Blackburn Rovers are still mired in doubt as they fight to keep their Championship status.

The Lancashire club appeared to have distanced itself from the relegation zone following an immediate response to Michael O’Neill taking over from Valerien Ismael, when Rovers won back-to-back games over Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End.

But since then, Blackburn has won only one of its last six league games, while resurgences from Oxford United and West Brom have seen them tumble back into League One with seven games remaining in the season.

Blackburn is presently 19th in the Championship rankings, with 43 points from 39 games, and will travel to Birmingham City on Good Friday before hosting West Brom on Easter Monday.

Their latest opponents, Blues, appeared to be resigned to an uninspired conclusion to this season’s Championship campaign, with a 1-0 setback away to Derby County before the international break putting a big damage in their play-off chances.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman, a midfielder on loan from Birmingham, has played for Blackburn this season and will be hoping to help Rovers retain their second-tier position next season.

The midfielder has appeared 26 times in all competitions this season at Ewood Park, and after sliding out of the team in the early stages of the season, he has managed to reclaim his spot, starting his last four consecutive league games in the middle of midfield.

Meanwhile, many Blackburn and Birmingham supporters will be eager to learn if Gardner-Hickman will stay in Lancashire or return to the West Midlands at the start of next season.

Elliott Jackson, a Blackburn journalist for the Lancashire Telegraph, has disclosed Rovers’ negotiating position, according to Birmingham Live.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman expects to return to Birmingham City next season.

According to Birmingham Live, Blackburn Rovers writer Elliott Jackson, who works for the Lancashire Telegraph, has revealed details about Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s future beyond this season.

He also indicated that Blackburn are unlikely to pursue a permanent contract, which means the midfielder will return to St Andrew’s at the start of the 2026-27 season.

When asked if Blackburn would consider a permanent move for Gardner-Hickman, Jackson responded, “My gut feeling is probably not.”

“They don’t know who will be the head coach, but the smart money is on O’Neill to keep them up.

“While I believe he is a good egg and a valuable squad player, I’m not sure he shifts the needle enough for a club that has to substantially strengthen their team.

“You could make an argument to keep him, dependent on the finances, but it’s not one I’d break my neck to do.”

Taylor Gardner-Hickman might be on the move again this summer following Blackburn Rovers’ update.

If Blackburn Rovers decide not to sign Taylor Gardner-Hickman again this summer, you have to believe the midfielder will be willing to leave Birmingham City after being declared surplus to needs by Chris Davies.

Despite spending the most of Blues’ title-winning season in League One, the 24-year-old was not deemed competent enough to represent the promotion-chasing team in the second division, so he moved to a struggling side near the bottom of the table.

And with the Blues looking to improve on a dismal season, it’s tough to see the midfielder returning to Davies’ plans anytime soon.

With no future at the club, it may be worthwhile for Birmingham to part ways with the midfielder permanently and get a fee that can be used to fund their summer expenditure, with every cent crucial to developing a squad capable of advancing to the Premier League as soon as possible.

Although things can change rapidly in sport, Gardner-Hickman’s uncertainty at Blackburn and Birmingham’s lack of interest mean he might be on the move again this summer, looking for his fourth club in two years after leaving childhood side West Brom.