It's never quiet at Ewood Park

"I'm going to have a quiet summer..."

The famous last words I uttered whilst wiping away tears as yet another play-off dream came to an end at Bramall Lane back in May. But I've been a Rovers fan long enough to know there isn't such a thing as a quiet day, never mind a quiet summer.

Within days of the season ending came the decision from the club to withdraw the women's team from the Championship and relegate themselves to National League Division One North (tier four).

Then came the announcement in a 35-word statement that CEO of seven years, Steve Waggott, had left the club. It's a position that remains vacant.

We've had leaked kits (the green third kit is a thing of beauty!) season ticket price debates and rumours aplenty about who is leaving and who is coming through the door.

Of the XI which started the last game of the season, Danny Batth has been reunited with our old gaffer at Derby and Tyrhys Dolan is now a free agent as he continues the hunt for his big move.

Confirmed incomings of De Neve, Taveres, Alebiosu and McLoughlin offer reassurance business is being done early for a change and some funds are available. However we definitely need more, a stance on which Valerien Ismael seems to agree.

With Andi Weimann also making a move to the Rams, his nine goals last season will be missed.

Tying down our key players is something we have historically failed to do and remains at the forefront of many of our minds. With rumours swirling of Callum Brittain going to Middlesbrough, the club must decide whether to cash in if a new deal is not accepted or allow players to run their contracts down.

On the pitch, wins against Accrington Stanley and Everton (see photo) in our first two pre-season friendlies have offered us a chance to see the new lads in action. We have also seen the return of Scott Wharton, a fan favourite, after an extensive lay-off.

The squad - and many Rovers fans - are now in Spain for some warm weather training. For the boys, it is friendlies against Qatar SC and Elche. For the fans, it is a chance for some sun, sea, and shenanigans. So much for that quiet summer.

You can find more of Lindsey's Rovers views on X here.