Steve Curwood, the newly appointed CEO of Blackburn Rovers, has openly acknowledged the frustrations surrounding the club's performance in the summer transfer window. Despite the club making four signings before the window closed, many supporters have expressed their dissatisfaction with the overall outcome.
Blackburn, currently competing in the EFL Championship, faced significant challenges as three potential signings fell through on the final day of the transfer window. Curwood explained the situation during an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire, stating, "Deals were on the table. Deals were agreed with players and clubs. We can talk about morals in football, maybe there aren’t too many now and that’s what’s happened." His comments reflect the complexities and unpredictability often associated with transfer negotiations.
Among the deals that failed to materialize were those involving Reo Hatate, who ultimately joined Burnley, and Brian De Keersmaecker, who signed with Bristol City. Curwood expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the club had made significant investments and that there was no reluctance from the board to strengthen the squad. He noted, "Yes - it’s frustrating, we’re frustrated, and Tony (Mowbray) wanted that extra little bit of something which we haven’t managed to do." Mowbray, who returned to the club in early June, had hoped to enhance the squad's depth and competitiveness.
Curwood described the transfer window as "chaotic," attributing some of the difficulties to the timing of Mowbray's reappointment. Ideally, he suggested, a manager should be in place by early May to effectively plan for the upcoming season. The late appointment, coupled with injuries to key players, further complicated the club's ability to secure new talent. Curwood remarked, "If you want to do your deals early, maybe you can’t go after the best players sometimes." This highlights the delicate balance clubs must strike between securing immediate signings and pursuing top-tier talent.
Despite the setbacks, Curwood defended the decisions made regarding player departures, stating that the squad had become top-heavy and that some players required game time elsewhere. He mentioned the loan of George Pratt to Bradford as an example of a necessary move. Additionally, Curwood revealed that the club turned down offers for several players, including Ryoya Morishita and Sean McLoughlin, indicating a strategic approach to maintaining the squad's integrity.
Having recently transitioned from Fleetwood Town to Blackburn, Curwood has urged fans to remain patient as the club navigates this transitional period. He explained, "It’s been a whirlwind since I arrived - with a transfer window, an administrator going to another club, and a senior physiotherapist leaving." He believes that the first 90 days in his role will be crucial for assessing the club's needs and improving operational processes.
Looking ahead, Curwood is optimistic about the club's future, stating that they will be in a "very different position moving into the next window, and beyond that." As Blackburn Rovers continues to strive for success in the Championship, the focus will be on building a competitive squad capable of challenging for promotion in the future.
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