Valerien Ismael opens up on why Todd Cantwell has replaced Lewis Travis as Blackburn Rovers captain

Add as preferred source on Google

Blackburn Rovers are teetering just above the relegation zone after their first two games of the season, having been defeated in both of those matches.

After a disappointing 1-0 loss to West Brom on the opening day, the challenge of League One record-breakers Birmingham City awaited Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Having taken the lead, it looked as though the home side were heading for all three points. However, Jay Stansfield equalised from the spot in the 90th minute, and in the dying moments, Lyndon Dykes handed Blues their first league win since they were promoted back to the Championship.

Nevertheless, for Blackburn, much of the focus was on the missing Lewis Travis, with the midfielder wanting to move to Derby County. Their captain was not in the matchday squad on Saturday, meaning that Valerien Ismael handed Todd Cantwell the armband instead.

• READ MORE – Barry Bannan spearheads Sheffield Wednesday change as Henrik Pedersen makes squad decision

Valerien Ismael explains why Todd Cantwell was handed the Blackburn Rovers captaincy

Travis has been the Rovers captain for the last three years, but his absence has left a hole in not only the midfield, but also in the leadership department. Therefore, it was vital that a replacement was found.

Ismael has identified Cantwell as the successor to the 27-year-old in this situation, and explained why the ex-Rangers man has been given the armband. He said (via: Lancashire Telegraph): “I think it was a feeling throughout all the time I’m here, from day one.

“We had a lot of chats together to get to know each other. Very long discussion about football, about everything, family. I always saw Todd as a guy who is very socialised with everyone. He can talk with the Academy boys. He can talk with the board, but always in a proper way.

“The players love him in the changing room, always respect him, always positive. Then you see that his influence in the game without him was massive.

“He had a really, really good pre-season and it was just a feeling. So we talked together and I got a great feeling from him. He gave a very good answer on this view. I asked what does it mean for him? That gave me the feeling that ok, you are the right guy and he made it.

“It would have been perfect to win that game with the winning goal from Todd. But at least he’s come back, he scored his first goal and we can build from that. He can be a technical leader on the pitch. He’s got all the potential to do that. Now it’s all about his fitness and staying healthy.

“I think he made a great pre-season. He just got a little setback last week, but now he’s back. Hopefully, he can stay healthy, touch wood, and it might be a big season for him. He’s very motivated to do that. This is the Todd Cantwell we want to see and he led the team brilliantly.”

• READ MORE – Sheffield Wednesday must dive into the PFA pre-season squad and bring 230 appearance midfielder home

The Lewis Travis saga may see Todd Cantwell take the armband permanently

Derby have had bids rejected for Travis already, and with Liverpool set to gain from the fee for the Blackburn player, Rovers want as much cash as possible from the deal.

At this point, it seems more likely than not that the 27-year-old will leave Ewood Park and move to the East Midlands. Now, with Cantwell being handed the captaincy, it’s hard to see a way back for Travis.

Ismael needs players who he knows want to be at the club, and it’s hard to say whether the club captain wants that at this moment in time.

Therefore, it was vital that a successor was found quickly. However, the club also need one that can take on the responsibility going forward and Cantwell can do at Blackburn.