On paper it was a difficult start to the season for Mark Hughes' men. In their first five games they were away to Chelsea and Everton, and also at home to Arsenal. Blackburn came out of those games without loss, and that goes to show how difficult a side they are to beat. A disappointing December saw them only win twice, and drop a few places in the league as a result. Since then they have maintained decent form which kept them in the hunt for a UEFA Cup spot, although the opportunity is now gone. However European qualification is important, and Rovers will aim to finish as high as possible and try to enter the InterToto Cup for a passport into Europe. Overall Hughes has done a good job on limited resources, in Brad Friedel they have a goalkeeper capable of frustrating the very best teams (just ask Alex Ferguson). Roque Santa Cruz has had a very enjoyable first season, and with Benni McCarthy tied down to a new contract goals shouldn't be a problem. An embarrasing 4-1 home defeat to Coventry City in the FA Cup still hurts, but Blackburn have enjoyed another solid, if unspectactular, season.
So how can Blackburn Rovers bridge the gap on the teams above them? They have to make sure that David Bentley doesn't go anywhere. He's had a very good season, propelling himself into the England reckoning as a result. Parallels can be drawn between Rovers and Aston Villa, in trying to hold onto Gareth Barry. Mark Hughes has a solid first team at Ewood Park, but a bit more strength in depth is needed in the midfield department. If Bentley or Morten Gamst Pedersen were to get injured, there's a distinct lack of wingers capable of replacing them. Another central midfield player would also help matters. Hughes has already gone on record saying he will need more investment for the coming season. If he gets it, he has proven to be a bit of a bargain-hunter, with Bentley and Santa Cruz costing no more than £3.5million each. If they do end up in the InterToto Cup, it promises to be a long and draining season, so these extra numbers are essential.
Player Of The Season: David Bentley
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