SAMUEL: FAMILY FEEL IS LIFTING ROVERS
THEIR campaign could hardly have started much worse, but striker Dominic Samuel has pinpointed Blackburn’s spirit as the key to their four-match winning streak and subsequent climb up the table.
The Lancashire club were tipped for promotion straight back into the second tier after a disastrous campaign last year, but defeats to Southend and newly-promoted Doncaster in August left many fearing another season of toil and struggle.
But Tony Mowbray’s side have turned things around and sat tenth in the table, just one point off the play-off places, before yesterday’s home clash with AFC Wimbledon, thanks to consecutive wins against Bradford City, MK Dons, Rochdale and Scunthorpe.
And Samuel, who has scored four goals in eight appearances since signing from Reading this summer, says confidence is pulsing through the dressing room.
He paid tribute to the squad’s strength of character for negotiating a tricky start.
“We’ve been sticking together and that is what this club has needed,” the 23-year-old said.
“Around the stadium, in the changing room, at the training ground, everybody is in a happy mood and it’s important we keep taking that into games.
“Football is a team sport, and, especially after the game against Doncaster, it wasn’t the best performance. It was important we stuck together as a team.
“I think when you get that connection off the pitch you take it on to the pitch and work harder.
“This club is like a family, there is no outsider, everyone is close to each other and I think that is what has been showing in the last few games.”
Further wins and points are expected to follow for Rovers, with games against Rotherham and Gillingham still to come this month after a tricky trip to high-flying Shrewsbury.