Elliott Jackson

Balazs Toth is expected to play for Blackburn Rovers against Middlesbrough after Celtic’s reported interest failed to produce a bid. Manager Tony Mowbray said he had no knowledge of any offers and described Toth as calm and unaffected by the speculation. Blackburn has nevertheless discussed contingency plans, including promoting Aynsley Pears, signing an established goalkeeper or taking one on loan from a Premier League club, particularly because Toth has rejected a new contract and has one year remaining on his current deal.

Blackburn Rovers are hoping a new pitch, renewed optimism and an encouraging performance against Wolves can transform Ewood Park into a more positive home venue after winning only four home games and scoring 19 goals there last season. Ryoya Morishita believes Blackburn can compete with Middlesbrough and challenge for promotion if they maintain their opening-game level. The Japan international, who values his relationship with the club's family-oriented supporters, is targeting 10 goals and 10 assists after recording four goals and nine assists last season.

Blackburn Rovers' strong opening-night performance at Wolves demonstrated the quality of their best starting eleven but also exposed the risks of relying on a small core of players over a 46-game Championship season. Tony Mowbray is praised for correctly calling for further reinforcements, particularly experienced players such as Alan Browne and Patrick Roberts. Tight finances, limited player departures and uncertainty over additional funding from Venky's have slowed recruitment, while potential interest from Celtic in Balazs Toth could further complicate squad planning. The loan market may offer opportunities, but Blackburn face a late and potentially risky rush to strengthen and create squad space.

Former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski appears set to leave Charlton Athletic after being omitted from the squad for the club’s opening-day win over Derby County. Charlton manager Nathan Jones said he had selected Will Mannion and Tiernan Brooks, while the club is reportedly interested in Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo as a replacement. Kaminski has also been linked with Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia.

The Arte et Labore podcast reviews Blackburn Rovers’ 2-2 draw with Wolves at Molineux, praising the team’s performance and particularly its right side while examining the late penalty drama. The discussion also looks ahead to Middlesbrough and covers Blackburn’s transfer activity, including reported interest in Patrick Roberts and a possible departure for Balazs Toth.

Blackburn Rovers were held to a 2-2 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers after Raul Jimenez converted a stoppage-time penalty. Wolves took the lead through Marshall Munetsi, but Sean McLoughlin equalised before Andri Gudjohnsen put Blackburn ahead shortly after half-time. Blackburn defended effectively and appeared set for an upset until Ryan Alebiosu was penalised for handling Jackson Tchatchoua's cross, allowing Jimenez to rescue a point.

Tony Mowbray says Blackburn Rovers are surprised by the spending power of several mid-ranking Championship clubs, including Stoke City, Bristol City and Swansea City. Blackburn have limited transfer funds and are currently near the bottom of the division for summer fee outlay, making Premier League loans and undervalued players important recruitment options. Mowbray wants more attacking quality and greater squad depth to cover injuries and suspensions, while viewing the signing of experienced free agent Sam Morsy as strategically important despite its lack of glamour.

Four Blackburn Rovers supporters predict a challenging 2026/27 Championship season, placing the club between 14th and 20th. They identify a need for two or three more starting-quality players, improvements on the left side, better injury luck and greater squad depth, while some fear relegation if the budget and recruitment do not change. Tony Mowbray is generally trusted to improve the team, and Tom Atcheson is the leading choice for Player of the Year, with predictions that he could become a Premier League player within a year. Other forecasts include Andri Gudjohnsen scoring more than 20 goals, Sean McLoughlin taking the captaincy from Todd Cantwell and one of Blackburn’s left-sided attackers reaching double figures.

Blackburn Rovers head coach Tony Mowbray expects a busy final period of the transfer window, with both new arrivals and departures needed to balance a squad of 27 players. No deals were imminent at the time of his comments, but Mowbray said the team required further help while acknowledging that some players could miss out on squad numbers. New signing Sam Morsy is unlikely to start immediately but has impressed Mowbray with his experience, communication and competitive character.

Elliott Jackson and Ryan Hildred preview Blackburn Rovers' 2026/27 Championship season, assessing the impact of Sam Morsy's arrival, possible departures and the club's midfield options. They also review the late win at Burton Albion and consider whether Blackburn can upset Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening fixture.

EFL pundit Kevin Phillips believes Blackburn Rovers can challenge for the play-offs if they add more attacking quality. The club struggled to score last season and has so far signed Jayden Fevrier and Sam Morsy, while manager Tony Mowbray is seeking further reinforcements. Despite his optimism about Blackburn’s season, Phillips predicts Wolverhampton Wanderers will beat them 2–1 in their opening match at Molineux.

Blackburn Rovers are predicted to finish 19th in the 2026/27 Championship but stay clear of relegation, provided injuries do not again undermine the squad. Ryoya Morishita is tipped to win Player of the Year, while Tony Mowbray is expected to end the club's recent pattern of midseason managerial upheaval and improve home form. West Ham United are forecast to win the league, with Southampton second; Wolves, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Norwich City, Wrexham and Derby County are predicted to reach the playoffs. Burnley, Lincoln City, Bolton Wanderers and either Portsmouth or Charlton Athletic are identified as potential strugglers.

Blackburn Rovers will host Sheffield United in the second round of the Carabao Cup during the week commencing August 24. The tie falls between home Championship fixtures against Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers, creating three consecutive home matches in one week. Blackburn reached the round by coming from behind to defeat Burton Albion, with late goals from substitutes Andri Gudjohnsen and Jayden Fevrier.

Blackburn Rovers head coach Tony Mowbray has not ruled out defensive signings, although the club’s main focus remains adding creativity and attacking quality. Rovers have signed Jayden Fevrier and held talks with Sam Morsy, while Alan Browne and Liverpool’s Luke Chambers have been linked. Mowbray wants competition throughout the squad and values players with strong effort and character. Following a 2–1 win at Burton Albion, he stressed the need for repeated finishing practice and said Rovers may need to score more than 70 goals to challenge for a top-half finish.