AS we approach the end of the year I think it’s safe to say that things on the field have definitely got better for Blackburn Rovers.

Having a settled manager, which they badly needed last season, has been a massive help.

And I think Gary Bowyer is doing great. He had a lot of work to do when he first took over the club on a permanent basis.

There was a lot of dead wood that needed moving out.

He tried his best to do that – and I thought he did it well – while at the same time he had to bring a batch of new players in.

And the players he has brought in, along with ones who have remained, are certainly playing for him.

They are taking on board what Gary wants them to do and they are working really, really hard.

I’ve said it before but that is the big difference for me – that work ethic for the manager, the club and the supporters.

I don’t think Blackburn had that last season.

That said it didn’t help the fact that the players didn’t know what manager they would be working with from one week to the next.

As a footballer you have to try and rise above things like that and give your best in every game.

But if you are having as many managerial changes as Blackburn had last season you would be become a bit disillusioned and confused by it all.

Thankfully that’s not the case now – and the club is better off for it.

Having Gary here has settled it all down.