Eustace outlines transfer aim as Rovers look to bolster squad

John Eustace reckons “four or five” new additions this summer will make Rovers a “real competitive team” in the Championship.

Eustace guided the club to safety last term thanks to memorable victories on the road against Leeds and Leicester.

The head coach is keen to kick on next season and admits they need more “firepower” in the final third to help turn some of their draws into wins.

Sam Szmodics carried most of the burden for goals over the past 12 months, winning the Championship Golden Boot. The Irish international became the club’s first player to find the net 30 times in a single season since Alan Shearer.

Szmodics has unsurprisingly been linked with a Premier League move, but Eustace is keen to keep the current squad together.

Speaking at the Rovers Trust’s annual general meeting, he explained: “When I came in, there was a lot of good play but we had a lot of draws.

“I think if we had got that bit of quality in the final third, we could have turned some of those into victories and easily had six or seven more points to get to the 60-point mark.

“For me, we need a couple of leaders to come in and help the young group. We need some more firepower up top and to keep all the players we have in the building.

“All the players are under contract and they will grow. The experience last season was unbelievable for them, not being in a relegation fight before, so they will only get stronger and better from that.

“If we can add four of five players to the group, we will be a real competitive team in the Championship.”

New head of football operations Rudy Gestede was also quizzed about the club’s transfer strategy and whether they will be focusing on the UK market or casting their net further afield.

Gestede refused to rule anything out as they look to bring “value” to the team.

He added: “We don’t close any market, we try to find the best player for the club – the ones who will suit our ideas and what the manager needs for him to perform.

“We are open to every market – UK, Europe – as long as it is bringing some kind of value to the team.”

The 35-year-old was a popular figure at Ewood Park during his playing career, scoring 35 times in 72 appearances and forming a lethal partnership with Jordan Rhodes before heading to Aston Villa in the summer of 2015.

Gestede is now excited about what the future holds in his new role and hopes he can help the club make progress towards its goals.

“I am pleased to be back at the club. It is an amazing opportunity and I have always had an attachment to Blackburn Rovers,” he continued.

“I am excited to take on this challenge and look forward to starting alongside the manager to make sure we are successful.”