Blackburn Rovers announce the appointment of Tony Mowbray’s assistant head coach.

Blackburn Rovers have officially announced the appointment of Mike Dodds as the club’s new assistant head coach, adding another experienced figure to the coaching staff ahead of the new campaign.

Dodds arrives at Ewood Park after spending the latter part of last season working as assistant head coach to Matt Bloomfield at Championship side Oxford United. His move follows an agreement between the two clubs, allowing Blackburn to secure the services of the highly regarded coach as preparations continue for the upcoming season.

Mike Dodds will assist Tony Mowbray at Ewood Park (Image: PA)

At 40 years old, Dodds has already built an impressive coaching résumé despite his relatively young age. His career has seen him work extensively in youth development, first-team coaching and management, earning a reputation for helping young players fulfil their potential while also gaining valuable experience in senior football.

His coaching journey began with Coventry City’s academy, where he took his first steps in professional football development. It was there that he developed the foundations of his coaching philosophy before earning an opportunity to join Birmingham City in 2009.

Dodds would go on to spend more than a decade at St Andrew’s, enjoying a lengthy 12-year spell with the Midlands club. During that time, he held a variety of coaching roles and became particularly well known for his work with the academy and emerging first-team talent.

Among the young players he helped nurture were brothers Jude and Jobe Bellingham, both of whom progressed through Birmingham City’s youth system before embarking on successful professional careers. His role in developing promising youngsters significantly enhanced his reputation as one of the country’s respected youth coaches.

After leaving Birmingham City, Dodds accepted a move to Sunderland, where he continued his development within an ambitious football environment.

Initially appointed to oversee individual player development at the Stadium of Light, he focused on improving players both technically and tactically while helping prepare emerging talents for senior football.

His responsibilities later expanded as he joined Tony Mowbray’s coaching staff following the experienced manager’s appointment at Sunderland. Mowbray managed the Black Cats between 2022 and 2023, and Dodds became an important member of his backroom team during that period.

Working alongside Mowbray gave Dodds valuable Championship experience while also strengthening his reputation as a thoughtful coach capable of working effectively within a senior management structure.

His time at Sunderland also brought opportunities beyond assistant coaching duties.

On three separate occasions, Dodds stepped into the role of caretaker manager, taking temporary charge of the first team whenever managerial changes occurred. Those experiences provided him with valuable insight into leading a senior squad and managing the demands that come with first-team football.

Eventually, those spells convinced Wycombe Wanderers that he was ready for a permanent managerial opportunity.

The League One club appointed Dodds as their head coach, handing him his first full-time managerial role.

His tenure at Adams Park showed encouraging signs, particularly during his first campaign in charge.

Under Dodds’ leadership, Wycombe secured a fifth-place finish in League One, earning a place in the promotion play-offs and keeping alive hopes of reaching the Championship.

Although the Chairboys enjoyed a strong league campaign, their promotion ambitions ultimately came to an end in the play-offs.

Wycombe were beaten by Charlton Athletic, who would later go on to secure promotion by winning the League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Despite the disappointment, Dodds received praise for guiding the club into the top five and keeping them competitive throughout much of the season.

However, football can change quickly, and the following campaign proved far more challenging.

Wycombe struggled to build momentum during the early months of the new season, with inconsistent performances leaving the club below expectations.

Those disappointing results eventually led to Dodds leaving his position last September, bringing his time as Wycombe manager to an earlier-than-expected conclusion.

It did not take long for him to return to Championship football.

Earlier this year, Oxford United appointed Dodds as assistant head coach to work alongside Matt Bloomfield as the club battled to retain its place in the second tier.

Oxford found themselves involved in a difficult relegation fight throughout much of the campaign, competing with several clubs, including Blackburn Rovers, to avoid the drop.

Despite their efforts, Oxford were unable to preserve their Championship status and ultimately finished inside the bottom three, resulting in relegation.

The disappointing conclusion to the season prompted further changes behind the scenes.

Last week, Oxford dismissed Bloomfield from his position as head coach before announcing former Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey as his successor at the Kassam Stadium.

Following those managerial changes, Dodds has now made the switch to Blackburn after both clubs agreed compensation for his release.

His appointment provides Blackburn with another experienced coach who has worked across academy football, player development, first-team coaching and senior management.

That varied background is expected to strengthen the club’s coaching staff while offering valuable support to the head coach during what promises to be another demanding Championship campaign.

Having worked with talented young players, experienced professionals and several respected managers throughout his career, Dodds arrives at Ewood Park equipped with a broad range of experiences that Blackburn will hope can benefit both the first team and the club’s emerging talent.

Oxford United acknowledged Dodds’ contribution before confirming his departure.

In a statement released by the club, they thanked the coach for his efforts during his time at the Kassam Stadium and wished him every success in the next stage of his career.

The statement read: “We would like to thank Mike for his hard work and dedication and wish him well for the future.”

Blackburn will now hope Dodds can quickly settle into his new surroundings as preparations continue for the new season, with his extensive coaching experience expected to play an important role in helping the club pursue its ambitions over the coming months.