Rovers boss Ismael eyes summer of stability

Valerien Ismael hopes to avoid a summer of upheaval at Ewood Park and says stability is the key for Blackburn success next season.

Rovers endured a rollercoaster campaign, spending much of the season in the top six of the Championship but dropping to 12th in April, only to finish strong and end up seventh.

They narrowly missed out on a play-off place on the final day, courtesy of a draw at Sheffield United while Bristol City came from 2-0 down to draw against Preston and secure sixth spot.

The 49-year-old Frenchman, who guided Rovers to 15 points from their final 12 games after replacing John Eustace in February, told the club website: "Our job now is to keep the vast majority of this squad as I've learned about the players.

"Reliability is very important for a manager - at the same time, we need to add some of what we don't have in the team to ensure we can compete better."

Ismael said "a lot will depend" on how contract negotiations go and added: "We will have some business to do but I don't want that big turnaround.

"We have a lot of trust in the players and, with a good pre-season and being clearer with the principles, I think we will be in a good place.

"The main thing is to have stability in this team and identify the right decisions. When everything is in place and with fewer injuries, we can compete and we can compete well. We have a positive view for next season."