| Club: | Blackburn Rovers F.C. |
| Season: | 2020–21 |
| Manager: | Tony Mowbray[1] |
| Chrtitle: | CEO |
| Chairman: | Steve Waggott |
| Stadium: | Ewood Park |
| League: | Championship |
| League Result: | 15th |
| Cup1: | FA Cup |
| Cup1 Result: | Third round |
| Cup2: | EFL Cup |
| Cup2 Result: | Second round |
| League Topscorer: | Adam Armstrong (28) |
| Season Topscorer: | Adam Armstrong (29) |
| Prevseason: | 2019–20 |
| Nextseason: | 2021–22 |
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The 2020–21 season was Blackburn Rovers' 133nd season as a professional football club and it participated in the Championship for a third consecutive season.[2] Along with competing in the Championship, the club also participated in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. The season covered the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.
On the 24 Rovers announced their retained list Danny Graham, Stewart Downing, Dominic Samuel, Jayson Leutwiler, Richie Smallwood & Sam Hart discussions will be held regarding their future at the club.
From the development squad Rovers took the option to extend Matthew Platt contract by 12 months until 2021, whilst Brad Lyons & Ben Paton have both been offered new contracts, Jordan Eastham has signed a contract till 2022 while Sam Burns, Dan Pike, Jalil Saadi, Sam Durrant & James Connelly have signed contracts until 2021. Luke Brennan & Flavien Enzo Boyomo have been offered professional contracts but have yet to sign. Chanka Zimba, Jack Evans & Charley Doyle will not be retained by the club.[3]
On the 1 Rovers announced the signing of young attacking midfielder Tyrhys Dolan from Preston North End on a 2-year deal following his release. Rovers also announced young winger Luke Brennan has signed his 1st professional deal, a 2-year contract until 2022, Also midfield duo Brad Lyons & Ben Paton signed 1 year deals until 2021.
On the 7 Forest Green Rovers announced the signing of Jack Evans following his release from Rovers.
On the 24 Rovers announced Danny Graham, Dominic Samuel, Jayson Leutwiler, Richie Smallwood & Sam Hart will not be offered new contracts by the club, Discussions continue to be held with Stewart Downing about extending his stay with Rovers.
On the 28 Rovers announced u23 midfielder Tom White had joined Bolton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.
On the 29 Rovers announced u23 defender Matthew Platt had joined Barrow on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
On the 11 Hull City announced the signing of Richie Smallwood following his release from Rovers.
On the 12 Atlético Albacete announced the signing of Flavien Enzo Boyomo after he rejected a new contract from Rovers.
On the 16 Rovers confirmed their agreement with official principal sponsor 10bet had ended 2 years into a 3-year deal.[4]
On the 17 Rovers announced an extension to their partnership with Totally Wicked.[5]
On the 26 Rovers announced the signing of Belgium goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski from Gent for an undisclosed fee, on a 2-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
On the 28 Rovers announced Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors will remain our back-of-shirt sponsor for a third successive season.[6]
On the 29 Rovers announced a new multi year shirt sponsor with leading performance and recovery compression wear brand Recoverite Compression, The new deal will see the Recoverite Compression brand on the front of all first team, Under-23s, youth and replica kits.[7]
On the 2 Rovers announced the signing of young striker Connor McBride from Celtic on a free transfer, he signed a 2-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. Also Stalybridge Celtic announced the signing of Charley Doyle following his release from Rovers.
On the 4 Cardiff City announced the signing of Chanka Zimba following his release from Rovers.
On the 7 Sunderland announced the signing of Danny Graham following his release from Rovers.
On the 11 Fleetwood Town announced the signing of Jayson Leutwiler following his release from Rovers.
On the 15 Rovers announced the signing of defender Daniel Ayala following his release from Middlesbrough on a 3-year deal until 2023.
On the 21 Gillingham announced the signing of Dominic Samuel following his release from Rovers.
On the 28 Rovers announced the signing of young goalkeeper Felix Goddard following his release from Manchester City on a 2-year scholarship.
On the 6 Rovers announced u23 midfielder Stefan Mols had joined Intercity on loan until the end of the season. Also Rovers announced the signing of Greek u21 goalkeeper Antonis Stergiakis from Slavia Sofia on a 3-year deal until 2023 with the option of a further 12 months.
On the 16 Rovers announced the signing of defender Barry Douglas on loan from Leeds United until the end of the season, Rovers also announced the signing of midfielder Tom Trybull on loan from Norwich City until the end of the season, Rovers also announced defender Charlie Mulgrew had joined Fleetwood Town on loan until the end of the season, Rovers also announced the signing of goalkeeper Aynsley Pears from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee on a 4-year deal until 2024, Rovers also announced goalkeeper Andy Fisher had joined Milton Keynes Dons on a permanent deal, Rovers also announced the signing of Harvey Elliott on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.
On the 2 Rovers announced midfielder Stewart Downing had rejoined the club.
On the 9 Rovers announced defender Tyler Magloire had joined Hartlepool United on loan until 9 January.
On the 11 Southend United announced the signing of Sam Hart following his release from Rovers.
On the 13 Rovers announced winger Luke Brennan had joined AFC Fylde on loan until the end of the season.
On the 23 Rovers announced attacking midfielder Bradley Dack had signed new 2 and half year deal until 2023, with the option of a further 12 months.
On the 31 Rovers announced winger Harry Chapman had joined Shrewsbury Town on loan until the end of the season.
On the 6 Rovers announced midfielder Brad Lyons had joined Morecambe on loan until the end of the season, Also defender Hayden Carter joined Burton Albion on loan until the end of the season.
On the 12 Rovers announced goalkeeper Joe Hilton had joined Fleetwood Town on an emergency 7 day loan.
On the 13 Rovers announced midfielder Luke Brennan had been recalled from his loan at AFC Fylde.
On the 14 Rovers announced the signing of defender Jarrad Branthwaite on loan from Everton until the end of the season.
On the 15 Rovers announced young midfielder Joe Nolan had signed a professional contract until 2022 following a successful trial.
On the 22 Rovers announced midfielder Stefan Mols had returned from his loan spell at Intercity.
On the 27 Rovers announced goalkeeper Joe Hilton had signed a new contract until 2022 & joined Ross County until the end of the season.
On the 1 Rovers announced the signing of defender Harry Pickering from Crewe Alexandra for an undisclosed fee, on a 4 and half year deal until 2025, he will remain on loan until the end of the season, Rovers also announced defender Joe Grayson had joined Oxford United on loan until the end of the season, Rovers also announced defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis had joined on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season, Rovers also announced forward Jack Vale had joined Rochdale on loan until the end of the season.
On the 2 Rovers announced midfielder Tom White had returned from his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, Rovers also announced defender Tyler Magloire had joined Motherwell on loan until the end of the season.
On the 5 Rovers announced midfielder Tom White had joined Hartlepool United on a short-term loan deal.
On the 15 Rovers announced midfielder John Buckley signed a new long-term deal until 2024, with the option of a further 12 months.
On the 16 Rovers announced midfielder Tyrhys Dolan signed a new long-term deal until 2024, with the option of a further 12 months.
On the 4 Rovers announced defender Derrick Williams had left the club by mutual consent to join LA Galaxy.
On the 7 Rovers announced their end of season award winners Thomas Kaminski was voted Player of the Season,[8] Harvey Elliott's goal against Millwall was voted Goal of the Season,[9] Adam Armstrong was voted Player's Player of the Year & Junior Rovers Player of the Year[10] & Tyrhys Dolan was named this season's PFA Club Community Champion.[11]
| Squad no. | Name | Nationality | Position(s) | Date of birth (age) | Contract expires | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | |||||||
| 45 | Jordan Eastham | GK | 2001 9, df=yes | 2022 | |||
| 1 | Thomas Kaminski |  | GK | 1992 10, df=yes | 2022 | Option for 12-month extension. | |
| 13 | Aynsley Pears | GK | 1998 4, df=yes | 2024 | |||
| 41 | Antonis Stergiakis | GK | 1999 3, df=yes | 2023 | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| Defenders | |||||||
| 5 | Daniel Ayala | DF | 1990 11, df=yes | 2023 | |||
| 17 | Amari'i Bell |  | DF | 1994 5, df=yes | 2021[12] | ||
| 30 | Jarrad Branthwaite | DF | 2002 6, df=yes | 2021 | on loan from Everton | ||
| 25 | Hayden Carter | DF | 1999 12, df=yes | 2022[13] | on loan at Morecambe | ||
| 15 | Barry Douglas | DF | 1989 9, df=yes | 2021 | on loan from Leeds United | ||
| 36 | Joe Grayson | DF | 1999 3, df=yes | 2021[14] | on loan at Oxford United | ||
| 22 | Taylor Harwood-Bellis | DF | 2002 1, df=yes | 2021 | on loan from Manchester City | ||
| 26 | Darragh Lenihan | DF | 1994 3, df=yes | 2022[15] | |||
| 38 | Tyler Magloire | DF | 1998 12, df=yes | 2022[16] | on loan at Motherwell | ||
| 14 | Charlie Mulgrew | DF | 1986 3, df=yes | 2021[17] | on loan at Fleetwood Town | ||
| 2 | Ryan Nyambe |  | DF | 1997 12, df=yes | 2021 [18] | Option for 12-month extension.[19] | |
| Harry Pickering | DF | 1998 12, df=yes | 2025 | on loan at Crewe Alexandra | |||
| 40 | Daniel Pike | DF | 2002 1, df=yes | 2023[20] | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| 28 | Scott Wharton | DF | 1997 10, df=yes | 2024[21] | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| Midfielders | |||||||
| 31 | Elliott Bennett | MF | 1988 12, df=yes | 2021[22] | |||
| 21 | John Buckley | MF | 1999 10, df=yes | 2024[23] | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| 37 | Luke Brennan | MF | 2001 10, df=yes | 2022[24] | |||
| 11 | Harry Chapman | MF | 1997 11, df=yes | 2021 [25] | Option for 12-month extension,[26] on loan at Shrewsbury Town | ||
| 23 | Bradley Dack | MF | 1993 12, df=yes | 2023[27] | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| 18 | Jacob Davenport | MF | 1998 12, df=yes | 2022 [28] | |||
| 39 | Tyrhys Dolan | MF | 2001 12, df=yes | 2024[29] | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| 6 | Stewart Downing | MF | 1984 7, df=yes | 2021[30] | |||
| 16 | Harvey Elliott | MF | 2003 4, df=yes | 2021 | on loan from Liverpool | ||
| 29 | Corry Evans | MF | 1990 7, df=yes | 2021[31] | |||
| 10 | Lewis Holtby | MF | 1990 9, df=yes | 2021[32] | |||
| 4 | Bradley Johnson | MF | 1987 4, df=yes | 2021[33] | |||
| 34 | Brad Lyons | MF | 1997 5, df=yes | 2021 | on loan at Burton Albion | ||
| 43 | Connor McBride | MF | 2001 1, df=yes | 2022 | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| 24 | Joe Rankin-Costello | MF | 1999 7, df=yes | 2021[34] | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| 8 | Joe Rothwell | MF | 1995 1, df=yes | 2021[35] | Option for 12-month extension. | ||
| 27 | Lewis Travis | MF | 1997 10, df=yes | 2023[36] | Option for 12 months extension | ||
| 19 | Tom Trybull | MF | 1993 3, df=yes | 2021 | on loan from Norwich City | ||
| Forwards | |||||||
| 7 | Adam Armstrong | FW | 1997 2, df=yes | 2022[37] | |||
| 20 | Ben Brereton Díaz | FW | 1999 4, df=yes | 2022[38] | |||
| 32 | Daniel Butterworth | FW | 1999 9, df=yes | 2022 [39] | |||
| 9 | Sam Gallagher | FW | 1995 9, df=yes | 2023[40] | |||
On 14 August Rovers confirmed their pre-season scheduled.[41]
See main article: 2020–21 EFL Championship.
The 2020–21 season fixtures were released on 21 August.[42]
See main article: 2020–21 FA Cup.
The third round draw was made on 30 November, with Premier League and EFL Championship clubs all entering the competition.[43]
See main article: 2020–21 EFL Cup.
The first round draw was made on 18 August, live on Sky Sports, by Paul Merson.[44] The draw for both the second and third round were confirmed on 6 September, live on Sky Sports by Phil Babb.[45]
|-|colspan="14"|Players out on loan:|-|colspan="14"|Players that played for Blackburn Rovers this season that have left the club:|}
| Rank | No. | Pos. | Name | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | width=70 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | FW | Adam Armstrong | 28 | 0 | 1 | 29 | |
| 2 | 9 | FW | Sam Gallagher | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | |
| 3 | 16 | MF | Harvey Elliott | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | |
| = | 20 | FW | Ben Brereton Díaz | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | |
| 5 | 4 | MF | Bradley Johnson | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| = | 8 | MF | Joe Rothwell | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| = | 39 | MF | Tyrhys Dolan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| = | 23 | MF | Bradley Dack | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| 9 | 3 | DF | Derrick Williams | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| = | 10 | MF | Lewis Holtby | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| = | 18 | MF | Jacob Davenport | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| = | 21 | MF | John Buckley | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| = | 24 | MF | Joe Rankin-Costello | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
| — | — | — | Own goal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 65 | 0 | 3 | 68 | ||||
| Date | Position | Nationality | Name | From | Fee | Ref. | Other. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2020 | Unattached | Free | [47] | Signed for Blackburn Rovers U23's | ||||
| 26 August 2020 | | Undisclosed | [48] | |||||
| 2 September 2020 | Connor McBride | Free | [49] | Signed for Blackburn Rovers U23's | ||||
| 15 September 2020 | Unattached | Free | [50] | |||||
| 28 September 2020 | Felix Goddard | Unattached | Free | [51] | Signed for Blackburn Rovers U18's | |||
| 6 October 2020 | Undisclosed | [52] | Signed for Blackburn Rovers U23's | |||||
| 16 October 2020 | Undisclosed | [53] |
Total outgoing: +/- ~£
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | To | Fee | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2020 | Released | n\a | |||||
| 30 June 2020 | Released | n\a | |||||
| 30 June 2020 | Charley Doyle | Released | n\a | ||||
| 24 July 2020 | Released | n\a | [54] | ||||
| 24 July 2020 | Released | n\a | |||||
| 24 July 2020 | Released | n\a | |||||
| 24 July 2020 | Released | n\a | |||||
| 24 July 2020 |  | Released | n\a | ||||
| 24 July 2020 |  | End of Contract | n\a | ||||
| 29 July 2020 | Undisclosed | [55] | |||||
| 16 October 2020 | Undisclosed | [56] |
Total incoming: +/- ~£ 0
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | From | Length | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 October 2020 | Season-long | [57] | |||||
| 16 October 2020 | Season-long | [58] | |||||
| 16 October 2020 | Season-long | [59] |
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | To | Length | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 July 2020 | Season-long (Recalled) | [60] [61] | |||||
| 6 October 2020 |  | Season-long (Recalled) | [62] [63] | ||||
| 16 October 2020 | Season-long | [64] | |||||
| 6 November 2020 | 9 January 2021 | [65] | |||||
| 13 November 2020 | Season-long (Recalled) | [66] [67] |
| Date | Position | Nationality | Name | From | Fee | Ref. | Other. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 January 2021 | Joe Nolan | Unattached | Free Transfer | [68] | Signed for Blackburn Rovers U23's | ||
| 1 February 2021 | Undisclosed | [69] |
Total outgoing: +/- ~£
Total incoming: +/- ~£ 0
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | From | Length | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 January 2021 | Season-long | [71] | |||||
| 1 February 2021 | Season-long | [72] |
| Date from | Position | Nationality | Name | To | Length | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 December 2020 | Season-long | [73] | |||||
| 6 January 2021 | Season-long | [74] | |||||
| 6 January 2021 | Season-long | [75] | |||||
| 12 January 2021 | 7 day emergency loan | [76] | |||||
| 27 January 2021 | Season-long | [77] | |||||
| 1 February 2021 | Season-long | ||||||
| 1 February 2021 | Season-long | [78] | |||||
| 1 February 2021 | Season-long | [79] | |||||
| 2 February 2021 | Season-long | [80] | |||||
| 5 February 2021 | One-month | [81] |