It has been a turbulent few years for Blackburn Rovers. The one-time Premier League champions have experienced relegation to the Championship as well as a takeover by Indian company Venky’s who specialise in chicken meat processing and pharmaceutical products for the use of both poultry and human. This is a prime example of foreign owners, knowing nothing about football, taking over a special and traditional club. Sacking Sam Allardyce whilst the Lancashire club were sitting pretty in mid-table and replacing him with Steve Kean is just one of many mistakes by the Indian owners.

On the other end of the scale, the Venky’s did break the Ewood Park’s transfer record in 2012, signing striker Jordan Rhodes for £8m. This has proved a shrewd and sensible investment for one of the most prolific forward’s in the second tier of English football. Sitting in 12th position in the table, but just four points off a Play-Off spot, Rhodes is the player most will turn to if he is to score goals. His goalscoring record for other clubs speaks for itself, and it’s no wonder Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on the Scottish international. Hull City were the most notable top flight side interested in acquiring the services of Rhodes after the departure of Shane Long to fellow Premier League side Southampton, making three bids for him in the summer, all of which were turned down. It would be better for Rhodes to gain promotion to the Premier League with his current club, rather than force through a transfer.

In years gone by, many players have set the Championship alight, but failed at the top level, and as a result, their careers have dramatically stalled. Jermaine Beckford is a prime example. Now at Bolton Wanderers, Beckford’s best spell came when he was at Leeds United between 2006-2010. In 126 appearances, the striker managed an impressive 72 goals, including that famous strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford that was enough to knock the Red Devils out of the FA Cup. As a result, he moved to Everton where in 34 games for the Toffees, could only manage eight goals, and was shipped out to Leicester City after just one season.

Prior to Rhodes moving to Blackburn, the 24-year-old started his career at Ipswich Town, but was surplus to requirements by manager Roy Keane, and in 2009 moved to Huddersfield Town where Keane was left red faced. 124 games and 73 goals later, Rhodes proved Keane and any doubters wrong that he is capable of performing at the very top. Last season was also another fabulous season for Rhodes. In 45 games in all competitions, Rhodes scored 25 goals and made four assists.

Good at finishing, deadly in the penalty area, strong hold up play and magnificent in aerial duels, these are the main reason why he is turning heads all over the country. Like many players wishing to play in the Premier League, many that have had the pleasure to do so have ended up back where they started. For a talent like Rhodes, to see his career ruined in a season is something the neutral fan, and especially Blackburn, never wants to see.