The Lancashire Telegraph understands that Gregg Broughton is set to leave Blackburn Rovers as Director of Football.
Rovers will make a top-level recruitment team change, as reported over the weekend. After failing to sign Duncan McGuire in January, there was speculation and whispering about Broughton’s future.
Though Broughton was not directly involved in the human error that resulted in paperwork missing the EFL deadline, there were questions about whether he should continue in charge.
He remained in place, and in a March interview with this publication, Broughton insisted he was fully committed to his role at Rovers.
“I’m very privileged to be working for the football club where they want to better themselves and be sustainable,” he stated.
“We are working to return to the Premier League. I couldn’t have asked for anything more in terms of a working environment or an objective.
“What we need to do now is get clear on what that looks like going forward. Once we have overcome the initial hurdle, we will be presented to the owners on a global scale in the future.
“Clear communication allows for efficient work. It is a privilege, and I am extremely fortunate to be a part of it.”
With summer recruitment plans in the works, Broughton is set to leave Ewood Park. The club has yet to make a comment on a possible exit.
Broughton joined Rovers in June 2022 as part of a new football structure following the departure of Tony Mowbray. Rovers appointed him Director of Football, with Jon Dahl Tomasson and then John Eustace as ‘head coach’.
He joined the club after serving as Academy Director for Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt for the previous four and a half years. Broughton had also spent time at Norwich City and was deemed the best candidate for the position by the board.
However, his time at the club has not been without difficulties. Rovers have failed to sign players on deadline day in the last two January transfer windows, most notably announcing McGuire’s arrival but failing to complete the paperwork.
Broughton also had to deal with the challenges of Venky’s problems in India, which resulted in a 20% reduction in the recruitment budget and the club’s inability to sign players during a six-week window last summer.
Despite remaining in his position after January, there were indications that there might be changes behind the scenes this summer.
Broughton played an important role in recommending Jon Dahl Tomasson to the board, which has the final say on all staff hires.
However, it is understood that Chief Executive Steve Waggott was the driving force behind the appointment of John Eustace.
Rovers plan to retain the Director of Football structure and find a replacement for Broughton.