While a poor run in February and March may have put paid to any hopes of an unlikely play-off push, Blackburn Rovers' first campaign back in the Championship following a season in League One can ultimately be considered a successful, and indeed promising one.

The highest finishers of the three promoted clubs, Rovers never really looked like slipping back into the third tier, and a promising end to the season has many both in and out of the club believing that a genuine push for the top six should be a minimum aim for Tony Mowbray's side next season.

For that to happen however, it seems essential that Rovers have a productive summer transfer window.

In defender Darragh Lenihan; defensive midfielder Lewis Travis and attacking midfielders Bradley Dack and Joe Rothwell, Rovers have the spine of a bright young side capable of challenging for a return to the Premier League, but they will need support from elsewhere if that is to happen.

With the exception of Lenihan, Rovers defence - both centrally and out wide - has been far from convincing on numerous occasions this season.

Up front meanwhile, 33-year-old Player of the Year Danny Graham cannot continue to provide the goals and hold up play forever, as much as those around Ewood Park would surely want him to.

With just one goal to his name in 28 appearances, last year's big money signing Ben Brereton has yet to demonstrate that he will be ready to step in for Graham.

Rovers therefore have a big summer ahead if they are to build a squad capable of both competing for the Premier League, and convincing the likes of Dack and Lenihan that this is a club that can give them the chance to compete in the top tier, with both having recently been linked to the Premier League with clubs elsewhere.

That however, appears as though it will be easier said than done, if Mowbray's recent comments are anything to go by.

Speaking to the club's official website, Mowbray confirmed that Rovers are working on a number of signings, but admitted: “We’re talking to some clubs at the moment, but it’s really difficult because they all seem to think they’ve got Lionel Messi on their books."

With Mowbray also reiterating the importance of getting value for money out of signings, you wonder whether those writing the cheques at the club are treading more cautiously this time around, with the high profile investment in Brereton yet to pay off.

That is something that could be a concern for supporters of the club.

Rovers did not make their first signing of last season until the first day of July during the last summer.

With deadline day being brought forward for loans as well as permanent moves, Rovers can ill afford to take their time when it comes to making signings, given the amount of work they will have to do.

Mowbray's comments here however, feel almost as if he is trying to stop fans from setting their expectations too high.

That however will not stop a growing sense of concern if Rovers are unable to make early moves in the transfer window, and with names already being linked with the club those expectations may already be starting to grow regardless.

It is no secret that this a big transfer window for Rovers to get right if they are to have any hope of returning to the division they famously conquered less than 25 year ago.

This however, does not suggest that things are set to happen quickly, and with fans and players alike hoping to see a season of promise built upon, that is something Rovers may need to rectify if those dreams of a top flight return are to be realised.