Valérien Ismaël knows exactly what to expect from the Championship as he aims to hit the ground running at Rovers.

Three of the Frenchman’s last four jobs have been in the second tier of English football, including an impressive spell at Barnsley to take the Yorkshire club into the play-off places.

Ismaël has been out of work since leaving Watford almost a year ago. He also had a stint in the dugout at West Brom.

When asked what he has learnt about the Championship, the new head coach replied: "I think it is to be focused on each game, one by one, and make sure you are not thinking too far ahead.

“Just be focused on the next game and make sure you have the right attitude. We need to have the ‘no regrets’ attitude that we did everything.

“There are no guarantees in football but at the end of the season, it is important we have the feeling that we gave everything to take the opportunity in front of us.”

Ismaël worked with Callum Brittain and Cauley Woodrow at Barnsley, while Emmanuel Dennis was part of his Watford squad more recently.

“They know me well and I know them well,” he added. “We need to adapt and adjust. The way to play, the vision we have, the intensity we need is something more for the long term.

“The focus now is to speak with them, get the feedback because they know me and the way I work. What is possible to implement now and what we need to focus more for the summer.”

The 49-year-old has come up against Rovers on several occasions in recent years but will experience Ewood Park as the home boss for the first time this weekend when Norwich head up North.

Ismaël insists the supporters will be “massive” for the rest of the campaign and wants to establish an immediate “connection”.

“They have big hope, big dreams and we need all the support,” he said. “The players deserve it so far, they have put themselves in the right position which has allowed everyone to think about the position and the play-offs.

“It is important that we get that connection. The results always dictate the emotional state of mind, but we just need to make sure we are doing the right things on the pitch.

“When the fans see someone or the team trying to do the right thing with the right attitude, we will get the support.”