Gary Bowyer brings long-awaited hope to Blackburn Rovers
Published:Blackburn’s announcement of Gary Bowyer as their new manager will no doubt bring some much heralded relief to Rovers fans, after one of the most turbulent seasons in the club’s history.
Managers came and went as the club staved off a second successive relegation, but the appointment of Bowyer bodes well for the club, given his recent record of leading the side last season.
In his first spell as caretaker manager over the New Year, the former Rotherham full-back oversaw three wins from four games before the club hired Michael Appleton to replace Henning Berg.
Appleton lasted just 67 days however, only 10 more than Berg, and Bowyer was quickly brought in once again to steady the sinking ship.
Bowyer oversaw the final nine games of the season, winning three, drawing three and losing three in that time.
It’s not a record that particularly stands out at first glance, but closer inspection reveals some signs that next season could bring much happier times at Ewood Park.
Two of those three defeats came against high-flying Cardiff and Watford, and the other came courtesy of a late Sheffield Wednesday goal in a 3-2 loss.
Rovers finished the year with just one defeat in six under the Manchester-born Bowyer, ensuring they saw off relegation to League One by four points in an ultra-competitive Championship division.
As such, Blackburn are 20/1 to win the Championship next year and return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.
The odds may seem long, but if the club decide to back Bowyer with funds and transfers, they could be a threat considering they already boast Jordan Rhodes among their frontline.
The Scotsman notched up 28 goals last season to finish second in the scorer’s charts, and, if he received greater support, would surely revel at scoring the goals to take Blackburn to the top tier.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
