Blackburn experienced big problems last season and it was definitely one of the most stressful seasons in club’s recent history. Paul Ince struggled to get the best out of his team and he was sacked after leading the club to the relegation zone. To be honest, Ince had big problems with injured players and that was one of the reasons for the poor results. Experienced Sam Allardyce was brought as a replacement and he managed to save the team from the drop, but that happened after a lot of hard work. Big Sam was aware that his team needed major rebuilding for the next season and he acted accordingly.
Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire were sold to Manchester City and Olympiakos respectively, while Aaron Mokoena and Andre Ooijer left on free transfer. Having earned a lot of money from selling Santa Cruz, Big Sam started reinforcing the squad. Gael Givet was sign on permanent basis after impressing while on loan at Ewood Park, while Everton defender Lars Jackobsen also joined the club. Rovers showed they were thinking about the future by signing promising midfielders, Elrio Van Heerden and Steven N’Zonzi. None of these are actually world class players but they will increase competition for places, while I have no doubts that more players will follow. Steven Reid and Brett Emerton, who spent the big part of the season on sidelines, are likely to be ready for the next season and that will be a big boost for the team.
Blackburn will be looking to avoid the relegation fight this season but the team still lack some strength in depth. This is precisely why Allardyce is eager to bring as many players as possible, since he doesn’t want the last season to repeat when he had no decent replacements for some of the injured players. Big Sam can only hope that Lady Luck will smile on them and that his players remain fit, as that is the only way for Blackburn to realize their goals next season.
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