David Dunn on Blackburn Rovers transfer window frustration

Rovers have nine points from their opening eight Championship games, with performances generally outweighing their return.

Much of that is due to the injuries the squad has suffered from and a lack of transfer activity to remedy those issues.

"I think everyone at the club, not just the supporters; I think the staff would probably be quite disappointed as well," he told Lancashire Telegraph on behalf of Casino Groups.

"I would say frustration more than anything. That's the word I would use for the window.

"Would they like more quality in to help them? I look at the squad, I look at the strength and depth of it, and it's probably a little bit lighter where it probably should be, in my opinion.

"In transfer windows, as everyone knows, it might not have been anything to do with the recruitment. It might not have been the club's fault. It might have been getting let down by other clubs, or other players.

"Could they have done a little bit better in the window? Yes. Did they get let down as well? Yes. There are loads of factors in those deadline days."

Despite that, Rovers are planning to bolster in January with the hope they can remain competitive until then.

Tony Mowbray hopes they can give themselves a chance of an unlikely play-off tilt and Dunn thinks that could be possible.

"I think as a club, you've got to look at the top spots and think, can we push?" he said.

"It's been done before with teams that aren't everyone's favourites. So I think you've got to push yourself and try and get into that top half of that table and stick around it and see where that lasts.

"I'd try to think about it and see where we are in the last 10 or 12 games of the season. Hopefully, a January transfer window, if they're up there, you can get a few more players in and help.

"The Championship's such a tough league. It seems to be getting harder and harder every year. So I'd stick around it, try and stick in the top half and see where we are.

"Hopefully, a little bit of help in January. Hopefully, we can kick on that."

Mowbray feels like the perfect fit for this period of the club. He has already brought the best from some of their young players, such as Kristi Montgomery, whilst improving those already at the club, like Dapo Afolayan.

Dunn believes he offers stability and will help to develop the young players at Rovers' disposal.

"I would say they're probably where I thought they would be, looking at the squad," he reflected.

"I have spoken to you before about Tony and what I feel about him. I think he's probably one of the nicest guys I've met in football.

"I think more importantly, at this moment in time, he's got a real affinity with the club as well. I think that can only help. He's got the club at heart.

"He did a terrific job the last time. Hopefully, he can push on because I think he's the right man for the job at this moment.

"Like I said, a little bit disappointed with the window. I'm not saying it's anyone's fault. If you're looking for positives, what does that do for a club that's so well thought of in the academy?

"It gives opportunities to younger players, perhaps. Are they ready? Who knows?

"I think you only get to know if the younger ones are ready when they get their opportunities. It's up to them to go out and prove themselves. The negative, I try and always look at the positives.

"For many years now, the academy has been a massive part of the club. A disappointing, frustrating transfer window perhaps might leave the door open for some of the younger players."