Reaction given as Valerien Ismael makes 'shock' Blackburn Rovers decision involving Todd Cantwell | OneFootball

FLW's Blackburn Rovers fan pundit has given his verdict on whether Todd Cantwell was the right choice to be the club's new captain.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

After a summer of high-profile departures, it has been a mixed start to the new Championship season for Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn only narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season, but it has been an inconsistent start to the new campaign for Valerien Ismael's men, and they currently sit 16th in the table after winning two and losing three of their opening five league games, while they were also knocked out of the EFL Cup by League One side Bradford City.

However, it is little surprise it has taken time for new-look Rovers to gel after a summer transfer window that saw the arrival of 10 new signings, as well as some big name exits, including the likes of Callum Brittain, Danny Batth, Dominic Hyam, Lewis Travis, John Buckley, Joe Rankin-Costello, Tyrhys Dolan, Andreas Weimann and Harry Leonard.

Blackburn supporters were disappointed to see many of those depart, but few exits caused as much controversy as that of Travis, who eventually joined Derby County for a fee of £3 million late in the window after a lengthy transfer saga, during which he refused to play for the club in an attempt to force a move to Pride Park.

Travis' departure meant that Ismael had to appoint a new captain, and his decision to hand midfielder Todd Cantwell the armband certainly raised a few eyebrows, but the Frenchman insisted he was the right choice and praised him for his communication with staff and his team-mates.

Cantwell struggled to produce his best form during his first season at Ewood Park following his move from Rangers last summer, but since taking over from Travis as captain, the 27-year-old has scored two goals in four appearances.

Todd Cantwell backed to deliver for Blackburn Rovers after big Valerien Ismael decision

When asked for his thoughts on Cantwell being given the captaincy, FLW's Blackburn Rovers fan pundit Simon Middlehurst admitted that he initially felt Sondre Tronstad would have been a better choice, but he revealed that he has been impressed with the former Rangers man so far this season, and he backed him to be a big player for the club in the year ahead.

"I think at first it was a bit of a shock, especially when we had Dom Hyam," Simon told FLW.

"However, when Todd Cantwell was handed the armband, it was pretty obvious that Dom Hyam was on his way out.

"Sondre Tronstad is another who has been captain a few times when some players hadn't been available, so personally I think he would have been the next viable option.

"However, he's gone with Todd Cantwell, and to be fair to him, his performances have improved since Valerien Ismael has come in, he's really stepped up.

"I really think this is going to be the making of him.

"Already this season he's shown he can step up to the challenge, and he's had a couple of really big performances as well.

"He isn't the most vocal of people, but he's already shown what he can do on the pitch and lead by example that way, so I really think this could be a big season for him."

Bold Todd Cantwell, Blackburn Rovers call could be a Valerien Ismael masterstroke

It is fair to say that Cantwell has struggled to build on the potential he showed in the early stages of his career after breaking through at Norwich City, but as Simon said, he has found a new lease of life since Ismael's arrival at Blackburn back in February.

There were perhaps more obvious candidates for Ismael to choose to replace Travis as captain, and it is relatively unusual to give an attacking midfielder the armband, but Cantwell seems to be thriving under the increased responsibility.

As he is now 27 years of age, it is unlikely Cantwell will hit the heights that were initially expected of him, but he certainly looks to have found a home at Ewood Park, and should he continue to perform at his current level, Ismael will deserve plenty of credit for making such a bold call.