Blackburn Rovers
Hughes's Improving affect on Blackburn Rovers
As one of the four teams to have ever won the Premier League, many would expect Blackburn to be a major player in English football. However, they have never seemed able to reclaim those heady heights, and have spent a large part of their Premiership history languishing in mid-table mediocrity. Under Mark Hughes, that may be about to change. Hughes’s eye for a bargain has served Blackburn well as they haven’t had large funding for a decade. Bringing in players such as Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz for relatively low transfer fees has enabled Hughes to build a deadly strike force, without paying the extravagant prices that so often seem necessary. Whilst having many quality players, Hughes’s challenge for the future is to keep them consistently performing to their best. Then Blackburn could be a force for the future.
Season 2007-2008
Few Blackburn fans can be disappointed with their league placing last season. Whilst not qualifying for Europe, their league position of 7th showed their steady improvement under Hughes, and hinted at their potential for future gains. 58 points and 7th place is normally enough to secure a European place, unfortunately for Blackburn they underperformed in the cup competitions. As these are normally dominated by the ‘Big Four’ there lies a feeling of frustration amongst fans that they didn’t take advantage this year. Seeing star players fail to perform is the main gripe for these fans, as they feel that Blackburn had the potential to go even further this season. Poor results in both the UEFA and the FA cups add to the frustration, as the supporters know that Rovers could have done better. Had they been able to compete to their full ability all season, Blackburn’s fortunes could have been higher.
Key Player - David Bentley
Taking the place of the legendary David Beckham is a big ask for any player, but Bentley appears to have relished the challenge. Whilst not the first pick for international games, Bentley’s energy and enthusiasm have illustrated his willingness to displace the aging winger. For Blackburn, Bentley occupies a less disciplined role, playing both sides and the centre behind the main attackers. Bentley appears to serve as the main creative output for his side, as his playmaking skills allow them to pose a threat to any defence. As per the norm for a smaller side, Bentley’s performances have attracted the attention of bigger clubs, and Hughes faces a summer of trying to hold onto his prized asset.
Goal Threat - Roque Santa Cruz
Many Blackburn fans were less than thrilled when they heard they star striker signing was Santa Cruz for a paltry £3.5 million. However, Santa Cruz’s first goal came with his third touch of the ball for Blackburn, and he went on to score another 18 in his first season. Whilst Benni McCarthy, Blackburn’s main scoring threat, has not reached his former heights, Santa Cruz has ably assumed his mantle.
Preview 2008-2009
Blackburn have steadily improved under Mark Hughes, and their fans will be hoping that this trend continues next season. Like many managers this summer, Hughes will have to fend off predatory Champions’ League clubs who will attempt to snap up his best players. Whilst he is unlikely again to have much money to spend, Hughes has proved his ability to find talent for cheap prices. Blackburn’s main aim for next season will be to reach a European place, possibly with a decent cup run along the way, as this could serve to convince prospective targets of the club’s ambition and potential. Whilst it may seem impossible at the moment for Blackburn to ever repeat their Premiership success, they are still growing, and still improving.
This series continues with Bolton Wanderers.
