Rovers have made it two contract extensions in as many weeks as defender, Harry Pickering, became the latest to commit his long-term future to the club after putting pen-to-paper on Thursday afternoon.
The left-back, who has been a constant in Rovers’ side since his arrival, has committed to a new four-year deal to remain in East Lancashire until the summer of 2027, with the club also holding a 12-month extension clause, which could prolong the deal until 2028.
Having joined Rovers in the winter of 2021 by former boss, Tony Mowbray, Pickering had to wait until the start of the 2021-22 season for his first outing in Blue and White, after being loaned back to his former club, Crewe Alexandra for the second-half of 2020-21.
After graduating from The Railwaymen’s academy in 2016-17, Pickering was quick to earn his first taste of first-team football as he made his senior debut in April 2017, as a substitute for Crewe, during a League Two game. Despite that being his only league appearance, ‘Pixie’ – as he became affectionally nicknamed – stamped his authority on Gresty Road at a young age, as he came back for pre-season in 2017 and instantly became an indispensable player for the side from the Midlands as he would go onto make 167 appearances over the course of four seasons. His time as a permanent Railwayman did conclude on a high note, however, as in 2019-20, he captained the side to a promotion to League One after they finished as runners-up, following the season’s curtailment and the addition of Points Per Game as the tiebreaker across the third and fourth tiers.
Despite starting 2020-21 as Crewe captain, his move to Ewood Park was finalised by January, yet that didn’t stop the reliable defender from helping guide his side to a respectable mid-table finish upon his return on loan, as they finished 12th in the division upon their first season back in the third tier.
His time thus far at Ewood Park has shown why he was so coveted during his time at Crewe, with the left-sided defender – who has also had a stint deployed as an emergency centre-half this season in the 3-1 victory over Norwich City – becoming a mainstay in the team, both under Tony Mowbray and Jon Dahl Tomasson, with the latter evolving his technical game to another level, as well as improving his defensive awareness. The 2022-23 Goal of the Season winner – which he earned for his winner versus Sheffield United – has again shown his consistency this season with Saturday’s game against Leeds United at Ewood Park set to be his 100th game in Blue and White – if he plays – and this new deal allows him to potentially double that figure over the next four years.
After the ink dried on the contract, the defender took some time out to reflect on his new deal with RoversTV:
“I’m buzzing to get it done. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and I’m looking forward to a few more years here. I’ve enjoyed being here ever since I came. The club have been brilliant, the staff, the players and the fans have been brilliant. Everyone’s so welcoming. The staff made me feel welcome from day one and the players did as well.
“When talk of a new contract came about, it was something I wanted to get signed. It was a really big move for me coming here from Crewe. I’d gone from League Two to League One and to make the step up to the Championship was big for me.
“I’ve played quite a few games in my time here and I’m looking forward to continuing that and to improve. I think I’ve improved a lot. I adjusted to the level and played as many games as possible and I’ve become a better player here. I’ve tried to play as well as possible to do my best for the club and my team-mates.”
Head Coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson had praise for his defender, highlighting Pickering’s consistency as a key factor behind the move:
“When you’re a defender, you maybe don’t get all the fame, but Harry’s a good, steady player for us. He’s developed into the way I want to play and is capable of playing inverted, as well. I’m pleased that he’s signed a new deal and committed his future to Blackburn Rovers.”
Rovers’ Director of Football, Gregg Broughton, was also on-hand to reflect on the new deal and was quick to justify the decision:
“Harry has played over 250 senior games, almost 100 of which are for Blackburn Rovers, by the age of 24. His tactical flexibility has made him a vital part of our team and he has shown a continued desire to improve on a daily basis.
“Well done Harry on a thoroughly deserved new contract.”
A popular member of the squad, ‘Pixie’ will undoubtedly looking to push on and improve personally and collectively as a team, to try and help Rovers grab that elusive playoff spot that they came so close to grabbing last campaign.
Congratulations, Harry!
