Football Season Review

A lot of negativity was surrounding Blackburn going into the new season as the Rovers, who spent the most of their recent history in the top flight, found themselves in the third tier after being relegated on goal-difference. Tony Mowbray was trusted to remain in charge despite failing to stir them to safety last season and the experienced manager oversaw a summer squad overhaul, which inevitably saw the Rovers fail to keep hold of some of their key players. Given how much the Rovers changed over the summer, it was hardly a surprise that they got off to a rather slow start, having lost three of their opening eight games, with a lot of their fans calling for Mowbray's head following that shaky patch. However, it soon became evident that Mowbray knew exactly what he was doing, as his side got better and better over time, with summer signing Bradley Dack playing a key role, having turned himself into a key attacking player for his new side. The Rovers soon found themselves inside the play-off places and eventually entered a three-horse race for direct promotion, alongside rivals Wigan and dark horses Shrewsbury. As was expected, it was the Shrews that lacked the quality and squad depth to keep up with the other two sides and Mowbray's men won promotion at the first time of asking, but were unable to pip Wigan to the division title. Obviously, the fans will be delighted to see the Rovers return to the second tier at the first time of asking, but another task now awaits Mowbray, as Blackburn's mid-term goal will be to return to the Premier League.

Player of the Season: Bradley Dack