Two weeks to go and, at last, it feels like we have some signs of life from Rovers. Although my own expectations have been curbed with the ongoing financial cloud overhanging us, it has still been frustrating to not add anyone significant to the playing squad. So any rumours are very welcome at this stage!

My low expectations sadly appear vindicated with the rumoured targets reported by Elliott and other sources this week. I’m not going to pretend I know anything about Yuki Ohashi; nor am I going to jump up and down about a rumoured free signing of Stephen Humphrys. But the squad needs bulking with two weeks to go so I will take any extra bodies through the door! Let’s hope Ohashi fares much better than Semir Telalovic.

It’s a shame we’ve not (at the time of writing) been able to get a deal for Liam Cooper over the line. His experience at this level would be ideal for the season ahead and would more than fill the Scott Wharton gap. It feels like a transfer that should have been easy to complete and really does highlight the financial concerns at Ewood Park.

Rumours have resurfaced about going back for Danny Batth - and that leaves further questions marks over Kyle McFadzean. With the bargain basement we are operating in, I would welcome any of the names above for some vital experience for the expected fight against the drop. But, whatever happens with signings, I just hope we don’t mess anyone around like we apparently did with Batth and Duncan McGuire in the last two windows. That’s left a real sour taste in the mouth for me over the last year and it’s another symptom of all things wrong at Rovers right now.

At the departure gate, the expected rumours are about Sammie Szmodics. I don’t think anyone would begrudge him a move to the Premier League after single-handedly saving our skin last season. As Adam Wharton also proved, he might well thrive away from the circus. The key for Rovers with this transfer is to get the best deal we can possibly get.

I suspect Peterborough also have a healthy sell-on clause so a double-figure fee has to be the aim if we can. We know Venkys can be stubborn with prize assets, but we’re in different territory right now. Are we in a position of power to get a double-figure fee? Will Venkys dig their heels in? I’m not sure.

If Sammie does leave, we would be absolutely weaker and it will be imperative to replace him somehow. We can’t be relying on a free transfer, or hoping that Harry Leonard will kick on next season. Eustace's call for help will amplify (and some) if we don’t see Sammie line up at Ewood Park in two weeks' time.

Now the Euros have finished and with the season nearly upon us, hopefully the transfer market hots up a little more for Rovers – especially with Premier League loans. We’ve had some good recent success in that market - see Van Hecke and Elliott. Whether they are right for a battle at the bottom, I’m not sure.

That’s why getting the likes of Liam Cooper remain important for me. Eustace will know that too and I’ve got no doubt his focus will be on making us difficult to beat, first and foremost, this season. It will take leaders across the pitch and it’s been fantastic to see Sondre Tronstad assume this role in his media duties this week.

Sticking together until August 20 (and beyond) is the order of the day for the players and fans. It’s not inspiring stuff right now, but let’s hope that Eustace at least is one man who knows what he’s doing down at Ewood right now. Until a ball is kicked, I will remain in blind faith!