Blackburn Rovers

Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor

Image source, Rex Features

For Blackburn Rovers – you can file this match under the 'bad day at the office' or 'not at the races' column. Straight away it's about the reaction to it.

For whatever reason, these matches happen in the Championship and often without warning.

Rovers might not have the number of wins they'd like on the board so far, but they've been in every game.

The opening day at West Brom might not have been particularly great, but with the score at one-nil, there was always a chance of getting back into it.

In general, football fans don't spare a thought for the predicament of other teams, but I'd imagine a fair few were glad it wasn't their team on the end of the EFL verdict this week to replay a game against Ipswich.

A goal to the good, a one player advantage and somewhere like 16 minutes to hold out (give or take a couple of minutes of stoppage time). The talk pre-match was about the determination to show that frustration at The Valley.

That looked highly unlikely to happen for large parts of the game.

Credit goes to Charlton Athletic. They played well; they have an excellent record on home soil. They won individual battles all over the pitch; they looked sharper and quicker and had far more invention in their play. A look at the BBC stats tells us that they had almost three times more touches in the opposition penalty area than Rovers did.

The biggest concern watching from high in the stand was that in order to try and score a goal, bodies were needed forward. They looked too deep all afternoon.

Distances looked out, the midfield pretty much camped in, and when they did get in the opposition's final third – the creativity on the day just didn't match their opponents. Thomas Kaminski made two saves in the Addicks goal; he'll certainly have busier days.

Rovers boss Valerien Ismael told me after the game: "It's been a tough week."

He was adamant that his team should have been awarded a penalty with the score at 1-0.

He added: "I think it's terrible the referee didn't see that [for handball by Lloyd Jones], because it can be a game-changer.

"What's embarrassing is that our captain is allowed to speak to the referee and he has winked at him and laughed at him. This is unacceptable. He made a mistake, but at least treat our player properly and not laugh at our players."

Referee Anthony Backhouse or the governing body is highly unlikely to make any sort of response to that.

Granted, had a penalty been awarded and subsequently converted, then naturally it would have put a different complexion on the game.

But as a contest, this was Charlton's day. They were the better side and more than deserved maximum points.

Two home games to come this week and potentially a rearranged one around the corner too for Rovers; they'll see a fair amount of Ewood Park this month.

Three points on Tuesday against Swansea will quickly draw a line through this one.

Image source, Rex Features

Blackburn manager Valerien Ismael was unhappy with referee Anthony Backhouse's reaction to his captain Todd Cantwell's penalty appeal in the defeat at Charlton.

Cantwell's cross struck the arm of Lloyd Jones but Mr Backhouse turned down shouts for a spot-kick from Cantwell and his teammates.

Ismael told BBC Radio Lancashire: "We had some good moments at the beginning but we were not consistent and the performance was not that good, I don't know why.

"We conceded a goal at a setpiece but the good thing was that it was only one goal at half time.

"Then came the moment we were looking at and I think it's terrible the referee didn't see that [handball by Jones], because it can be a game-changer.

"What's embarrassing is that our captain is allowed to speak to the referee and he has winked at him and laughed at him. This is unacceptable. He made a mistake, but at least treat our player properly and not laugh at our players.

"It's been a tough week but we have a quick turnaround with a game on Tuesday."

Blackburn Rovers will look to end a disappointing week on a high when they make the trip to Charlton Athletic on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Having led a 10-man Ipswich Town 1-0 after 79 minutes, heavy rainfall saw the game abandoned and the English Football League settle on a replay.

It's left Blackburn feeling hard done by after dominating following the dismissal but they will need to get over their ordeal quickly when they visit a side who, while not prolific scorers themselves, make finding the net a troublesome task.

• Charlton have won just one of their last six home league games against Blackburn (D2 L3), with this their first since a 2-0 defeat in February 2020.

• Blackburn have won six of their last nine league games against Charlton (D1 L2), though those two defeats in that run have come in the last three meetings.

• Charlton have lost just one of their last 18 home league games (W13 D4), going down 1-0 against Leicester last month.

• Having won just one of a run of 10 away league games between December and March last season (D1 L8), Blackburn have now won four of their last six on the road (D1 L1).

• Only Sheffield United (1) have scored fewer goals than Charlton (4) in the Championship this season. However, only Stoke and Middlesbrough (4) have conceded fewer than the Addicks (5).

A potential move to take the Championship play-offs down to eighth place would damage the competition's credibility, according to former Huddersfield, Stoke and Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith.

The EFL board is set to discuss proposals to increase the number of teams in the end-of-season play-offs from four to six but Smith, who was promoted to the Premier League with Huddersfield via the play-offs in 2017 is not a fan of the idea.

"It's not for me - I think it suits teams who don't really have a chance to get in the top six," he told the BBC's EFL podcast 72+.

"From a credibility point of view the top six is there to be aimed at and you have to earn your place in it."

The play-offs were first introduced for the 1986-87 season where sides finishing third down to fifth were involved along with the team third-from-bottom in the top flight.

After two seasons the format was changed to be played out between teams finishing third to sixth in the second tier.

"To finish eighth in the Championship and potentially get promoted to the Premier League it just doesn't sit right with me," added Smith.

"Notoriously over the past years getting into the top six is tough and when you get in there after a long hard season it feels brilliant, so to make it a top eight it dilutes it."

Replaying the full game between Blackburn and Ipswich would be "hard to bear" for Rovers, says BBC Radio Lancashire pundit Jimmy Bell.

Saturday's Championship clash with the Tractor Boys was abandoned 10 minutes from time because of heavy rain at Ewood Park with Rovers leading 1-0 and Town down to 10.

A decision has yet to be made on whether the result will stand or if a replay will take place.

Bell told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Was it the right decision (to abandon it)? I would have to say yes.

"It's not fair. I think Blackburn would have gone on and won that game which would propel them right up the league and two points outside the play-offs.

"It's a hard one to take for the Blackburn fans, (but) it's very difficult."

Asked whether Blackburn may be awarded the win, the former Accrington assistant manager added: "I don't think that will happen. For me, as it stands, I think it can only be replayed.

"I would be amazed if the result stood. In the integrity of football, if it did stand, that possibly might be the right decision but the rules and regulations would only be pointing one way and that would be replayed and it would be 11 v 11 and a minimum of 90 minutes, which is hard to bear."

You can listen to more on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Blackburn Rovers have announced the exit of long-serving youth coach Mike Sheron.

Sheron had been at Ewood Park for a decade and helped bring through stars like Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton.

The former Manchester City, Stoke, Barnsley and QPR forward had been in charge of Blackburn's under-21s for the past four years following spells with Rovers' academy and under-18s.

"Rovers wish to thank Mike for his dedication and valuable contribution to the club over the past 10 years and we wish him well in his future career," the club said in a statement, external.

Sheron, 53, arrived at Blackburn as academy coach in July 2015 after spells with Manchester City, Bury, Oldham Athletic, Liverpool and Rotherham United.

He became under-18s coach in 2019 and guided them to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

Sheron then took charge of Blackburn's under-21s in Premier League 2, where he worked with the likes of Wharton.

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael is focused on turning around Rovers' home form in a bid to encourage a great atmosphere at Ewood Park.

Rovers have won back-to-back away games to move away from the lower reaches of the Championship but have lost to Birmingham and Norwich at home, where they were also knocked out of the EFL Cup by League One Bradford.

Here are some of the key points from Ismael's interview with BBC Radio Lancashire ahead of the visit of Ipswich to Ewood Park on Saturday (15:00 BST):

• "Next step for us is a first win at home in front of our fans. We want to get it right. You can create a great environment at the stadium if you win games and rely on your strength at home. It helps to build momentum."

• "If you're not winning at home, it puts you under more pressure away."

• "It's a transitional process - solving problems and improving as a team. We want a performance the fans can enjoy."

• "Ipswich is a top Championship side, one of the favourites for automatic promotion and very well managed."

• "We have to be strong, focus on ourselves, we need a perfect game in and out of possession but it's a good opportunity to test ourselves against top opposition."

• Ismael said Rovers have no new injury concerns after last week's 1-0 win at Watford.

• "We will need everyone at some point, even the boys in the academy; everyone has to be ready to grab their opportunity."

Blackburn will seek to avoid unwanted history when Ipswich head to Ewood Park on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Though Valerien Ismael's side have picked up six points from their past three Championship games, both wins came on the road and they are seeking their first points infront of their own fans this season, having also suffered a home defeat to League One Bradford in the EFL Cup.

Kieran McKenna's Tractor Boys have also taken six points from their opening five games following their return to the Championship, though the 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United at Portman Road sees them two places ahead of Rovers on goal difference.

• Blackburn Rovers have won only one of their past seven league games against Ipswich Town (D2 L4), a 2-0 home win in January 2019 under Tony Mowbray.

• Ipswich completed a league double over Blackburn Rovers when the pair last met in the 2023-24 season – the last time either side went on a longer winning run in this matchup was between 1990 and 1992 (6 in a row by the Tractor Boys).

• Blackburn have lost both of their home Championship matches so far this season – they've only lost their first three home league games in two seasons before (1956-57 and 1996-97).

• Ipswich's 5-0 win over Sheffield United equalled their total league wins across their previous 23 games (W1 D7 L15) and their total clean sheets across their previous 38 combined (1).

• Jaden Philogene bagged a hat-trick against Sheffield United last time out, Ipswich's first Championship hat-trick for nine years, since Grant Ward netted on the opening day of 2016-17 versus Barnsley. Philogene now has seven goals in his last 11 Championship appearances.

Lindsey Lewis
Fan writer

Image source, Rex Features

"We have done more interviews this week than we have points."

A line from a friend that could not have been more accurate. As chief operating officer at Blackburn Rovers, Rudy Gestede did the media rounds after the transfer window closed and all the talk was about the comings and goings.

How fitting then that the man of the match on Saturday went to one of our own, Scott Wharton. Scotty completed his first game in the Championship from start to finish since April 2024. He and Hayden Carter are a centre-back pairing blessed with talent and blighted by injuries. Keeping them fit will be the key to the calm and resilience shown in what felt like a comfortable 1-0 victory against Watford.

For me, Watford started brightly but Rovers quickly found their way into the game. Had Ryoya Morishita's screamer gone in in the first half, you would never have heard me moan again about paying £35 for the privilege of watching Championship football.

As it was, his first goal came early in the second half with excellent play between him and compatriot Yuki Ohashi. Then came the much-anticipated helicopter celebration - I am sure we are all hoping to see a fair few more of them this season.

I got a bit nervy when the changes came, they felt too soon but this why I am not a football manager as the switch to a back three worked beautifully. Lewis Miller looks to have all the attributes to become a fan favourite.

The change which excited those around me most was the introduction of Andri Gudjohnsen. Even in his brief cameo, the talent he possesses and his football brain was clear. His link-up play with Todd Cantwell is an exciting proposition for the season ahead.

The celebrations at the end are some I will not forget in a hurry. Our kit man running the length of the pitch to celebrate with his family (if you have not seen the video, do!), Morishita lapping up his praise and even the normally very calm Valerien Ismael joining in the fun.

With two away wins under our belt, attention needs to turn to picking up points at home. Ipswich visit on Saturday and the homecoming of Sam Szmodics. Sammie will receive a warm reception no doubt, his exploits for us two seasons ago are something I will always be thankful for. But let's hope we don't see his salute celebration.

Hopefully, Saturday's game allows some of our new boys and indeed some of the old guard to become our new heroes and help us make some new memories.

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

On making his first Championship start after a near 18-month injury nightmare, Blackburn defender Scott Wharton said he'd doubted he'd be the same player again.

The 27-year-old suffered an ACL injury against Sheffield Wednesday in April 2024 but after two appearances off the bench in the Championship and 90 minutes in the EFL Cup first round, Wharton impressed in his first league start since in Saturday's 1-0 win at Watford.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's been a long time coming for me. Obviously I had a really bad injury so I've had to wait a long time for this day.

"I was nervous before the game. I just wanted to start the game well and just do your job basically.

"Obviously, after a serious injury I've had my doubts whether I'd be the same player or be able to play in the Championship. I felt like there was a lot on my shoulders to put in a good performance, even to prove to myself I could do it.

"I am proud of myself. It's been a long road but I'm back."

Rovers' second win of the campaign took them up to 16th the table.

Wharton added: "We massively deserved the win. There's early signs we can do well this season in the league. I think we're only going to get better."

Andy Bayes
BBC Radio Lancashire sports editor

Image source, Rex Features

A second successive away league win for Blackburn - last season they had to wait until November before they took maximum points on the road. Now it is time to work on the home form.

After a fortnight to think about a home defeat to Norwich and transfer activity that has come under a lot of scrutiny, this was exactly what they needed.

The turnover of players may have been pretty vast over the summer months, but a look at the starting XI at Watford showed that eight players on the teamsheet were actually Rovers players last season: Sidnei Tavares, Ryan Alebiosu and Ryoya Morishita being the exceptions.

The centre-back pairing two weeks ago was Dom Hyam and Sean McLoughlin. Suspension ruled out McLoughlin, and Hyam's run of playing every minute of the last 50 Championship matches came to an end as he sat on Wrexham's bench.

Hayden Carter and Scott Wharton were asked to step up to the plate. Both talented academy graduates, both having their fair share of injury frustration over the last year or more. Both can be delighted with their contribution at Vicarage Road.

For Wharton, this was a first Championship appearance from start to finish since 6 April, 2024. A horrendous knee injury saw him miss all of last season.

For Carter, this was the first league outing of the season after a summer injury added to his catalogue of issues that he went through last year.

They complimented each other. One naturally right-sided, the other left-sided.

Wharton in particular was colossal. He relished the aerial challenges, his positional play was on the money, and his ability with his vision of pass has never been in question. If both can stay fit, Rovers have two players with the club at heart.

Carter will be 26 before Christmas, and Wharton is 28 next month. Great ages for centre-backs who have both shaken off the young academy product tag.

The only goal had genuine quality sprinkled all over it. Japanese internationals combining, Ohashi to Morishita (on full debut), and the finish was as cool as you like.

Earlier in the game, he'd rattled the bar from range. You could see why he was Valerien Ismael's number one transfer target over the summer. He's got great feet, a willingness to get involved in dangerous areas, and he's a very likeable personality.

With 12 goals and 12 assists in Poland last season for Legia Warsaw, he's off the mark already.

The bench also played a key role in the victory. Two more debuts came on and impressed.

Andri Gudjohnsen, after one training session with his new team-mates, made an instant impact.

Intelligent touches, good link-up play and will feel he should have been awarded a penalty.

He'll be compared to his father Eidur Gudjohnsen for obvious reasons. They play the same position; it's very early days, but he can be highly satisfied with his first appearance.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman was an important introduction too on debut. As soon as Sondre Tronstad felt his calf, Ismael was quick to make the change.

They also went to a back three with Lewis Miller joining the defence. I think we might see that switch with regularity. It helped to see the game out with another imposing presence on the pitch.

Full marks to Ismael and his players. In three away games, they've conceded one goal and have six points from nine.

There will be far bigger tests than Watford, who were pretty toothless in front of goal, but this is a confidence booster for Rovers.

Ipswich and the return of Sam Szmodics are next.

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael does not expect new signing Moussa Baradji to return to fitness until after the next international break in October.

The midfielder joined Rovers in August but was suffering with a pre-existing injury and is yet to make an appearance for the side.

"We need to deal with his injury now, it takes time so we cannot say now when he will be back," Ismael told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I would say mid-term so we will see if he will be back for the next international break."

Midfielder Adam Forshaw has returned to training but will not be ready for the Championship game against Watford on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Neither will fellow midfielder Axel Henriksson, who broke his hand on Wednesday.

Ismael added: "[Henriksson's] injury is not that bad but it's too fresh to take any risk for the game."

Henriksson is the only player to have been injured during the international break and while the time away from the Championship might not have given the new-look squad a chance to gel, Ismael sees the disruption as a positive.

"[There is] less experience in the Championship but we've got players who played against [Cristiano] Ronaldo, played against [Kylian] Mbappe and we've got international experience," Ismael said.

"It means our players have a new feeling, a new confidence so they need to take it into the game [against Watford]."

Taylor Gardner-Hickman was a regular during Birmingham City's record-breaking League One title win and he hopes to take that experience into his season-long loan spell with Blackburn Rovers.

"[Last season] definitely helped me, giving [me] loads of experience both on and off the pitch," the midfielder told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"It was a very good season personally and collectively, something that I'll remember the rest of my life for sure, and I just want to build on that."

The 23-year-old signed for Blackburn just before the transfer deadline and has used the international break as an opportunity to become fully integrated and comfortable in his new environment, without the pressure of an upcoming fixture.

"The boys who have been here for a while have welcomed me in. There's a real feeling of togetherness already around the place," he said.

"It feels like a really big family club. That's due to the players, the staff and people around Lancashire who I've met and are lovely.

"It definitely helps us new boys settle in really quickly. We've got a great bond already and it's something that will grow throughout the season and help us on the pitch too."

Gardner-Hickman is looking forward to his first opportunity to showcase his ability on the pitch, with Blackburn visiting Watford on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"I just want to give my all for this club," he said. "I give 110% every week so hopefully that will reflect in my performances and I can put on a bit of a show."

Listen to more Blackburn Rovers content on BBC Sounds

"Blackburn Rovers felt they did all they could.

"They have a ceiling with regards to their pay structure and the highest available wage was offered to three players who all turned that wage down because they were offered better deals elsewhere."

Andy Bayes and Adam Cottier discuss BBC Radio Lancashire's exclusive interviews with Blackburn Rovers head coach Valerian Ismael and head of football operations Rudy Gestede.

Listen back to the interviews with Gestede and Ismael on BBC Sounds.

Watford will be donning a special edition one-off kit for their home game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday (15:00 BST) - but can they find victory in it?

The Hornets have only managed one win out of their four opening league games (D2 L1) so far, but a busy end to their transfer window has seen the side bolster their defence and given fans room for optimism.

While key departures for Blackburn has drew criticism, with boss Valerien Ismael asking for "time" to settle and develop their new squad.

Time is something the Lancashire side have little of though if they are hoping to improve a lacklustre start to their Championship campaign (W1 L3) on the weekend.

• Watford have won five of their last eight home league games against Blackburn Rovers (D2 L1), including this exact fixture in October last season (1-0).

• Blackburn Rovers have won three of their last six league games against Watford (D1 L2) and could win successive league matches against the Hornets for the first time since October 2012.

• Watford have lost just two of their last nine league games at Vicarage Road (W4 D3), scoring in eight of those matches.

• Blackburn are looking to avoid losing four of their opening five league games of a campaign for the first time since 2016-17 in the Championship, a season that ended in them being relegated to League One.

• Teenager Nestory Irankunda has been involved in a goal in all three of his league starts for Watford this season (2 goals, 1 assist), with both goals coming from direct free kicks.

Image source, Rex Features

Sheffield Wednesday forward Bailey Cadamarteri scored his first goal for Jamaica on Tuesday in just his second senior international appearance.

The 20-year-old made his debut for the Reggae Boyz earlier in the week during their 4-0 win over Bermuda, before scoring the opener during their 2-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile, Coventry City teenager Kai Andrews made his senior debut for Wales during their 1-0 friendly loss to Canada.

West Bromwich Albion had an international debutant of their own after striker Aune Heggebo replaced Manchester City's Erling Haaland in added time during Norway's 11-1 thumping of Moldova, while Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth made his first start for Hungary during their 3-2 defeat by Portugal.

Lindsey Lewis
Fan Writer

Image source, Rex Features

Disappointing.

I have picked up my pen (well, really my phone) to sum up my thoughts on the start to the season and the transfer window many times and that is the word that I keep coming back too.

One win and three defeats in the league see us sitting 19th. The win at Hull away a shining light in what otherwise has been an abject start.

I was also disappointed to see us exit the Carabao Cup in the first round to an in-form Bradford. While some see the competition as a distraction, I love a cup run. The chance of a new ground and to give new and fringe players some extra minutes.

How much can you read into the start is a topic for debate, but it is only compounded by the spine of a squad who narrowly missed the play-offs last season being ripped apart as the transfer window ended.

Five of the team who started the final day have moved on. Three of the bench also no longer wear the blue and white halves.

While my head says we cannot allow players to leave for free, which has historically been a problem for the club, my heart says it is a bold (at best) policy to move on so many players with Championship experience, including your captain.

I was also sad to say goodbye to Harry Leonard but the move to Peterborough with their history of developing young players could and should be a wonderful move for him.

Everyone who knows me is reading this thinking when is she going to mention Dom Hyam? Well, here it is.

The most frustrating, and I fear costly, sale of the window came on the final day.

While the reported fee of £2.7m feels a fair price, and it is a wonderful move for him and his family, the decision to move on a man who played every minute of every game last season without a replacement is baffling.

For balance, Rovers have made 10 summer signings and spent some cash. There are some exciting signings, but these players will need time to bed in and in such a competitive league and with our disappointing start this is a luxury we may not have.

That being said, the decision by Valerien Ismael to make Todd Cantwell captain seems a master stroke and it feels like much of what will work this season will be created by Todd.

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