Sky Bet Championship club Blackburn Rovers have had a torrid few years in the second tier, with promotion back to the Premier League never looking likely since their relegation in 2012.
Paul Lambert looked like a shrewd appointment when he replaced Gary Bowyer in November last year, although a disagreement with the club hierarchy saw him depart at the end of the season with the Scot choosing not to extend his contract.
Former Burnley and Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle is the man tasked with reviving the fortunes of the club which won the Premier League title back in 1995, with the likeable Scottish manager arriving after a spell in the MLS with Houston Dynamo.
Despite some desperate times on the pitch, there is enough in the current Rovers squad to suggest that they can be competitive in the Sky Bet Championship and Football League World Writer Lee Clarke took a look at four players who will be vital for the club next season.
Anthony Stokes
Boss Owen Coyle showed his hand early into the transfer window by pulling off the signing of Dublin-born Anthony Stokes, who arrives at Ewood Park on a free transfer.
The talisman spent the second half of last season on loan with Hibernian and helped them to a first Scottish Cup title in 114 years, before returning to Celtic where he was subsequently released.
The Arsenal trainee’s previous spells in England weren’t majorly successful and after failed spells at Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, he moved north of the border where he began to re-establish himself.
If Owen Coyle can get Stoke firing then they could have a really gifted player on their hands and at 27-years-old, time is still firmly on his side.
Jason Steele
The former Middlesbrough goalkeeper was one of Blackburn’s better players last season and from his 41 appearances he kept a pretty decent 13 clean sheets.
Steele isn’t blessed with a great deal of height but he makes up for that in sheer agility and shot stopping ability.
Coyle is unlikely to sign a new goalkeeper and will probably place his trust in the 25-year-old for next season, which looks a positive move from the new boss.
Steele took some time to establish himself as the first choice keeper at the club, following his arrival in 2014, although he is now relishing his chance in the side.
Corry Evans
The versatile midfielder looks set to be a big player for Blackburn Rovers once again next season after a solid campaign last time around.
The Northern Ireland international is currently at Euro 2016 with his nation which offers a clear indication as to how well he performed last season.
Evans possesses Championship experience in abundance due to his time with Hull City before he moved to Rovers and boss Owen Coyle will look to call upon his divisional expertise during the 2016/17 campaign.
Shane Duffy
It is somewhat surprising that Premier League club Everton didn’t get more out of academy prospect Shane Duffy before letting him flee the nest, so to speak.
Duffy was rated highly by the youth team coaching staff at the Toffees but was surprisingly sold to Blackburn Rovers in 2014, much to the surprise of several of the Everton faithful.
Everton’s loss is Rovers’ gain however and Duffy was a solid figure in the club’s defence last season, playing 41 times and netting four goals.
The 24-year-old has the potential to go all the way to the Premier League and his form next season is likely to dictate how successful Rovers are in 2016/17.
Blackburn Rovers fans, are you in agreement that these four will be important players next season? Who else do you think is vital to your fortunes?