Barclays Premier League Season Preview- Blackburn Rovers

Glen Mullan previews Blackburn Rovers ahead of the 2011-2012 Barclays Premier League season.
Blackburn Rovers- End of season prediction- 8th, League Cup- Semi-Finals, FA-Cup- Quarter Finals.

New owners have promised to spash the cash.

With the new owners promising large funds for a transfer kitty plus the promise that any money made from sales will be re-invested into the squad Blackburn could easily have around £40 Million to spend this summer. The owners still hold high hopes of persuading a marquee signing to join the club, but with the departure of Phil Jones and the potential departure of Chris Samba, then the new owners will need to show they still have ambition to take the club forward. These departures could have a negative effect on the rest of the squad whilst possible in-comings would have to question these departures. The Managers position is also under massive question from the supporters and unless he can prove as a rookie that he can not only attract players but he can in fact integrate them into a winning formula he too could soon find himself down the road.

After going very close to falling though the trap door last season, we will be hopeful of a better campaign this time around. For the first time since the death of Jack Walker, Rovers have money to spend this summer after being promised the biggest transfer budget in the history of the club. Rovers won't be expected to make giant strides, but a top 8 finish has to be the realistic target especially with good players expected to join in the summer. A lot will depend on retaining Chris Samba and which strikers Blackburn bring to the club, as last season's top scorer could only muster 6 goals. Two strikers that can get into double figures will see Rovers a good outside bet for Europe.



Buy:

Jermaine Jones

Roque Santa Cruz

Roger Johnson

Jermaine Defoe

Matt Mills

Proven goalscorer will be vital to Blackburn Success.

David Bentley

Sebastian Larsson

Demba Ba

Promising defender Phil Jones expected to make big money move to United.

Sell

E H Diouf

Vince Grella

Phil Jones

Keith Andrews

Benjani

Hope to Keep
Junior Hoilett
Chris Samba
Nico Kalinic

Steven N'Zonzi

KEY PLAYER:

Hoilett has blossomed under Kean.

Junior Hoilett had a massive impact on Rovers survival last season and has blossomed under Steve Keans Leadership, Bigger clubs are monitoring his progress and he is expected to be the main man next season

Written by Glen Mullan, he tweets @glen9mullan and blogs at Rovers Revisited.