Blackburn Rovers, who are keen to appoint a new manager soon.
Charlotte FC v New York City FC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs by David Jensen | Getty Images
Dean Smith could be poised for a return to England with a number of Championship clubs keen to acquire his services, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Leam Richardson (Reading) and Robbie Savage (Forest Green Rovers) have been linked to the Blackburn Rovers vacancy created by Valerien Ismael’s departure.
But according to Stateside sources, the famous Lancashire club is considering bringing Brummie Smith back to the UK.
And Watford, still searching for a candidate to replace Javi Garcia, are also thought to be admirers of the Englishmen whose CV includes promotion to the Premier League with Aston Villa. Former Southampton boss Will Still has also been linked with the vacant Watford gig.
The 54-year-old is currently in charge of Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Charlotte FC after failing to preserve Leicester City from top flight relegation in 2023.
And while highly regarded at the King Power Stadium despite the demotion, SportsBoom sources understand Smith isn’t a contender to succeed Marti Cifuentes who lost his job last month.
However, it is understood his goal is to return to manage in the UK though realistically this will be in the EFL.
Rovers are outside the drop zone only on goal difference, just behind Leicester after the Foxes’ six-points deduction for breaches of profit and sustainability rules.
UK Return On Cards
Smith has a contract at Charlotte until 2027 after guiding them to fourth in the Eastern Conference last year.
That though wouldn’t prevent him accepting a chance to save Blackburn from the drop.
A former Premier League manager of the month, Smith turned Brentford into an entertaining Championship force prior to Thomas Frank’s arrival. But he was at the helm when Norwich were relegated to tier two in 2022.
Losing Smith at this stage of the year would be a blow to Charlotte, just over two weeks away from beginning their 2026 campaign.
But Rovers, who visit Smith’s old club Norwich this weekend, want Ismael’s successor in sooner rather than later.
Shane brings more than ten years of hands-on experience as a sports journalist, with coverage spanning football, snooker and beyond. A regular presence in the snooker pressroom, his byline features prominently across national titles including the Daily Mirror, Daily Express and Daily Star, as well as SportsBoom.