Paul Dickov issues verdict on Blackburn Rovers recruitment, replacing Sammie Szmodics, and relegation predictions | OneFootball

Paul Dickov has been speaking exclusively to FLW

Highlights

Ex-Blackburn Rovers Paul Dickov has shared his thoughts on his former club after the initial weeks of the 2024/25 Championship season.

Dickov talked replacing Sammie Szmodics, relegation predictions, and the club chiefs, speaking exclusively to Football League World via igaming industry.

His former club were tipped as relegation candidates before a ball was kicked but are sitting safely in the top six of the second-tier table after the first two fixtures.

Rovers have made a strong start to John Eustace's first season at the helm. They beat Derby County 4-2 on opening weekend, hammering Stockport County 6-1 in the Carabao Cup, and then drawing 2-2 with Norwich City – the latter result leaving them fourth in the Championship.

Szmodics' exit is a big blow for Rovers and Dickov, who scored 17 goals in 61 appearances for the Lancashire club, has urged them to push on in the pursuit of Fulham's Jay Stansfield despite the reported £6 million price tag and competition from Birmingham City.

Asked whether the fee should put them off, he said: “Not at all. When you lose a player like Szmodics it’s important to recruit a replacement who can score goals in the Championship and Stansfield can do that.

“You can never replace Szmodics directly, but you must add replacements quickly as goals can dry up and you need good strikers to maintain the positive start Blackburn has said.

“I think it may take a couple of strikers for Blackburn, so expect another one to come in as well.”

Blackburn Rovers' recruitment deserves praise

Blackburn have already added forward duo Makhtar Gueye and Yuki Ohashi, who have shown impressive signs early on. Dickov has heaped praise on the club's recruitment team, who have been criticised in the past, as a result.

“Absolutely (the recruitment team deserve praise this summer)," he' said. "John Eustace knows the Championship well and I think he would have had a big say in these signings. He is doing a solid job so far, and it’s important Blackburn keep him.

“To score this many goals so early in the season is excellent and the unbeaten run has set the team on a good footing for the season ahead.

“The new signings Ohashi and Gueye seem to have settled in really well and the confidence the start has given the whole squad can spur them on.”

But he admitted that supporters have not had it easy when it comes to their owners the Venky's.

Dickov said: “It’s a difficult one with regards to the Owners. The fans at Blackburn haven’t had it easy at all but with Eustace in charge, they have a safe pair of hands.

“If they can recruit a couple of strikers, who knows how far this season can go for them.”

Blackburn Rovers doubters could have egg on their face

Rovers were being tipped for relegation ahead of the new Championship season but after their strong start, Dickov has warned their detractors that they could end up looking foolish if Eustace and co. continue their strong start.

He said: “The opening games were great to watch and to score four goals gave the team a real boost.

“Szmodics was on form and helped secure an excellent opening day win. To then follow up scoring six in the Carabao Cup was also superb and then to come away from a tough away game with no Szmodics with a 2-2 draw was a creditable result.

“John Eustace must take huge credit for the start to the season and it’s no surprise given how he started last season with Birmingham City.

“Many did tip them for relegation, but they will have egg on their faces if Blackburn keep performing like they have done so far.”