After his side capped off a mixed week by blitzing past Sheffield Wednesday in a 4-2 home victory, Tony Mowbray spoke of his delight to the club’s media team, following his team’s reaction to the back-to-back defeats that they had suffered at the hands of local rivals over the past week.
“I think today’s performance was more recognisable for a Blackburn Rovers side, than the ‘uncharacteristic’ performances of the past week. Today showed what we’ve been about ever since I stepped through the door, good intensity, playing forward, getting the team up the field, trying to play in the opposition half, trying to create chances and it all came together perfectly today. I thought the front pairing of Danny (Graham) and Bradley (Dack) were magnificent as they worked their socks off without the ball, whilst also getting the fruits of their labour with the goals. They combined brilliantly and helped us get over the line.
“I thought Harrison (Reed) and Craig (Conway) in the wide areas were exceptional and I’m delighted for Paul Downing, who has been on the periphery of things as of late, but he’s come in and showed everybody the quality that he possesses. Overall, it’s been a good day and we’ve managed to get a massive 3 points on the board, because in the context of our fixtures heading into the festive and New Year period on a defeat would have been difficult considering the fixtures that we have; Middlesbrough, Norwich City, Leeds United, but to name a few. They’re all top teams in this division, and I feel that this victory today will go a long way in motivating the team.
“I’ve always said that I try to give the ownership of my team, to the players within the squad, and they’ve been massively disappointed all week. My job is just to try and guide them in the direction that they should be going, but the onus is on them to go out and execute the plan, which they did perfectly, today.
“Danny has always been a great goalscorer and he got his contract in the summer, based around his finishing ability, because he is the best finisher at the club. I see him every day in training and he’s always side-footing the balls into the corners and blasting them past the ‘keepers. His technique, talent and concentration are what allowed him to finish the chances today, and that’s ultimately why we’ve come away with a victory. Danny’s well on the way to earning another contract next year, but he’s being doing brilliantly for us, despite his age. I’ve told him that age should be no barrier for him, because work-rate is more of a mental attribute, than it is a physical one, which he does possess. I keep telling all the lads, that they have to work beyond what they believe their maximum to be, because that will allow them to unlock more within themselves, which will allow us to get on the road to success. You cannot be successful by remaining in your comfort zone.
“Another special mention has to go to Bradley, who was back to his usual self with his performance and eye for goal. Brad and I had a brief chat earlier on this week regarding the reasons why I signed him initially. I remember watching him against my Coventry team, when we were 4-0 up against Gillingham, but Bradley never stopped harassing our defenders. He tackled everyone, he pressured everyone and even ended up grabbing a goal. That’s what I talked to him about, I told him that I needed to see a Tasmanian devil-like performance from him, where he tackles everyone, and then uses his ability on the ball to blitz past players, which he did brilliantly today, and I’m delighted for him and for Danny.
“I’d normally say that Elliott Bennett is the catalyst for our team for the next tackle, the next track-back and block which would get the crowd going, but I think Craig Conway fulfilled that role amazingly for us today and he has to be given credit for that. Harrison Reed, Richie Smallwood and Corry Evans also participated in dispossessing the Wednesday players and getting the crowd going, so they all also deserve praise.
“Yes, we’re disappointed to have lost 2 goals, but there was nothing we could do about the first from Lucas João astonishing strike and the second goal came through a ricochet, which was a bit unlucky. I’m delighted with their character after conceding both goals and I’m pleased with the way they handled the situation because many teams could have easily caved in at the point and come away with only a point, but we got the job done and have come away with the points.
“Paul Downing is a wonderful character, and he’s someone I’ve known since he was a 15/16 at West Bromwich Albion. It’s very hard, when picking a squad, to leave him out completely, and hopefully he feels that I do respect him, not only as a player, but also as a human being. It’s unfortunate for Paul that Darragh Lenihan is our starter for the right centre-back spot, whist Jack Rodwell is Lenihan’s understudy, which means that Paul can at time, find himself a long way down the pecking order. Saying that, however, he’s always there for us in situations such as today, where neither Lenihan, nor Rodwell were available for selection. Paul’s performance today shows his human qualities as well as his footballing ability. It shows great character from the lad to perform like he did today, knowing that there are 2 other defenders ahead of him.
“The contract extension for me, is just an extension to what we’re trying to fulfil. This club is a work in progress and I think that if the Owners are happy for me to continually try to improve the club with new faces in the transfer window, then I’ll be doing all I can to help Rovers out of this division.
“I think at home, we’ll be difficult to beat, and we will be able to challenge anybody, but we need to improve away from home, because it’s possible for games to run away from us which can send the game into a downward spiral against some good footballing teams.
“We have our own individual expectations of trying to win every game and to stay positive. Although at times those games can get away from us, when we’re on the road, days like today show how powerful and tough we are to beat, when playing at Ewood.”
