Following the signing of Bradley Dack on a free transfer, we spoke to the guys at Rovers Chat to, well, chat about how Dack got on at Rovers...
How good is Dack? What are his pros and cons?
On his day, the man is one of the best in his position in the league. He suits playing in the #10 role, playing behind the striker and latching on to knock downs. He knows exactly where to be when the ball comes across the box- he’s exactly what you need from that #10 role. The cons I’d say are he probably doesn’t have the legs to play a pressing game any more, which is arguably the reason we let him go…
Are you disappointed to see him go?
Yes and no. I’m gutted because of the memories. He was such an important part our return to being a competitive Championship club - that League One promotion was something special. However, I get why he’s gone. He was one of our biggest earners and he had fallen behind Sammie Szmodics in the pecking order, so his departure makes sense. I’m just happy he can go and hopefully play regularly, especially under a manager who knows how to use him at his best.
Did he knock back a deal or did Rovers run down his deal?
I believe it was Rovers’ choice. Jon Dahl Tomasson has said that the decision was made for footballing reasons, not financial. He would’ve stayed in the right circumstances, but it felt best for all if he moved on - even if it hurt!
Can Mowbray bring out the best on him?
100%. I had plenty of criticisms of Tony during his time here, but he had the ability to get the best out of people. He was the one who took Dack under his wing after a troubled start to life at the club, and he helped Dack become the character and player he is today.
What’s his fitness record like?
This is the downside, can you keep him fit? He is undoubtedly an excellent player who is more than capable at this level, but injures have really held him back from going higher in the game. December 2019 saw him suffer an ACL injury after a contentious challenge. He worked very hard to get back, only to do his ACL again in March 2021. It’s been such an unfortunate few years, because he’d have truly gone to the Premier League.
Will he get a warm welcome on his return to Ewood?
He has to! Everyone loved him here, he’s been our best player - and most important - for quite a few years and he has given us so many memories. I can’t stomach him scoring against us, but I truly wish him the best.
