Fresh barrier emerges in Blackburn Rovers’ quest to seal player agreement amid West Brom interest | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers centre-back Darragh Lenihan is waiting for more clarity on the club’s managerial situation before deciding whether to sign a new contract or not, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

The 28-year-old has been one of the second-tier side’s best performers during the 2021/22 campaign, shining alongside Jan Paul van Hecke and Scott Wharton and making 41 league appearances.

Recording three goals in the process, the Irishman could have arguably had more, though his biggest contribution has come at the back and in the dressing room as the Lancashire outfit’s captain.

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Unfortunately for his current side, his contract at Ewood Park expires in the summer and although he wasn’t confirmed to be leaving alongside the likes of Joe Rothwell and Bradley Johnson, time is ticking for Rovers in their quest to get him tied down to fresh terms.

Tony Mowbray – but the Lancashire Telegraph have revealed that is no longer an issue.

However, the uncertainty surrounding their managerial situation is one issue that’s proving to be a barrier in tying Lenihan to fresh terms with the club not reported to be close to appointing Mowbray’s successor.

Considering they have reportedly received over 60 applications for the top job, they may take their time before making an appointment, though this Lenihan factor may play a part in moving quickly for a new boss ahead of what looks set to be a busy summer at the club.

The Verdict:

The defender is thought to be on West Bromwich Albion’s radar, so Rovers would benefit from making a quick appointment to ensure they can retain one of their best assets.

In fairness, making the right choice in terms of their next manager will probably be more important than the future of Lenihan but considering he’s captain, the Irishman is a big asset in a young side and his departure would be a considerable blow.

It would also benefit the whole club to have clarity on the managerial situation with plenty of work to do in preparation for the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign. Recruiting a new boss as soon as possible will only help them to strike early transfer deals.

If they can do that, then that will give new signings the chance to work with their new manager over the pre-season period, allowing them to be fully prepared for the new season and these early signings would also reduce the number of further additions they would need to make earlier in the summer.

Leaving things until it’s too late could be very costly especially with key men like Mowbray and Joe Rothwell already leaving, so all eyes will now be on the board.