Valerien Ismael makes surprise Blackburn Rovers transfer claim amid Ewood Park abandoment issues | OneFootball

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael is willing to work with a reduced transfer budget if it means the money is put towards improving the Ewood Park pitch.

Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael insists he is willing to work with a reduced transfer budget if it means the club can afford to improve the pitch at Ewood Park.

Rovers saw their game against Sheffield Wednesday abandoned on Saturday after the pitch was deemed unplayable in the second half following plenty of rainfall in Lancashire.

That was the second time that had happened to Blackburn this season, as their home game at Ipswich was also abandoned, and, on both occasions, Ismael’s men had been winning.

Valerien Ismael is willing to sacrifice transfer budget to improve Ewood Park pitch

So, it’s a hugely embarrassing and concerning situation for Blackburn to find themselves in, particularly as other clubs in the region have managed to play games, even those in the lower leagues.

Naturally, Ismael, the players and supporters are all frustrated by the state of the pitch, and it’s clear that further investment is required to ensure it doesn’t happen again moving forward.

Given Blackburn’s financial situation, with the owners reluctant to put money into the club, it has been overlooked, but Ismael told the BBC that sorting out the pitch must be a priority - even ahead of signing new players in January when the window opens.

“I think everyone has got the right to get some clarity, to get some guarantees why it's happened again and what will be the plan. Especially, in the near future, [we need] to make sure that money has to be invested to renew the pitch.

“If I can influence something, if we need to save money in the transfer market to add money to get a new pitch, I will be the first person to [do] it because I want to see fans coming into the stadium to make sure they can see the game. If I have to make that sacrifice for the better of the club, I will do it.”

Blackburn must sort Ewood Park issues as soon as possible

As Ismael has pointed out, this is an embarrassing situation for Blackburn to find themselves in, but, more importantly, it is costing them on the pitch.

They were 1-0 up against ten-man Ipswich when the first game was abandoned, and they went on to draw when the fixture was rearranged, so that will feel like two points lost.

Whilst there was longer to go against the Owls, Rovers were in the lead, and they looked good for the win, so that could cost them again.

We know that sometimes the weather causes havoc, but it’s simply unacceptable that a Championship ground failed to cope with the rainfall on those occasions - and no other fixture at this level has been abandoned.

For Ismael to say something like this shows how serious the matter is, and whether it does come out of his budget or not, it’s an issue that Blackburn must rectify as soon as possible, because it’s not going to go away when you consider the weather the country will have in the next month or so.