Blackburn Rovers have spent 13 of the previous 14 seasons in the Championship, with one season in League One in 2017/18. They are a club that need direction and purpose.

They’ve come close to a play-off spot five times but never made it, finishing eighth or ninth each time. However, after taking over for Valerien Ismael, Michael O’Neill’s focus this season was on survival.

For a club that memorably won the Premier League title in 1994/95 under Kenny Dalglish, this reflects Blackburn’s downfall over the following two decades. It has been tough to ignore as a sleeping behemoth.

Instead, years of poor ownership decisions and questionable recruitment have kept Rovers in the second division. There have been moments when Blackburn has threatened to get traction, but these have rarely been sustained.

Too often, significant players have been moved without appropriate successors arriving, leaving fans disappointed with the club’s failure to go forward. Without stronger leadership and vision, they risk repeating the cycle that has defined most of the post-Premier League era.

Steve Curwood has been announced as Blackburn Rovers’ CEO.

The club’s most serious concerns may be found away from the pitch. For some time, Blackburn has been without a CEO at Ewood Park, and the off-field structure needed to be clarified.

In fact, nearly a year after Steve Waggott’s departure, Blackburn has yet to replace him as CEO. Phil Alexander, a former Bristol City player, was once considered a prospective Blackburn signing. However, that never happened.

Almost exactly a year after Waggott left after seven years of service, they had a replacement in place. Steve Curwood will take over on July 1st, as confirmed by the club.

Curwood has spent the majority of his recent career with Fleetwood Town, and Blackburn says he “is widely regarded as a trusted and knowledgeable operator.”

He will have a serious job on his hands, as Waggott was recognised for overseeing financial operations, club governance, commercial strategy, and day-to-day executive management.

Those linked with Rovers will be relieved to finally have someone in place this summer, as the club has been looking for someone at this level for some time.

Steve Curwood’s job with Fleetwood Town

Curwood had an impressive 18 years with Fleetwood. He was a key figure behind the scenes during one of Fleetwood Mac’s most successful times.

As CEO, Curwood received significant recognition for his recruitment efforts and ability to find undervalued potential capable of maturing into high-level EFL players. Until recently, Fleetwood have routinely punched above their weight under his leadership, operating on one of the lowest budgets in League One despite remaining competitive across numerous seasons.

The club frequently scouted players in weaker leagues in underserved markets before improving them and generating huge resale value. That is the type of work required with Blackburn, but on a larger budget and at a higher level currently.

Curwood’s ascension to the second tier is unsurprising given his reputation as one of the sharper operators outside of the Championship. Fleetwood subsequently dropped to League Two, but on paper, this appears to be a reasonable appointment from Blackburn.