This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Jon Dahl Tomasson as the club’s new manager.

The Dane has replaced Tony Mowbray on a three-year deal, who led the club to an 8th place finish in the Championship last season.

The 45-year old has previously played for AC Milan and Newcastle United and has left Swedish side Malmo to confirm the announcement.

Here we ask our FLW writers if Tomasson will become a success during his time at Ewood Park… 

Toby Wilding

You do get the feeling that this could prove to be a rather useful appointment for Blackburn.

Tomasson's reputation for developing young players is something that does fit in with the ambitions of the Ewood Park club, meaning he should fit in well, especially when linking up with another new recruit with Scandinavian connections in the club's new Sporting Director - Gregg Broughton, following his spell at Bodo/Glimt.

 

 

The fact that Tomasson seemingly exceeded expectations with two titles in two seasons, and a run to the group stages of the Champions League at Malmo in Sweden, also bodes well for Blackburn's own hopes of a push for promotion.

A three-year deal could therefore be seen as something of a statement of intent from Blackburn, while also highlighting the long term prospects it brings to the club, meaning this feels like an exciting time for those of a Rovers persuasion.

Ned Holmes

There's definitely an element of risk involved but it's a bold appointment and one that could pay dividends.  He's had success at Malmo and should look to bring a front-foot style of football to Ewood Park, with his teams in the past looking to win back possession quickly once they lose it.  Time will tell whether it's the right call but it shows ambition and is a positive step away from appointing an experienced EFL boss. That clearly comes with its risks but Rovers supporters should focus on the positives. There's a fair bit of uncertainty surrounding a number of key players so he may have a bit of a rebuilding project on his hands. One thing is for sure, he will need time to bed in his ideas. Patience is needed but this appointment could pay dividends.

Billy Mulley

On paper it looks like a good appointment, with Jon Dahl Tomasson enjoying success at Malmo, whilst picking up invaluable experience as an assistant coach in Holland and with the Danish national team.

Likely to need some time to adapt to English football and bed his ideas in a Rovers squad that is likely to experience change before the start of the campaign, Rovers fans may need to be patient. 

Seeing success at Malmo, all whilst playing an exciting brand of quick and precise football, his teams tend to operate in a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1 formation, so it will be interesting to see if he brings this into the Championship, or if he believes he can tackle the second-tier another way. 

This certainly represents a gamble, but it is an exciting gamble which could end up massively rewarding the Lancashire outfit.