Latest news with #ValerienIsmael
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Championship fixture release day twist and key details for Blackburn Rovers fans
Blackburn Rovers fans can circle June 26 in their diaries but there will be a difference on the day as they discover the 2025/26 Championship schedule. As is tradition, Rovers fans will be able to plot and plan their away trips across the division by the last Thursday in June. There will be at least two new grounds for many supporters following Wrexham and Charlton Athletic's promotion from League One. Though the three relegated Premier League sides are familiar faces, it is a chance to visit the scenes of two memorable away days at Leicester City. The less said about Southampton and Ipswich in 2023/24, the better. Valerien Ismael will hope to have a number of fresh faces confirmed and through the door by then, with pre-season fast approaching. The head coach wants 90% of his squad assembled by the time they return which will be a tall order. READ MORE: All clubs will learn their fixture schedules in full on Thursday, June 26. However, they will be released at 12pm as opposed to the usual slot of 9am. Later that day, at 4:30pm, the first round of the Carabao Cup is set to be drawn. That will be shown live on Sky Sports News. The first round of Championship fixtures are August 8-10 and the Carabao Cup ties will be played the following week, commencing August 11. Rovers have opened up their last four seasons at Ewood Park, beating Swansea City, Queens Park Rangers, West Brom and Derby County. The latter was a Friday night fixture and the first of the league season. The scheduled 46 rounds of league matches will take place across 33 weekends, nine midweeks and four Bank Holidays in the Championship, with Leagues One and Two playing over 33 weekends, five midweeks and eight Bank Holidays and International Breaks.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blackburn Rovers favourite delivers transfer ultimatum to achieve play-off hopes
Phil Jones believes Blackburn Rovers will struggle to make the play-offs next season without impressive recruitment. A top-six finish is the obvious next step for Valerien Ismael's side having fallen just short in 2024/25. That has been the case in three of Rovers' last four league campaigns. However, with the renewal of the Championship likely to be as competitive as ever, Rovers face a tall order to reach the play-offs without significant investment in the squad. Adding more goals to the team is an obvious area to improve the team whilst adding pace in wide areas is another priority. READ MORE: ROVERS REGISTER INTEREST IN WANTED CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENDER Jones has his doubts about Rovers' prospects without significantly adding to their squad. "Yeah, it would be tough (to get promoted next year)," Jones told OLBG. 'I think they do need to bring one or two in, I was just looking before the retained list and the lads who have gone and stuff, I think they're going to need to strengthen that area for sure. "I think it'd be difficult for them to get playoffs next year. They're going to have to recruit well. 'I'm not sure what the transfer budget will be either, but it'd be nice to see them competing for sure." Jones spent time at Brockhall earlier in the campaign under John Eustace. It's little surprise he therefore came away thinking his exit was anything but a huge blow to his boyhood club. The Academy graduate's perception that they were overachieving feeds into his view on how next season might look. 'I think they were overachieving a little bit during the middle of the season. I thought they did a fantastic job under John Eustace. I thought he was brilliant. 'I went in to see John at Blackburn and watched him train for a couple of days and you could see the culture he'd created there was a good one. Then obviously he left to go to Derby. 'He's kept them in the league (Derby), which is a great achievement for them, pleased for them. Blackburn didn't win in eight games, nine games and I think it absolutely killed them. 'Obviously, Ismael had a tough start; he only won two out of his first eight games or something like that, but I think it'd be too early to call that one. 'I mean he's only been in the job short of six months, so let's see how they get on next season." Jones still speaks with great pride about his time at Rovers. He remains a fan and has been down to the Senior Training Centre since retiring. It was the perfect start to a career path that he would not change, having also turned out for England's biggest club. 'I look back and I think I went for £16 million plus add-ons, and that was 2011," he said. 'In this day and age, if I were to move from Blackburn again to Man United, you'd be looking at £40-50M for sure. 'I mean, I'm not trying to bump my price up and add a few noughts on the end, but I think coming from Blackburn, I would have definitely thought at least £40 million 'It's a club that I grew up supporting when I was a little boy and played for. So many fond members down at Blackburn "I grew up supporting Blackburn, so to play for Blackburn was an incredible achievement for me. 'I remember being on the terraces watching from the stand all those years, and then I'm playing there, which was amazing. 'Then playing for Man United, whilst I would have liked to have played more, there's not really another club I would have liked to have played for. 'Obviously you look at Real Madrid, everyone wants to play for Real Madrid, look at Trent going there now (and I don't blame him by the way). 'I don't think I'd go to any club that I look back and think, we should have gone there or we should have gone here." Should Tyrhys Dolan leave, one man who could be central to Rovers' efforts is Todd Cantwell. The former Norwich City and Rangers man had a up and down debut season at Ewood Park. Jones feels he is someone Rovers must look to retain due to his 'big-game experience' but also wants to see more consistency from Cantwell. 'Yeah, I think he's done all right," he added. 'I think he's scored a few goals, got a few assists, but again, I think he was out injured towards the end of the season. 'I think he struggled for continuity, but again, he's a player that I think was on the retained list. 'They need to keep hold of him because again, he's somebody who can score goals. He's played at that level before, and he's been to Rangers, he's played in big games. 'He's a big game player, he's a type of player and character that you want to play in big games because he's not frightened of taking the ball under pressure or in difficult circumstances'.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Blackburn release TWENTY players after narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs under Valerien Ismael
Rovers act decisively but are also locked in talks with three first-teamers ROVER AND OUT Blackburn release TWENTY players after narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs under Valerien Ismael Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BLACKBURN have released 20 players and sprung a surprise over a midfielder. Rovers acted decisively after missing out on the Championship play-offs by one place and two points. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Adam Forshaw has been released - but there's a twist Credit: Alamy 3 Valerien Ismael has kept the core of a squad who finished seventh Credit: Rex Boss Valerien Ismael has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer. But Adam Forshaw's inclusion in a big batch of departures has raised eyebrows in some quarters. The former Middlesbrough and Leeds star, 33, has been praised by Ismael in recent months And Forshaw remained in Rovers' matchday squad until the end of the season as they finished seventh. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL ONE IN A MILL Millwall release eight stars including club legends Wallace and Hutchinson But although the ex-Brentford ace has been freed, Blackburn say they will "keep in close contract" with him over the summer. Rovers admit that means he is "entitled to explore other options". But it leaves the door open for an intriguing transfer saga to develop. Blackburn also revealed they are still in talks with three senior players, having offered all of them new contracts. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK They are Danny Batth and Tyrhys Dolan - who both started Rovers' season-ending 1-1 draw at Sheffield United - plus Andi Weimann. Rovers said in a statement over their released list: "Batth and Weimann both enjoyed magnificent maiden seasons at Ewood Park last term, bringing vast Championship experience, leadership qualities and high standards to the dressing room and out on the pitch." 3 Centre-back Danny Batth is in talks over extending his Blackburn stay Credit: Rex Meanwhile, Blackburn have activated a one-year option to keep Wales winger Ryan Hedges another year after his 42 league games in 2024-25. Under-21 players Harrison Wood, Zack Stritch and Adam Khan have also had the option of an extra 12 months triggered. Jake Batty and Felix Goddard, who were both loaned out last season, have been offered fresh Ewood Park deals. And teenage midfielder Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews has been handed the chance to sign his first professional contract. On the way out are: Dilan Markanday, Jack Vale, Zak Gilsenan, Patrick Gamble, Tom Bloxham, Jordan Eastham, Rhys Doherty, Isaac Whitehall, Jalil Saadi, Alex Baker, Adam Caddick, Paul Murphy-Worrell, Lewis Bell, Bradley Taylor, Jackson Shorrocks, Nathan Willis, Stephen Edmondson and Teddy Ramwell. On top of this, Dan Shaw's registration has been cancelled by mutual consent. Five loanees have returned to their parent clubs - Owen Beck, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Dion Sanderson, Cauley Woodrow and Emmanuel Dennis. Blackburn said: "Rovers would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all the players who will be leaving the club for their contribution and commitment during their time at Ewood Park, and we wish them all well in their future careers."
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Blackburn release TWENTY players after narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs under Valerien Ismael
BLACKBURN have released 20 players and sprung a surprise over a midfielder. Rovers acted decisively after missing out on the Championship play-offs by one place and two points. 3 Boss Valerien Ismael has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer. But Adam Forshaw's inclusion in a big batch of departures has raised eyebrows in some quarters. The former Middlesbrough and Leeds star, 33, has been praised by Ismael in recent months And Forshaw remained in Rovers' matchday squad until the end of the season as they finished seventh. But although the ex- Brentford ace has been freed, Blackburn say they will "keep in close contact" with him over the summer. Rovers admit he is "entitled to explore other options". But it leaves the door open for an intriguing transfer saga to develop. Blackburn also revealed they are still in talks with three senior players, having offered all of them new contracts. They are Danny Batth and Tyrhys Dolan - who both started Rovers' season-ending 1-1 draw at Sheffield United - plus Andi Weimann. Rovers said in a statement over their released list: "Batth and Weimann both enjoyed magnificent maiden seasons at Ewood Park last term, bringing vast Championship experience, leadership qualities and high standards to the dressing room and out on the pitch." 3 Meanwhile, Blackburn have activated a one-year option to keep Wales winger Ryan Hedges another year after his 42 league games in 2024-25. Under-21 players Harrison Wood, Zack Stritch and Adam Khan have also had the option of an extra 12 months triggered. Jake Batty and Felix Goddard, who were both loaned out last season, have been offered fresh Ewood Park deals. And teenage midfielder Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews has been handed the chance to sign his first professional contract. On the way out are: Dilan Markanday, Jack Vale, Zak Gilsenan, Patrick Gamble, Tom Bloxham, Jordan Eastham, Rhys Doherty, Isaac Whitehall, Jalil Saadi, Alex Baker, Adam Caddick, Paul Murphy-Worrell, Lewis Bell, Bradley Taylor, Jackson Shorrocks, Nathan Willis, Stephen Edmondson and Teddy Ramwell. On top of this, Dan Shaw's registration has been cancelled by mutual consent. Five loanees have returned to their parent clubs - Owen Beck, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Dion Sanderson, Cauley Woodrow and Emmanuel Dennis. Blackburn said: "Rovers would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all the players who will be leaving the club for their contribution and commitment during their time at Ewood Park, and we wish them all well in their future careers."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach linked with Rovers steps down from his role at non-league club
Adam Murray has left his role as manager of non-league club Eastbourne Borough. The 42-year-old has been linked with a move to Ewood Park to become part of Valerien Ismael's backroom staff. Murray initially worked under Ismael at Barnsley and later followed the head coach to West Brom and Besiktas. He had a spell in charge at AFC Fylde before taking over at Eastbourne Borough in January 2024, leading the club to safety in the National League South. Murray's side finished third this season but were beaten by Maidstone United in the play-offs earlier this month. 'Today is an incredibly sad day as I say good bye to an amazing football club,' he told the club site. 'What a journey – from the miracle of survival to being so close to becoming champions – and I have loved every second of it. We have made some amazing memories and built some incredible relationships together. 'I would like to thank my boys and my staff, who have run through brick walls for me and I could not have asked for any more. READ MORE: How Callum Brittain's role in the Blackburn Rovers squad has evolved 'A huge thank you to the amazing supporters who have shown me incredible love from day one. The reason our home became a fortress was you and you being that 12th, 13th and 14th man. I will miss you! 'Finally thank you to Simon (Leslie). His backing and support has never stopped. He truly is a special man – his vision was what sucked me in and I hope I have played my part in moving it forward. Thank you. 'Unfortunately, home is calling and with five kids, I have to put them first. I have no doubt the future is bright for Eastbourne Borough under Simon's leadership. I will be watching from afar!'
