Captain Travis ‘very close’ to ex-manager Eustace
Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis has said he was “very close” to John Eustace before his ex-boss left for Derby County last week.
The 27-year-old would not be pushed to answer whether he was surprised Eustace left fifth-placed Rovers for fourth-bottom Derby, but did state he had a very healthy relationship with him during their year together at Ewood Park.
“I was very close to him, so it is hard to see a gaffer you’re so close to leave,” Travis told BBC Radio Lancashire.
“The gaffer didn’t leave us in a bad position. Obviously, when he arrived we were down near the bottom and now we’re in the top five”.
Since Eustace left for Pride Park, Rovers have won both their matches under interim boss David Lowe, and Travis was quick to praise the club’s new-look managerial set-up.
“He’s [Lowe’s] been driving things, he’s been really good, and even [first-team technical coach and head of player development] Damien Johnson alongside him is tactically a really good football coach,” Travis added.
Blackburn pair Travis and Pickering injured
Lewis Travis has made 20 Championship appearances for Blackburn Rovers this season
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Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis and defender Harry Pickering both face an extended period out due to injury.
Travis, 27, could be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, according to head coach John Eustace.
Pickering, 25, will be absent for eight to 12 weeks having had a scan on his knee.
“Trav’s going to be missing for six weeks and it could have been a lot worse,” Eustace told the club’s website, external.
“Harry’s going to be a little bit longer because he’s got a knee problem and is going to be between eight to 12 weeks. That’s a big blow to us because his performances this season have been very, very good.”
Travis has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Rovers this season and played the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat by Millwall on Saturday.
However, Pickering, who has turned out 16 times this campaign, was withdrawn in the 76th minute.
That loss ended Blackburn’s six-game winning streak, however, they remain fifth in the Championship table with a two-point cushion on seventh-placed West Bromwich Albion.
Blackburn Rovers man poised for scan after Sheffield United injury
Blackburn Rovers boss Valerien Ismael has said Ryan Hedges will have a ‘scan’ following his injury over the weekend.
Blackburn Rovers substituted the winger during their final day clash against Sheffield United. He went off with 20 minutes remaining for Rovers with an ankle issue as they drew 1-1 against the Blades at Bramall Lane.
Hedges, 29, has made 44 appearances in all competitions for the Lancashire outfit this season, 42 of which have come in the Championship, and he has chipped in with one goal and two assists. His contract expires in late June and he is due to become available as a free agent as things stand.
In this latest update regarding his condition, Ismael has said, as per the official club website: “Ryan has injured his ankle. I hope it’s not too bad, but we will have a scan to assess the situation. I don’t think it will be a massive problem.”
Blackburn Rovers missed out on the play-offs following their draw against Sheffield United. Coventry City and Bristol City managed to get into the top six ahead of them.
Ismael has the chance to bring in some new faces when the window opens. He also has the opportunity to let some players leave.
Blackburn Rovers injury latest regarding Ryan Hedges
Blackburn Rovers will be hoping that Hedges’ injury isn’t too serious. As Rovers’ head coach Ismael alluded to, he doesn’t think it is ‘too bad’ which is positive news.
It remains to be seen at this stage whether the player will stay put for the next campaign. He is yet to put pen-to-paper on an extension.
Hedges has been with his current club since joining them back in January 2022. He has since been a regular and has played over 100 games.
The Wales international, who has made three caps in the past, has played for Swansea City and Barnsley in the past. He then had a spell up in Scotland with Aberdeen before moving to Ewood Park.
