Blackburn Rovers officially confirm exit of former Liverpool defender
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Blackburn Rovers have officially announced that a former Liverpool man has left his coaching role at the club. Image Credits: Imago ImagesAs the EFL season draws to a close, clubs across the Championship are releasing their retained lists and finalizing squad plans for next year.However, it’s not just players moving on – this period also sees significant staff changes behind the scenes.Blackburn Rovers have now confirmed that former Liverpool defender Gregory Vignal will be leaving his role as Under-21s head coach after just six months at Ewood Park.The 44-year-old Frenchman was appointed to lead Rovers’ Under-21s setup in November 2025, replacing Mike Sheron, who had departed in September.Vignal arrived with impressive credentials, having previously worked in academy roles at Montpellier, Marseille, and Rangers, where he also spent time as part of Steven Gerrard’s coaching staff.
He also managed Rangers Women and French club Versailles before joining Blackburn.A Blackburn statement read:“Rovers can confirm that Gregory Vignal will be leaving his role as Under-21s Head Coach.”“The 2025-26 season would prove to be a challenging campaign for Rovers Under-21s, who finished in 28th place in Premier League 2, but enjoyed strong cup runs in both the Premier League Cup and Lancashire Senior Cup.”“Rovers would like to thank Greg for his efforts during his time at the club and we wish him well in his future career.”Before transitioning into coaching, Vignal enjoyed a stint at Liverpool between 2000 and 2005, arriving from Montpellier for £500,000 as a promising 19-year-old left-back.He was part of Gerard Houllier’s historic treble-winning squad in 2001, collecting FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup winners’ medals, though he featured as an unused substitute in those finals.The French defender made 20 appearances for the Reds but struggled to displace John Arne Riise as first-choice left-back. A broken foot in 2001-02 derailed his progress, leading to multiple loan spells at Bastia, Rennes, Espanyol, and Rangers before his contract was released a year early in 2005.He also was part of the most recent Liverpool Legends match against Borussia Dortmund.
Blackburn Rovers Gregory Vignal