Most Blackburn fans have been bewildered at the sheer sensibility that has somehow found it’s way into Blackburn Rovers football club. Since Gary Bowyer’s unveiling as the new manager, the sensibility has risen off the scale. Both his departures and arrivals have made good sense.
His first three signings showed senses of hunger, stability and competition. Deals were agreed with Chris Taylor (Milwall) and Alan Judge (former Blackburn player, but came from Notts County) and Simon Eastwood (Portsmouth), all three players arrived on a free, which shows signs of financial understanding from the owners in comparison to last seasons transfer multi-million shopping spree.
Chris Taylor is a left winger who can also play in midfield, while Judge (commonly referred to as the Irish Messi) plays on the right, it may be the case that he replaces Colin Kazim Richards who has returned to Galatasaray after a season long loan. Eastwood is replacing Sandomierski.
Bowyer went on to renew Todd Kane’s loan deal, meaning the young Chelsea fullback joins Rovers for a full season after impressing in his loan spells last campaign. DJ Campbell has also been signed on a free who was brought in under Michael Appleton last season. Matthew Kilgallon and Alex Marrow are the new boys, adding to the defence and midfield.
Under Steve Kean a number of Portugese youngsters were brought in alongside 26 year old Nuno Henrique and 37 year old Nuno Gomes. Diogo Rosado and Paulo Jorge have arrived back from their loans, while Gomes and Henrique have had their contracts terminated.
The news which Rovers fans embraced the most was the termination of previous Fulham player, Danny Murphy. Murphy had an unsuccessful season resulting in him being dropped for the most part of the last two months. Murphy joined with teammate Dickson Etuhu who has been suffering injury, but his contract is still in tact.
Ruben Rochina and Mauro Formica have returned from their loan spells, and while Rochina has publicly stated that he will be ‘wearing a Blackburn Rovers shirt again soon’ it is understood that the club are looking for potential buyers of Formica.
David Goodwillie has gone back to his former club Dundee United on a loan spell and Martin Olsson has signed for premiership football with Norwich. His brother Marcus is still at Rovers.
In summary, Bowyer has done what fans asked for. He has cut the bill through termination of Murphy, Gomes and Henrique’s contracts, and it is expected that both Givet and Paul Robinson will leave. He has brought in young, hungry players (primarily through free transfers) and has managed to keep Jordan Rhodes at Rovers.
It is probable that Rovers have not entirely finished their business, and it is expected that there will be some more departures.
Written by Anna Adams, follow me on twitter: @anna_brfc
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