‘I would be there in a heartbeat’ – Benni McCarthy opens door to Blackburn Rovers return

Former Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy has expressed his desire to return to the club as head coach, insisting he would accept the opportunity “in a heartbeat” if approached.

The 48-year-old, who scored 52 goals in 140 appearances for Blackburn between 2006 and 2010, is currently in charge of the Kenya national team but remains emotionally attached to the Championship side.

Blackburn are searching for a new permanent head coach after Michael O’Neill guided the club to Championship safety during the 2025/26 season following his interim appointment in February. However, O’Neill opted to remain with Northern Ireland, leaving the Ewood Park hierarchy in search of a long-term replacement.

Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, McCarthy admitted he would relish the chance to lead the club he considers home.

“I love Blackburn Rovers and I would put my life down that I would want that club to succeed so bad, to get them in the Premier League,” he said.

“And maybe that’s what they need instead of always going for the tried and tested?

“The decision-makers are always there to make those hard decisions but if one day that call comes, I would be there in a heartbeat.”

Since retiring from professional football in 2013, McCarthy has built coaching experience across several roles. He began at Scottish side Hibernian before taking managerial jobs with Cape Town City and AmaZulu in South Africa.

He also served as Manchester United’s first-team striker coach between 2022 and 2024 before taking over as Kenya head coach in March 2025.

Despite enjoying successful spells elsewhere, McCarthy said Blackburn occupies a unique place in his life.

“Porto always has a special place because of my achievements as an individual, as a team,” the former South Africa international explained.

“Ajax Amsterdam, a special place because it was my first club that took me from Africa and gave me the platform to be in Europe.

“But Blackburn Rovers is where I was at home. That is where my family is and there’s nothing greater than that.”

He continued: “There’s not a single thing that I wouldn’t want to do to see that club succeed again.

“And if you have an opportunity one day to work there, I would lay my life on the line for that football club.”

McCarthy acknowledged that his managerial résumé may not match some of the more experienced candidates linked with the role but urged Blackburn’s hierarchy to be open to younger coaches.

“I understand I’m a young manager, very fresh, new in this game,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, McCarthy argued that belief in emerging coaches can produce remarkable results.

“Sometimes when you have a young player that’s talented, that’s good enough, are you going to take a risk?” he asked.

“Vincent Kompany, they’ve given him a chance and look what he’s done. He brought Burnley to the Premier League with an unbelievable season.

“Very inexperienced coach but when people believe in young people, they can exceed their expectations.”

McCarthy admitted he understands the pressure faced by club executives when appointing inexperienced managers.

“They get scrutinised in the media for taking a risk on a coach who’s never really coached in the Championship,” he said.

“But sometimes the reward is far greater than the risk.”