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FLW's Rovers fan pundit has weighed in on Adam Forshaw's new contract

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the return of midfielder Adam Forshaw on a one-year deal, extending his stay at Ewood Park until June 2026.

The 33-year-old becomes Rovers’ second summer signing following the arrival of Belgian winger Dion De Neve from KV Kortrijk, despite Forshaw being on the books last season.

Forshaw initially joined Rovers in January after mutually terminating his contract with Plymouth Argyle, and made an immediate impact both on and off the pitch.

The former Leeds United and Middlesbrough man featured 16 times in the Championship last season, scoring once - notably against his former club Plymouth in a crucial 2-0 win in February.

With over 350 senior appearances and a career that includes three promotions, Forshaw’s wealth of experience has made him a valued voice in the Rovers’ dressing room, but there has been a mixed reaction to his extension.

Blackburn Rovers uncertainty revealed over Adam Forshaw contract extension

Football League World spoke with resident Rovers expert Simon Middlehurst on the permanent acquisition of Adam Forshaw for his thoughts on the move, and whether the signing signalled a lack of ambition from the Blackburn hierarchy.

And there is also a worry that the renewal of Forshaw could be a pre-cursor to Lewis Travis departing the club, with Blackburn set to have a wealth of talent in midfield when Sidnei Tavares completes his transfer from Moreirense - the Rovers skipper has been linked with John Eustace and Derby County, as Football League World exclusively revealed recently.

“I’m a bit 50/50 on it," Simon told FLW.

"I think there was a cause towards the end of the season, he really started to come into his own a bit, and obviously he started playing a bit more as well and he was quite solid in that midfield.” Middlehurst told FLW.

“Also, as well, he’s an experienced head, because it looks like we’re probably going to be having a lot of younger lads coming through, so it’s an experienced head to have in the changing room, which is always good to have.

“On the flipside, signing Adam Forshaw, does that mean we’re going to start losing players like Lewis Travis?

“Last season was a great season for Blackburn, it’s the closest we’ve been to the play-offs in ten years or so, to miss about by a point, or on goal difference, so you’d expect next season the club will want to push on and bring in a bit more - a couple signings to show intent.

“So on that accord, it’s quite an uninspiring singing but nonetheless it’s a squad player, and it’s an experienced player.”

Adam Forshaw brings Blackburn stability for a second promotion push

Blackburn’s decision to re-sign Forshaw appears rooted in a broader strategy to blend youthful energy with experienced leadership ahead of another promotion challenge.

In their official announcement, the club pointed to his “influential" role in the dressing room and praised the standards Forshaw has helped set since arriving.

While not the flashiest of summer signings, the move reflects a desire to build a more balanced and resilient squad after narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season.

Rovers will be hoping Forshaw’s presence can provide the steadying influence required as they aim to turn promise into end-of-season success in 2025/26.

For many fans, the midfielder may not be the marquee signing they hoped for - but he could yet prove to be a quietly crucial one.