Robbie Savage has seemingly quashed talk of a sensational Blackburn Rovers return with two emojis.

The Lancashire outfit is on the lookout for a new manager after Valerian Ismael departed by mutual consent on Monday.

Former Premier League winners Blackburn have not been in the top flight since 2012Credit: Getty

Ismael, who joined Rovers in February 2025, left with the club third from bottom in the Championship, although they have climbed out of the relegation zone thanks to a 1-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night.

The 50-year-old managed just 11 wins from his 43 games in charge.

Following Ismael's departure, a raft of names have been linked to the Ewood Park vacancy, including Savage.

But the 51-year-old seemingly shot down any such speculation in a now-deleted post on X.

Replying to a report which claimed he was a contender for the role, Savage responded with a facepalm and a laughing emoji.

However, he went a step further as he spoke to the club's media channels ahead of Saturday's trip to York City.

Asked about the links to his old side, Savage said: "It's purely speculation.

"Listen, I loved my time there, brilliant football club. Loved all my old clubs I've played for, but it's...