Blackburn Rovers confirm big off-field news | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed some big off-field news, with the club finally replacing Steve Waggott...

Blackburn Rovers are a club who have spent 13 of the last 14 seasons in the Championship, having played one campaign in League One in 2017/18. They are a club needing direction and purpose.

They have come close to a play-off berth without ever making it in during that time, having finished between seventh and ninth on five occasions. However, this season was about survival for Michael O'Neill after taking over from Valerien Ismael.

For a side that famously won the Premier League title in 1994/95 under Kenny Dalglish, it highlights Blackburn’s decline over the last two decades. It has been difficult to ignore as something of a sleeping giant.

Instead, years of poor ownership decisions and questionable recruitment have left Rovers floating around the second tier. There have been moments where Blackburn have threatened to build momentum, but those periods have rarely been sustained.

Too often, key players have been sold without adequate replacements arriving, leaving supporters frustrated by the club’s inability to properly push forward. Without clearer leadership and ambition, they risk remaining stuck in the same cycle that has defined much of the post-Premier League era.

Steve Curwood announced as Blackburn Rovers CEO

Away from the pitch is perhaps where the club's more terminal issues lie. For some time now, Blackburn have not had a CEO in place at Ewood Park and the off-field structure was in need of clarity.

In fact, Blackburn have not replaced Steve Waggott as CEO, as they close in on a year after he left. Former Bristol City figure Phil Alexander was one potential option for Blackburn at one stage. However, that never materialised.

Almost exactly a year on from Waggott's departure after seven years of service, they have their man in place to replace him. Steve Curwood is set to take over from July 1st, as confirmed by the club.

Curwood spent the majority of his recent career with Fleetwood Town and Blackburn state he "is widely regarded as a trusted and knowledgeable operator."

He will have a serious job on his hands, as Waggott was recognised for overseeing financial operations, club governance, commercial strategy, and day-to-day executive management.

Those connected with Rovers will be relieved to finally have someone in post this summer, having required someone at this level at the club for some time now.

The job of Steve Curwood with Fleetwood Town

Curwood had an exemplary 18 years with Fleetwood. He played a hugely important role behind the scenes during one of the most successful periods in Fleetwood's history.

Working as CEO, Curwood earned widespread praise for his recruitment work and ability to identify undervalued talent capable of developing into high-level EFL players. Up until recently, Fleetwood had consistently punched above their weight under his guidance, operating with one of the smaller budgets in League One while still remaining competitive for several seasons.

The club regularly unearthed players from lower leagues or overlooked markets before improving them and generating significant resale value. That is the kind of work required with Blackburn, albeit it with a larger budget and at a higher level now.

It's no great surprise that he has ended up in the second tier, with Curwood having developed a reputation as one of the sharper operators outside the Championship. Fleetwood eventually fell into League Two but, on paper, this looks like a sensible appointment from Blackburn.