Blackburn had a difficult 2025/26 season, with Michael O’Neill doing an excellent job of keeping the team in the Championship.

It was hoped that the Northern Ireland manager would agree to stay, but after talks, he decided to commit to the national team, leaving Rovers looking for a new head.

Tony Mowbray’s return to Ewood Park has been agreed upon, and now the focus is on assembling a squad capable of competing in what is shaping up to be a very difficult Championship, with Blackburn beginning at Wolves on August 14.

Todd Cantwell is pleased as the Blackburn-Burnley derby returns.

One fascinating feature of the next season is the quantity of rivalry games in the EFL, with only three derby games scheduled: West Ham vs Millwall, Wolves vs West Brom, and Cardiff vs Swansea.

Blackburn are also involved, as fierce rivals Burnley were relegated from the Premier League last season, much to the pleasure of the Rovers fan base.

While the match has not had many pleasant memories for Blackburn in recent years, the intensity of the rivalry ensures that it is always the first game that fans wait for when the fixtures are revealed, with many seeing it as one of the most intense derbies in the country.

Furthermore, Blackburn has a rivalry with Preston, and they have bragging rights over their Lancashire rivals after winning both games against North End previous season.

So, the two derby games will add spice to the season for all three clubs, and when asked for his thoughts on the fixtures, Todd Cantwell told Blackburn’s club media that they are exactly what the players want.

“You only need to look at last season. I believe it was Preston away, the support we received, and, of course, the outcome, which meant a lot to the fans.

“This is the moment when you can connect. You can put out the same effort as they would if they were able to wear the garment. I believe derbies bring out the best in players, and they should.

“To have more than we did last season can only be a positive because there are more games to be excited about.”

Blackburn must be prepared for the challenging Championship season.

It’s natural for Blackburn fans to anticipate the games against Preston and Burnley, since they will be memorable moments both at home and away.

These aren’t your typical games, but Mowbray and the players won’t be looking too far ahead, as they’ll be focused on preparing for the trip to Molineux on the opening day.

When those games do come along, they will have an advantage, and if Blackburn can produce results, it will be a fantastic day for the fans.

So, Cantwell’s words are correct in that they carry more weight, and Burnley’s relegation makes the season a little more intriguing for Blackburn, since those games will be heated.

Burnley will play Preston at Deepdale on September 5, followed by a match against Blackburn on November 21.

That is a long way off, since Mowbray’s immediate objective is to enhance the team, and he will only focus on one game at a time.