With the Premier League back up and running, and as clubs from around the country scrabble together their last minute preparations, it seems Blackburn Rovers should have one thing and one thing only on their ambition list this season: survival. With an illustrious club history that would rival many, the modern day squad must now attempt to find any points they can muster together, in order to maintain top flight safety.
Rovers struggled to maintain any kind of form last season, narrowly keeping their head above the water by 4 points, at the expense of Blackpool, Birmingham and West Ham. However, unfortunately it seems Rovers have not learnt their lesson from last season’s trials and tribulations, failing to find the urgency required in order to hoist themselves up from the depths of the premier league and battle for a desperate mid-table finish.
Blackburn Rovers have always played an attractive game, with David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen providing certain playmaker qualities, giving service to the likes of Jason Roberts and David Hoilett. Paul Robinson has plenty of experience behind him, and despite prone to a few errors, contains the consistency between the sticks that the club requires.
Chris Samba, with height and pace, appears to be the perfect centre half, and alongside Phil Jones last season, they appeared a solid centre half pairing. Therefore, Rovers have shown definite quality within their ranks, which would explain their narrow escape last season. However it is how they move on from here.
Losing Phil Jones to Manchester United was a big blow for die hard Blackburn fans. Jones had developed nicely into solid, yet versatile defender with ability and pace to play either central defence, right back or even in a defensive midfield role. However when £16 million comes knocking on your door, a club in Blackburn’s position has no choice but to accept it. Furthermore, If Arsene Wenger finds that Chris Samba is a long term solution to their centre back issue, or if one of these regulars were to drop out via injury or suspension, then it is likely the squad as a whole would suffer.
Without the strength in depth in their squad that some around them possess, it seems there are real weaknesses within all areas of the Rovers team. Michel Salgado, despite once gracing the Liga BBVA with Real Madrid, lacks the pace to keep up with the new breed of wingers. Michel, alongside Ryan Nelson, are the wrong side of 30, leaving gaps in the defence that the likes of Walcott and Ashley Young will soon take advantage of. However, all things considered, I feel that the Striker situation is something that needs to be recognised.