Could the lack of a right winger prove Blackburn’s undoing?

Reports had suggested that Rovers were working until the eleventh hour last night to secure an unnamed right winger thought to be ex-Real Madrid player Valdo. However, with this option failing, Rovers are left with a gap to fill on the right side of midfield that could prove crucial.

The window started with the release of Henchoz, Berner and Enckelman which seemed predictable enough. All three players not getting into the team or getting any younger. However, it is the sale of and replacements brought in for Brad Friedel and David Bentley that will concern most Rovers’ fans. Paul Robinson remains unconvincing in goal and the lack of a right winger being brought in would appear to mean that one of Emerton, Reid or possibly Villanueva is likely to play on the right, at least until January.

Andrews, Grella, Simpson, Julio Santa Cruz and Dunn are all squad players so there seems little new to inspire for Rovers this season. The midfield has certainly been stiffened up with the arrival of Grella and Andrews but Rovers’ main problem now looks to be creativity. With the possible exception of Villanueva, Rovers’ most creative player is still the ageing Tugay.

It is worth noting that Ince has been linked with a move for ex-Inter Milan winger and current free agent Alvaro Recoba. This could go some way to adding a bit more flair and creativity to the midfield and a flexible player such as Recoba could prove very useful as Rovers seek to fill the gap left by David Bentley.

Ins:
Paul Robinson (Tottenham, ￡3.5m)
Carlos Villanueva (Audax Italiano, loan with option to buy),
Danny Simpson (Manchester United, loan)
Julio Santa Cruz (Cerro Porteno, undisclosed)
Vince Grella (Torino, undisclosed)
Keith Andrews (MK Dons, undisclosed)
Mark Bunn (Northampton, undisclosed).

Outs:
Stephane Henchoz (released)
Bruno Berner (released)
Peter Enckelman (Cardiff, free)
Brad Friedel (Aston Villa, ￡2m)
David Bentley (Tottenham, ￡15m)
Maceo Rigters (Barnsley, loan)
Paul Gallagher (Plymouth, loan).