There’s a lot to reflect on regarding Blackburn Rovers’ 2025-26 season.
Just a year ago, they narrowly missed out on the play-offs in the closing moments of the season.
The aspiration was to make progress, but the reality turned out to be mere survival – secured on matchday 45.
Advertisement
It’s been noted that without the point deductions imposed on West Bromwich Albion and Leicester, Rovers might have faced relegation.
However, the facts remain – both clubs were penalized for overspending, and now everyone at Ewood Park can set their sights on another Championship season.
BBC Sport reflects on a tumultuous year for the Lancashire club.
A season unlike any other
When Valerien Ismael was dismissed on February 2, Blackburn found themselves three points from safety [Getty Images]
The past year included a mix of events:
-
Celebrating the club’s 150th anniversary
-
The resignation of a long-standing CEO
-
A head coach departing within a year of taking the helm
-
The hiring of another head coach already employed elsewhere
-
Two home matches that were curtailed while Rovers were ahead
-
An overwhelming injury crisis, necessitating surgery for seven players
-
A significant turnover of players, featuring five academy debutants
A risky beginning
From the start, the 2025-26 season presented a challenging scenario.
The summer reshuffle raised eyebrows as experienced Championship players were let go, mostly replaced by those who hadn’t yet proven themselves in this league.
Advertisement
Sean McLoughlin was one exception, and I referred to it as a gamble to head of football operations Rudy Gestede characterized it as a “risk.”
Only three players – Balazs Toth, Yuri Ribeiro, and Yuki Ohashi – participated in both the final match of May 2025 and this season’s last match at Ewood Park, a telling statistic.
Popular players departed, and while that’s common in football, the sheer number of exits in one transfer window naturally raised eyebrows.
I’ve criticized the club in the past for allowing contracts to expire, with Tyrhys Dolan being the latest example – therefore, complaining about Rovers cashing in on players who could have left for free seems unwarranted.
Advertisement
Lewis Travis, Callum Brittain, and Dom Hyam eventually fell into this category.
That last-minute move for Hyam, however, was particularly hard to swallow. Allowing him to leave on deadline day without adequate replacements was a misstep.
I also believe that retaining John Buckley would have likely resulted in him playing over 40 matches this season.
Successes, failures, and mixed outcomes
Transfers are rarely guaranteed, and this season’s dealings have reflected that, with mixed outcomes.
Ryan Alebiosu’s rise helped offset the loss of Brittain. Lewis Miller delivered passionate performances until an injury tragically cut his season short and dashed his World Cup aspirations.
Advertisement
Andri Gudjohnsen likely would have reached double-digit goals, had he not faced multiple injuries.
Mid-season acquisitions offered a welcome boost. Eiran Cashin made an immediate impact on loan from Brighton, while Mathias Jorgensen scored crucial goals against Millwall and QPR.
Then there’s Ryoya Morishita.
In his first season with the club, Ryoya Morishita recorded four goals and nine assists in 37 Championship appearances [Getty Images]
Morishita has excelled both on and off the pitch.
His engaging personality and improvement in performance as the season progressed endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
Living locally, he actively connects with the community and creates unforgettable memories for young supporters.
Advertisement
At 29, he rightfully earned the club’s Player of the Year award, and while Valerien Ismael may not receive substantial credit for his time in charge, he does deserve recognition for waiting for the summer transfer window to accommodate Rovers while Lech Poznan’s European obligations played out.
Not every signing has panned out, which is to be expected.
Future will determine if Dion De Neve, Axel Henriksson, and Sidnei Tavares can develop into long-term Championship contributors.
What Rovers desperately need is stability. It cannot become the norm to have a sixth different manager by the end of the sixth consecutive season.
Advertisement
Preventing a repeat of this 20th-place finish necessitates a clear strategy and strong leadership.
Focus shifts to O’Neill
Michael O’Neill guided Blackburn to safety, managing a record of five wins, five draws, and five losses during his tenure [PA Media]
Keeping Michael O’Neill is vital.
Despite facing substantial injuries, he managed to steer Rovers to safety with a practical approach focused on achieving points, regardless of style.
While his dual role has concluded, and although he has a release clause in his contract with Northern Ireland that could be easily activated, O’Neill remains in control of his future.
His reputation is high; the IFA would like him to stay, and Ewood Park’s loyal fanbase expressed their sentiments this past weekend.
Advertisement
If he transitions back to club football full-time, he will seek guarantees and a more hands-on involvement.
O’Neill is skilled at navigating discussions about his future, often leaving room for interpretation.
Accurate updates should emerge soon after he returns from a family vacation.
A hectic summer awaits
Aside from the managerial situation, there are several issues to resolve.
Can Rovers secure Toth, who has a year remaining on his contract? Can they deflect interest in Alebiosu? How will they rebuild a midfield that seems lacking, especially with Sondre Tronstad likely to depart?
Additionally, how do they address the persistent shortage of goals that has hindered them all season?
Advertisement
Off the field, changes are also underway.
A new CEO is anticipated soon, renovations are progressing at a cost of millions to replace the aging 35-year-old pitch system, and conversations persist concerning a permanent tribute to the late Tony Parkes, whose memory was beautifully honored in the season finale.
One constant remains.
Supporting Blackburn Rovers is always an adventure!