19 hours ago
Ismael keen for 'fresh start' ahead of new season
Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael has said that his side are in a "transition season" following a busy summer of incomings and outgoings. Rovers missed out on a top six finish last campaign by just two points and told BBC Radio Lancashire that this season is a "fresh start" for the club. "It will be a fresh start, that is very clear now. We are fully in that transition, it is all about integrating the new players," the Frenchman said."We are very pleased with the team we have got, but we know that we still want to do something in the transfer market."The 49-year-old has previous experience in the Championship, with stints at Barnsley, West Bromwich Albion and Watford. Speaking on the level of quality in the league this season, he said: "It is really competitive. It maybe the best Championship season we have ever faced. "If you look at the transfer market, the teams that have been really active isn't Leicester, Southampton or Ipswich, but it has been Birmingham and kick-off their season with a trip to the Hawthorns on Saturday."It is always a tough away game, but there is no easy game in this league. It is clear that they are a strong team with a good new manager," he said. "We have had a good pre-season and are looking forward to it."Listen to the full pre-match press conference and more on BBC Sounds.
