Outgoing Blackburn Rovers man gives Valerien Ismael verdict and future update

Adam Forshaw has reiterated his enjoyment at Blackburn Rovers with the door still ajar for a return later this summer.

The experienced midfielder was named on the released list but the club’s retained list statement caveated that they will maintain contact throughout the transfer window.

Forshaw was signed as a short-term replacement for Lewis Baker in January but impressed Valerien Ismael with his conduct on and off the pitch.

Despite being out of contract, he was selected ahead of John Buckley and Joe Rankin-Costello in the final matchday squads of the season.

READ MORE: Steve Waggott: Shock exit, retirement plans and Blackburn Rovers power struggle

Forshaw has loved life at Ewood Park having pushed for a move closer to home when leaving Plymouth Argyle.

“I have loved it from the minute I came in, I have enjoyed being around a brilliant group,” he told RoversTV.

“The staff are very nice people and it has felt like home very quickly. It’s been a great experience.

“I spoke to Danny Batth before I came in, I know him well. I knew it was a solid, honest group and that’s true. I’d like to think I’m of the same ilk.

“It’s one of the best groups I’ve been involved in. It’s a real strength, how hard-working they are. It’s a closely-knit team and that showed on the pitch at the end.

“I realise what it takes to be successful, I know my role. I feel like I have plenty to give still.”

Forshaw has no intentions to hang up his boots and is eyeing a few more years on the pitch. His injury-hit spell at Leeds United is firmly in the rear-view mirror.

Amongst the highlights for the midfielder were Rovers’ late rally for the play-offs and his solitary goal against his former club, Argyle. He’s enjoyed a positive working relationship with Ismael and predicts positive things in the future for Rovers.

“I feel good, I’ve been available all my time here. I had some injuries at Leeds a few years ago but I’m over that. I enjoy training every day,” he said.

“The highlight for me has to be my goal against Plymouth, it was a nice moment after so long. My kids chose to come to the game rather than going to training themselves.

“Our upturn in form over the last five weeks too. We knuckled down and took on what the manager and Deano (Whitehead) have asked us to do. That showed and there was real togetherness in the group.

“It was a joy to come into work. It’s been a rollercoaster with the results but it’s like that for a lot of clubs every year.

“I’ve enjoyed the new gaffer, he’s a level-headed coach and I like him as a person. His message is coming across, playing aggressive and it’s coming to fruition.”

At 33, Forshaw is now in the twilight of his career and quickly assumed a leadership role in the squad. Whilst a career in coaching is not imminent, he feels that it’s a player’s duty to try and nurture the next generation as they come through.

“I back myself to push the group and be a positive influence around the training ground with the younger players and when I get the chance to play,” he continued.

“I am played to have played my part as much as possible. When you get older, sometimes you have to take that role on. I noticed it when I was younger.

“There is a responsibility to give little bits to other players. Speaking to the likes of maybe Kristi (Montgomery) in training or nurturing other young players.

“I enjoy it, I felt like a leader in the group. That’s the responsibility as you get on.”