Spoils of War: Blackburn
By Gareth Jones
Blackburn Rovers have been tipped for the drop all season and now it looks likely for the one time Premier League winners. Although it looks tight at the bottom Kean’s men are not delivering, they could deliver for different clubs next season if they refuse to take the drop.
Paul Robinson: At 34 years old the club captain shows no sign of stopping and potentially has another 8 years of playing if Edwin van der Saar and Brad Friedel are any inspiration.
Robinson has a reputation at times of being a dodgy keeper but in the last couple of seasons Robinson has looked continuously outstanding. Although he is too good for the Championship Robinson might struggle to find a Premier League team. West Brom will be in need of a keeper after Foster’s loan ends, other than that he may provide back up at one of the bigger clubs or join a newly promoted side.
Mauro Formica: The 24-year-old does not seem to be steeped in stats on paper but the Argentine is an incredible play maker with potential to be great.
Playing in the Championship might be the best thing for Formica, to help develop him as a player to come back and storm the top flight. It is highly likely that Formica will drop a division, he may make a move to Spain or back to his native Argentina.
Morten Gamst Pedersen: The Norwegian has been a main stay at Ewood Park since 2004 and has made a name as an accomplished Premier League player.
Pedersen will make a move to another Premier League club if Blackburn drop out of the top flight. It’s easy to see Pedersen at a mid table club like Stoke or Norwich but he could go to Arsenal who will be looking to fill the hole left by season loan signing, Yossi Benayoun.
Steven N’Zonzi: Possibly Blackburn’s hottest prospect at 23 N’Zonzi is already starting XI quality for the Premier League. Staying with Blackburn if they beat the drop would hold the French man back, going down with them would be a massive step backwards.
Defensive midfielders could be in demand this summer as both Manchester clubs look to bolster in the middle of the park.
Scott Dann: After a disappointing season since making his move from Birmingham Scott Dann will be looking to leave Blackburn regardless of league position.
Clubs are always looking for a good centre back and on a good deal. Arsenal are off loading Mertesacker and will look to replace him, Manchester City could take him on after Savic’s disappointing season.
Junior Hoilett: 6 goals and 6 assists for the 21-year-old Canadian means that the rest of the Premier League will have one eye on Blackburn’s last remaining light.
Premier League clubs will not have to bid big to get a prospect like Hoilett as he is leaving Blackburn at the end of this season as his contract ends. If they qualify for Europe Newcastle may look into to signing him. Hoilett might opt for a permanent move to the Bundesliga.
Honorable mentions to Yakubu, who has scored his way into a transfer and David Goodwillie, who will likely return to Scotland after a disappointing season.
