Rovers are back at the first time of asking, spending just one season in League One and pushing Wigan all the way in the title race.

Tony Mowbray is back to, regenerating a managerial career that took a hit whilst at Coventry, but once again at a level he knows well.

The trick now is to take his fledgling side and turn them into Championship promotion contenders. It won't be easy with the big-hitters they've likely to come up against, but it is a task they'll approach with gusto.

The star man at Ewood Park is undoubtedly Bradley Dack. The former Gillingham man is a real force in their midfield, looking to break into the box or create changes for the strikers. He signed a new deal a couple of days ago and that alone will be like a new signing, knowing their talisman will be there for another season. They're not a one-man team, but Dack is a player you can build a team around.

Former Manchester City player Jacob Davenport is a player scouts will have their eye on this season. He's had the right upbringing, coming through the academy at the Etihad, but he failed to make the grade there. he spent 17 games on loan in the Championship last season, appearing for Burton Albion, but he's committed his future to Tony Mowbray and could be an emerging talent.

Mowbray is reticent to pass judgement on the transfer window at present, he's said they're trying hard to bring in new faces, but only at the end of the window can he be judged. It isn't easy for the former Celtic boss, his side are not the big fish they once were and he has to be astute and reactive in assembling a squad capable of challenging the top six.

SkyBet don't rate their chances, they're priced at 12/1 for promotion, with only seven teams having wider odds. That suggests a lower mid table finish, but with Dack, Danny Graham and  any new faces, that might be a conservative price.

They don't face any of the big guns early on, no side relegated from the top flight, nor finishing in the top six last season. Ipswich, Millwall, Reading and Hull City will all offer a gentle test in the first four games, before last season's play off hopefuls arrive back to back, Brentford at Ewood Park and Bristol City at Ashton Gate. If they've got nine points on the board after those first four game, it might point to a surprise season for Rovers.