Blackburn Rovers opinion: Should Blackburn go for Stewart Downing?
While they did finish 13th in the Championship, Blackburn Rovers spent most of the league season in mid-table. They never went above or below, and never even came close to helping themselves towards a promotion playoff spot.
In fact, their sheer lack of ambition was simply stunning and things need to change at the club. Once the Champions of England, the Riversiders have fallen down a rather miserable path and need to find their way back into the Premier League.
But that may be easier said than done, especially given the state and the level of competition in the top tier. However, it’s not impossible, with Wolverhampton Wanderers doing it with alarming ease.
However, Blackburn Rovers first have to conquer the Championship and to do that, they need quality attacking players.
Their top scorers this season were Bradley Dack and Danny Graham, with the two netting 15 goals each. Their top creators were Dack with 7 assists and on-loan Southampton star Harrison Reed with 6.
Those aren’t good figures and with the club losing two players, they need to make sure that they add back the experience. One man who could make a big difference to their side is Stewart Downing.
English news outlet Lancashire Telegraph has reported that the club are in a strong position to make a move for the former Liverpool star. The Middlesbrough star is leaving the club at the end of this month and thus, it opens the doors to a move to Blackburn.
His experience and ability is something that the Riversiders really need but it’s his creative energy that the club needs more. Over the years, while Downing has never really been a prolific goalscorer, the 34-year-old has always managed to consistently create goals.
He’s averaged six assists over his three-year spell with Boro but struggled to achieve that in his final season. Injuries and various other issues kept him out of the squad and it affected his form and the club’s ability to flourish.
That eventually saw Boro finish just one point behind the final playoff spot, which saw Tony Pulis get sacked at the end of the season. However, Blackburn Rovers have to make the move for Downing since he is available for free.
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Conclusion
Blackburn Rovers need reinforcements especially if they’re ever gonna get back to where they once were in English football. By adding someone with the experience and talent that Stewart Downing does have, they will move forward.