Blackburn Rovers Attempt Hijack Of Blackpool & Stockport County “in-demand” Target

Former Bradford City loanee Scott Banks’ move to Blackpool could be in jeapody following an approach from Championship side Blackburn Rovers, according to Alan Nixon.

Scott Banks names which Crystal Palace player works the hardest in training under Patrick Vieira - football.london

The in-demand Crystal Palace forward has been subject to interest from up and down the EFL as clubs look to prise him away from the Premier League side after an impressive year at The Bantams. Stockport County were linked with the player in a six-figure move, that would have been a show of intent for the League Two side who lost their opening game 1-0 against fellow title hopefuls Gillingham.

However, recently relegated League One side Blackpool then reportedly submitted a higher bid, closer to half a million pounds. Some media outlets had suggested that talks may have been progressing well with many expecting the Seasiders to complete the deal in the near future.

Now, according to Alan Nixon, Blackburn Rovers have also entered the race potentially scupering the League One side’s chances of securing the player with little competition. The deal may still work in Blackpool’s favour however, with the Championship side only willing to take the player on loan with the option to purchase next year.

It is unknown at this time whether Crystal Palace would favour another loan move, or to sell the player now for a potentially lower value.

Banks impressed at Valley Parade last season as he helped the Bantams reach the play-off semi final, before falling to eventual winner Carlisle United. He’s also been on the books of Dunfermline, Dundee United, Clyde and Alloa Athletic.

Writer’s View

Banks is a quality player, his free kick delivery and ability to thread intricate passes through the defensive line mean he is a real asset for any team. I suspect Bradford were hopeful of a potential return, but when prices were revealed quickly moved on to other targets.

It’s bizarre however, that in the course of a week and a half we’ve gone from a League Two, to a League One to now a Championship side winning the race. It’s perhaps some agent play at work to get a better deal out of one of the sides? Or even to attract more interest?

Bradley Dack leaves ‘legendary’ status at Blackburn Rovers ‘to prove point’ at Sunderland

The Black Cats snapped up the playmaker on a free transfer last month

Transfer speculation linking Bradley Dack with Sunderland was long-drawn out over the summer but Tony Mowbray finally got his man. Injuries have plagued the former Blackburn Rovers playmaker in years gone but, but the new Black Cat has reiterated he’s out to prove a point at the Stadium of Light.

Dack played his best football under Mowbray at Ewood Park scoring 18 goals to win promotion from League One, then contributed with almost 30 goal contributions during the 2018/19 season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions with 10 assists. Rovers parted company with the 29-year-old, with Rovers’ director of football Gregg Broughton saying the decision was partly financial and partly because they could guarantee the attacking midfielder more game time next term.

“I think I had three really good years at the football club and then two where I got a couple of bad injuries,” said Dack after signing for Sunderland.

“I managed to come back from them and do OK but I still feel like I have a point to prove, especially to that club, and I’ve got the perfect platform to do it here and I know where this club wants to be – and that’s where I want to be, so let’s hope we can take it forward.”

Despite his injury problems, Dack still managed 34 appearances in all competitions last season under Jon Dahl Tomasson notching seven goals and three assists last season. His move away from Ewood Park came as no surprise to Blackburn Rovers reporter Elliott Jackson of Lancs Live, but backs the midfielder to do well if the expectations aren’t too high.

Chronicle Live spoke with Jackson for an insight into Dack and how he expects him to fare under Mowbray this season.

Was it a surprise to see him leave Blackburn this summer?

Elliott Jackson: “No, although he’s a club legend, I think it’s widely accepted it was the right time to shake hands. He was one of the club’s highest earners and Rovers needed the money elsewhere in the squad.

“Tomasson clearly didn’t see him as a perfect fit for his system either. He will always be remembered fondly though and no doubt if he starts banging in a few goals, fans will change their minds and wish he never left!”

Why did it not seem to work out under JDT?

EJ: “Tomasson was keen for Rovers to play a high-pressing, fluid attacking system and that didn’t get the best from Dack. Having barely played for two years, it took a while before Tomasson trusted him.

“He had a great spell in the team around the New Year but sadly a hamstring injury ruled him out for six weeks and he didn’t start again. I think stylistically, it wasn’t the best fit, and they had just bought Sam Szmodics from Peterborough too.”

Should Sunderland fans be concerned about his injury record?

EJ: “Is he someone to rely on for 46 games? Probably not given his injury record. He is definitely someone who can play 20-25 games and also impact the game off the bench, though.

“He’s a goal-scorer and hasn’t lost that nack, even if he isn’t quite as dynamic as he once was.”

What type of player are they getting in Dack?

EJ: “He was fantastic in that promotion-winning season and adapted easily to life a tier up. His relationship with Danny Graham was fantastic and that was Dack at his best.

“If he can feed off someone like Ross Stewart, he is brilliant at finding space in the box and scoring goals. He’s definitely not work-shy, he will do his bit for the team.

“He is not blessed with great pace, so he won’t be someone to break away on the counter-attack. What he can do is arrive into the box late and score goals, after the likes of Roberts/Clarke have drove up the pitch.”

Would you back Mowbray to get the best out of him?

EJ: “That is undoubtedly the main factor behind this move. I am not sure it would be happening otherwise.

“Mowbray is a huge fan of Dack and he knows how to manage him and get the best from him. I think it’s a smart signing, for free, if the financials aren’t huge.”