IT’S not only fans who want signings – players do too.

There’s an excitement around the training ground when a new face arrives into the squad – particularly if they play in the same position as you.

If that’s the case, you’re always a little wary at first, which is only natural, but you get to know them and once the games begin, that’s when the competition really starts.

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And that’s what managers want. They want to put noses out of joint because they want to see how players react.

The problem Blackburn have at the moment is they are restricted to free transfers and loan signings.

When you look around the free transfer market there are not many players who are out there who are much better than the ones we’ve got.

That’s why you’ve got to hope Gary Bowyer can pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Given the fact that he’s got Giles Coke and Dean Furman on trial, it’s clear to see that he wants to add to his centre midfield.

I think it’s an area he’s certainly got to look at, but a lot depends on what system he wants to play.

He played with two holding midfielders for the majority of last season. It worked in some games and it didn’t work in others.

If he goes with the same system again he’s got the players to do that in Jason Lowe, Corry Evans and Lee Williamson.

But I’d like to see them a little bit more advanced at times, and cause more of a threat going forward.

Because of the system, there was too big a gap at times between the midfielders and the forwards.

If those players cannot bridge that gap and the system does change, then definitely, yes, I’d like to see a different type of centre-midfielder brought in.

But I still think other fresh faces are needed, to add cover at centre-back and more pace in attack.

In fact, in an ideal world, I’d say we need up to four new signings.

But, given the situation that we’re in, that’s going to be difficult and, with window still open for a good while yet, it’s going to be a waiting game.

At least we don’t have to wait any longer for the football to begin again.

Blackburn’s pre-season schedule may not have got fans’ pulses racing but, as a player, friendlies against lower-league opposition can be harder.

When you go up against a Premier League team the fitness side goes out of it a bit and you have to play at your very best.

But when you play against clubs of less stature, it’s more of a fitness exercise, and it’s all about getting the players to understand the system again and so that, once the real action gets under way, they are up and running.