David Bentley's message for Blackburn Rovers, John Eustace on how to defy Championship odds | OneFootball

Ex-Blackburn Rovers and England star David Bentley has exclusively spoken to FLW about his former side and John Eustace

Ex-Blackburn Rovers star David Bentley has issued some words of advice to his former side and John Eustace on how exactly to defy the odds and sustain a competitive edge in the Championship this season.

Blackburn only managed to stave off relegation to League One by three points at the end of the previous campaign, with Birmingham City suffering that very fate at the expense of former Blues boss Eustace.

Indeed, only Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town conceded more goals than Blackburn's 24. Meanwhile, Championship top scorer Sammie Szmodics directly contributed to over 50 per cent of his team total league goals of 60, registering 27 strikes and setting up four more.

Szmodics, then, was poised to depart Ewood Park and Ipswich Town eventually secured his signature by shelling out a reported £9m fee.

The talisman's departure had prompted concern about how Blackburn would be able to cope without his services and just where the goals would come from, but they have been something of a surprise package in the 2024/25 campaign thus far.

Blackburn most recently claimed a commendable 1-1 draw at Turf Moor in the first edition of the East Lancashire Derby this season, which came after victories over newly-promoted duo Oxford United and Derby County, and a 2-2 draw away at Norwich City.

The Lancashire outfit headed into September's international break in fifth-place and remain one of only five teams to have accumulated an unbeaten start to the season after four matches.

David Bentley's Blackburn Rovers, John Eustace advice

8-cap former England international Bentley is among the finest players to turn out at Ewood Park since the turn of the millennium, having enjoyed a sensational three-year stay with the club between 2005 and 2008.

The winger exploded into life after signing on a permanent basis from Arsenal in 2006, though, scoring on 16 occasions and laying on a further 22 assists across two seasons, where Blackburn were competing in the UEFA Cup under Mark Hughes.

Bentley remains very much in the loop with Blackburn and has a message for his old side, telling them just what they need to do in order to remain competitive and continue to defy the odds this term.

Bentley exclusively explained to Football League World.

"Those looking to really challenge have been busy as well, so for the likes of Blackburn who sold their top striker, it becomes more difficult.

"But, once you build a winning culture, this can help the good results continuing as you have a never say die attitude and keep picking up points."

Blackburn Rovers, John Eustace should heed David Bentley advice for upcoming fixtures

Bentley is all-too-familar with how a winning culture is truly defined and cultivated, having been part of exactly that during his time with the club.

Therefore, his advice holds merit and Blackburn would benefit from keeping it at the forefront of their minds ahead of the upcoming fixture schedule.

Eustace's side will resume league action when Bristol City travel to the North West on Saturday afternoon, before a second Lancashire Derby awaits with a trip to Preston North End on September 22.

Subsequent fixtures against QPR, Coventry City, Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City should all offer Rovers a strong opportunity to continue the momentum and clinch further results, as they look to ensure their bright opening start is more than just a flash in the pan.