Rovers return home looking to build on away wins

"We have done more interviews this week than we have points."

A line from a friend that could not have been more accurate. As chief operating officer at Blackburn Rovers, Rudy Gestede did the media rounds after the transfer window closed and all the talk was about the comings and goings.

How fitting then that the man of the match on Saturday went to one of our own, Scott Wharton. Scotty completed his first game in the Championship from start to finish since April 2024. He and Hayden Carter are a centre-back pairing blessed with talent and blighted by injuries. Keeping them fit will be the key to the calm and resilience shown in what felt like a comfortable 1-0 victory against Watford.

For me, Watford started brightly but Rovers quickly found their way into the game. Had Ryoya Morishita's screamer gone in in the first half, you would never have heard me moan again about paying £35 for the privilege of watching Championship football.

As it was, his first goal came early in the second half with excellent play between him and compatriot Yuki Ohashi. Then came the much-anticipated helicopter celebration - I am sure we are all hoping to see a fair few more of them this season.

I got a bit nervy when the changes came, they felt too soon but this why I am not a football manager as the switch to a back three worked beautifully. Lewis Miller looks to have all the attributes to become a fan favourite.

The change which excited those around me most was the introduction of Andri Gudjohnsen. Even in his brief cameo, the talent he possesses and his football brain was clear. His link-up play with Todd Cantwell is an exciting proposition for the season ahead.

The celebrations at the end are some I will not forget in a hurry. Our kit man running the length of the pitch to celebrate with his family (if you have not seen the video, do!), Morishita lapping up his praise and even the normally very calm Valerien Ismael joining in the fun.

With two away wins under our belt, attention needs to turn to picking up points at home. Ipswich visit on Saturday and the homecoming of Sam Szmodics. Sammie will receive a warm reception no doubt, his exploits for us two seasons ago are something I will always be thankful for. But let's hope we don't see his salute celebration.

Hopefully, Saturday's game allows some of our new boys and indeed some of the old guard to become our new heroes and help us make some new memories.

You can find more of Lindsey's Rovers views on X here, external.