Back on a cold February afternoon, news emerged of a managerial change at Blackburn Rovers.

Owen Coyle was sacked on February 21, 2017, with his side second bottom in the Championship after 31 matches played - and two points from safety after yet another defeat.

Rovers had lost almost half their matches, and with the final 15 games of the season on the horizon, a change was needed.

Twenty-four hours later, Tony Mowbray was appointed to a mixed response from the Ewood Park faithful.

The club had been on the decline after three years in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League.

Owners Venky’s were taking the brunt of the criticism for the club’s failures on the pitch.

And the appointment of Mowbray did little to curb their feelings of resentment to the hierarchy. 

The initial reaction to his appointment was underwhelming, but performances improved.

Despite it being too little too late, Blackburn were relegated, having lost just three of their final 15 matches with Mowbray in charge.

Rovers went down by virtue of one goal, with Nottingham Forest surviving by the narrowest of margins.

Having been relegated, Blackburn enjoyed one season in League One, finishing second to bounce back to the Championship at the first attempt.

Mowbray has overseen a solid start the new campaign, comfortably mid-table with two wins and three draws from their opening six fixtures.

All the sceptics back then will be thankful they have an astute manager like they have in charge with the club on the rise once more after a successful season last year.