Football.co.uk continues its club-by-club countdown to the start of the of the new Premier League season with a look at Blackburn Rovers.
- Premier League News / Transfer Centre / Premier League Fixtures
Last season - 10th
In what was Sam Allardyce's first full season in charge, Rovers endured a mixed campaign, flirting with relegation around Christmas before reaching the Carling Cup semi-finals.
Inconsistency was their biggest problem, with victories over Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea interspersed between long winless runs - most notably a nine game one between December and January.
Eventually they pulled safely clear of the drop zone, finishing comfortably on 50 points and securing a place in the top ten.
David Dunn (when fit), Paul Robinson and Steven Nzonzi all made impressive contributions throughout the season, as Allardyce continued his rebuilding programme at Ewood Park.
In Hugo Fernandez (Union Deportiva Cornella, Nominal Fee)
Out Michael Hall (Accrington Stanley, Free), Andrew Howarth (Bury, Free), Marcus Marshall (Rotherham United, Free), Steven Reid (West Bromwich Albion, Free), Jordan Bowen, Josh Swann (Both released)
Player to watch Nikola Kalinic
- 20 Premier League players to watch - Nikola Kalinic
Football.co.uk verdict
If Allardyce doesn't have some money to spend then Rovers could be looking at another relegation battle rather than a push for the top half of the table.
Big Sam is well known for getting the most out of ageing players but even he will struggle when teams of a similar standard (Sunderland, Birmingham, Wolves etc.) are all making moves in the transfer window.
A new striker is a must, while a versatile midfielder would also help add some much-needed strength-in-depth.
They should have enough to beat the drop but it might not be a fun season for Rovers fans, especially without six points against Burnley to look forward to.
Prediction - 15th
Source: DSG
