"To be honest with you" - Reaction given to Blackburn Rovers, Tyrhys Dolan situation update | OneFootball

FLW's Blackburn fan pundit has given his verdict on Valerien Ismael finally confirming Tyrhys Dolan's future at the club

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…

Tyrhys Dolan will not be returning to Blackburn Rovers for next season following the expiration of his contract.

Valerien Ismael has confirmed, via The Lancashire Telegraph, that the forward’s time at the club has come to an end.

It had been hoped that an agreement could be reached to extend his stay at Ewood Park after he played a key role in the side last season.

However, he is now free to discuss terms with other clubs, with his deal expiring at the end of June.

Tyrhys Dolan departure claim

When asked about Dolan’s exit, and the will they/won’t they saga, FLW’s Blackburn fan pundit Simon Middlehurst claimed that it shouldn’t have been dragged out this long.

He hopes the best for the forward in his pursuit of playing at a higher level, but warned he’d be disappointed if he joined a Championship side that finished lower than the Lancashire outfit in the table last season.

“To be honest with you, it’s not surprising,” Middlehurst told Football League World.

“Back end of last season he was pretty much hinting that he wouldn’t have stayed at Blackburn.

“He said quite a few times that he wanted to take his career to the next level, which fair play to him.

“We took him, we signed him when he got released from Preston, he’s been a good servant to Rovers in the last couple of years.

“So, to be honest with you, not really surprised.

“I think the biggest disappointment is how long it’s gone on for, and how much news its taken up.

“As far as I’m concerned, once a player’s contract runs out, they’re not a Blackburn player, so why is it taken up so much news? It will be interesting now to see where he goes.

“I hope he said what he’s going to do and take his career to the next level, whether that be abroad — I think there are rumours that Celtic and Rangers are interested.

“I think what would be really disappointing would be if he signed for another Championship club that finished below Blackburn last season.

“Regardless of what’s gone on off the field, we’ve always punched above our weight and hopefully can now move onto the next level, so will be interesting to see where he goes.”

Dolan featured 44 times for Blackburn in the league last season, and contributed seven goals and six assists.

Dolan departure shouldn’t have dragged out this far

It shouldn’t come as a surprise at this stage that Dolan won’t be coming back to Blackburn for next season.

It never should’ve been dragged out this far, given it’s now the middle of July and the team is back for pre-season.

Rovers should’ve moved on weeks ago instead of holding out hope that a renewal could’ve still been agreed.

It will be interesting to see where Dolan ends up next, but Blackburn have to quickly move on and find someone that is capable of replacing him in the squad.