John Eustace is keen to add more pace to Blackburn Rovers' squad with an emphasis on recruiting 'exciting wingers' this summer.
Rovers are yet to make a senior addition in the transfer market but head coach Eustace is keen to sign 'four or five' new bodies to bolster his team.
Adding goals has been earmarked as a clear priority by Eustace. His aim is to ensure Rovers are not over-reliant on Sam Szmodics whilst retaining his services. There are question marks over Sam Gallagher and Tyrhys Dolan's futures as they enter the last 12 months of their contracts.
An option with genuine pace and one-vs-one dribbling ability has been missing from Rovers' squad in the last few seasons. Not since Reda Khadra have Blackburn had an option with searing pace.
Tyrhys Dolan, Arnor Sigurdsson and Ryan Hedges are not slow, by any means, but they don't attack with the same directness as other wingers. They are more subtle players, who are best with the ball at their feet.
Eustace insists he wants to excite fans and bringing in players who have speed and dribbling ability is a priority.
“I like to have exciting players in the wide areas getting in one-v-one situations and excite the fans," Eustace said at the Rovers Trust AGM.
"It is important they are excited coming to watch us and I don’t think anything is better than when the ball gets out wide, one-v-ones, taking them on and creating chances.
"It is certainly something we have spoken about in recruitment and I would love to bring in one or two exciting wingers for us all to enjoy.”
Rovers are looking to improve on last season's 19th-placed finish this coming campaign. Pre-season is Eustace's first opportunity to put a real stamp on the team and mould the group into his image.
Eustace would not put a specific target on the new season but wants to see a more stable level of performance from Rovers. His aim is to ensure Blackburn are competitive in each match.
“We need to improve on our league position from last year. We have to develop the players we have got here and be very competitive," he said.
"My main aim is - whoever we play against this season, home and away – we go there and teams fear us. We are not going to win every game but it is important that the fans see every player in the squad is committed, will roll their sleeves up and give 100 per cent.
"We might lack quality at times but we certainly won’t lack effort and desire, and that can get you a long way in the league. It is just improving on last year’s position and seeing where it takes us.”
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