Rovers boss Tony Mowbray will meet owners Venky’s this week as he prepares for life in the Championship. But just what will he be looking for? Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe takes a look at a potential ‘to-do’ list.

1. MONEY TO STRENGTHEN THE SQUAD

Mowbray is a realist.

He is not expecting a war chest from Venky’s and nor does he feel that would be the right way to go.

He is looking at his Ewood Park role as a long-term project, putting the building blocks in place with the hope of leading the club back to the top flight.

Heading in to what is often deemed as the most competitive league in the world, Rovers will need money to strengthen however. Mowbray can’t be relied upon to deal in free transfers alone.

Indeed, a lack of investment, with just £250,000 spent on players in 2016/17 is a key reason as to why Rovers dropped into the third tier.

A look down the squad will show that they need to recruit in the attacking positions, which ordinarily cost the most.

Spending money on players brings no guarantees, but certainly comes with less of a risk, and with his track record in the market being strong thus far, Mowbray should be given the opportunity to do so again.

2. PATIENCE

While Mowbray is taking a long-term view with this, already talking about next summer, Venky’s must do the same.

You can’t simply fix the damage that has been done over the course of almost eight years in just a matter of months.

So if results don’t go their way early on, then don’t panic, Mowbray has shown they will come.

Venky’s must not set their aspirations too high. No-one would love Rovers to storm up the Championship more than Mowbray. And while he wants more from his team than simply keeping their heads above water, the financial strength of others in the league must be taken into consideration.

If Venky’s are to get any return on their money then a Premier League return is their only chance. But that can’t be expected to happen overnight and they must prove they have learned from the chopping and changing of managers as in previous years.

3. PROTECTING ASSETS

Mowbray is trying to build a squad to propel Rovers forward and as he takes a long-term view, the contracts of players must reflect that.

Bradley Dack is on a long-term deal but his wages must reflect his standing within the squad, and while not being reckless, he’s proven that he deserves a new contract.

Darragh Lenihan too is moving into the last 12 months of his deal, and with suitors last summer, should be offered the chance to stay long-term.

Rovers have been proactive with contracts recently, the likes of David Raya, Ryan Nyambe and Elliott Bennett, as well as a host of youngsters signed up.

It is a price definitely worth paying.