Blackburn Rovers & Rudy Gestede: A lesson in why you shouldn’t take LinkedIn seriously

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Football Today

·22 October 2025

Blackburn Rovers & Rudy Gestede: A lesson in why you shouldn’t take LinkedIn seriously

“With 15 years of professional football experience, I have displayed dedication, discipline and teamwork on the field, contributing to numerous achievements.

“In parallel, my entrepreneurial spirit shines through as I have successfully established and managed businesses, showcasing a multifaceted approach to career development.

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“My journey reflects a unique blend of sportsmanship and entrepreneurial acumen, making a well-rounded professional.”

LinkedIn. The social networking site where you can write whatever nonsense you like to make yourself look employable.

That brief introduction paints a picture of an individual ideally suited to working as the head of football operations at a professional club.

Unfortunately for Blackburn Rovers, those words were typed by Rudy Gestede. Before we get stuck in, let’s address ‘dedication, discipline and teamwork’.

Rovers and Middlesbrough fans will be surprised to see Gestede describe himself in that manner, given the shameful way he tried to force moves away from their clubs.

Neil Warnock refused to tolerate his lack of commitment at Middlesbrough, which speaks volumes about the type of character he is.

Fast forward to today, and Gestede is overseeing football operations at Rovers. It would be an understatement to say things are not going well.

A 3-1 home defeat against Sheffield United on Tuesday left Rovers 23rd in the Championship, one point above Sheffield Wednesday.

When you consider that Wednesday are an utter shambles under owner Dejphon Chansiri, the current state-of-play is a damning indictment of Gestede’s work at Ewood Park.

Gestede says he has ‘successfully established and managed businesses’. Rovers clearly don’t fit that description.

His decision to appoint Valerian Ismael as manager has been a disaster. Ismael was described by Gestede as an ‘outstanding head coach’, despite his CV telling a different story.

He has registered just six victories in 23 matches – a truly dismal record. However, in fairness to Ismael, there are some mitigating factors.

Gestede oversaw a dreadful summer transfer window. He sanctioned the sales of several proven Championship performers and replaced them with dross.

He had the temerity to tell fans that the data-driven approach would pay dividends. As your grandma may once have said, don’t let data blind you from what your eyes can see.

The squad isn’t good enough. Neither is Ismael. Neither are owners Venky’s. They make Chansiri look competent. As for Gestede, he really should consider editing his LinkedIn introduction.

“During my 15 years in professional football, I have displayed questionable behaviour as a player and in subsequent off-field roles.

“In parallel, my entrepreneurial spirit is non-existent. I have ripped the heart out of one of the English Football League’s founder members, while showcasing my disdain for their supporters.

“My journey reflects a unique level of cluelessness, which makes me the ideal fit for any organisation with equally clueless owners.”