Ismael sets out squad aim as boss discusses contract timeframes

Yahoo

12-05-2025

Valerien Ismael says Rovers would have '90 per cent' of their business done for the start of pre-season in an ideal world – but admits that 'patience' might be needed in some cases.
Ismael is preparing for his first transfer window at Ewood Park and has already identified 'some profiles' which the squad is missing.
But it is the out-of-contract quintet who have been the main talking point lately. The head coach has made it clear he would like to keep Tyrhys Dolan, Danny Batth, Andi Weimann, Ryan Hedges and Adam Forshaw at the club.
Rovers are yet to make any announcements over the futures of those players, with varying timeframes on when decisions will be made.
Following the final game of the season at Sheffield United, Ismael was quizzed about how quickly he needs those decisions.
'The good thing is we have enough time now until the pre-season starts,' he said. 'So for sure we need the player time to take the decision, but at some point it's clear.
'Ideal for me is when you have the first training day that we've got 90 per cent of the squad, this will be our target.'
When asked how realistic that is, the boss replied: 'As I say, because we want to keep the vast majority of the squad it makes it easier to discuss with the players.
'They've got the feeling, they train, they feel something as well. So hopefully we can move quickly on some players.
'At least we've got the core, and we know for other positions we need to have more patience.
'Tyrhys Dolan, for example, will be an example to have patience. It will be his decision, but now the good thing is we have time.'
Meanwhile, two more teams in next season's Championship line-up will be confirmed this week after the play-off semi-final second legs.
Sheffield United lead Bristol City 3-0 on aggregate ahead of the return leg at Bramall Lane tonight.
Sunderland take a 2-1 aggregate lead back to the Stadium of Light against Coventry on Tuesday night.