I WAS delighted to see Tom Cairney being named player of the year.

He’s not the only player me to have impressed me over the course of what has been a good season for Blackburn.

But he is the one who has stood out the most and his fine form meant we did not miss David Dunn has much as I thought we would.

But don’t get me wrong, Dunny is still an important member of the squad and an important member of the football club.

And, if it was up to me, I’d definitely give him a new 12-month contract.

Even if he is not playing, he remains a big influence, and I’m sure the fans would agree.

They love him but I’m sure the players do too.

It was no surprise to me to hear that when Tom Cairney was asked who he likes to play alongside most for Rovers, he said Dunny.

As Dunny is the sort of player who can help the young players and make them become better footballers.

Ask any player who has played alongside him and they will tell you what a good player he was and is.

Ten years ago, when he was in his heyday, he was exceptional and had it not been for rotten luck with injuries, and the ability of the midfield players who are a similar age to him, I’m sure he won have won more England caps.

Gary Bowyer has got to sort Dunny’s contract out, and Markus Olsson’s too, and then think about what he needs to do with his squad.

Personally I don’t think he’ll have much to do, in terms of additions.

Maybe one or two but I don’t think we’re far off.

I think the main thing Gary will want to do is keep the squad together that finished the season.

That should be his main objective.

Of course it would be good if he could get out the players who are on big money and who are not going to get a game next season.

That would be the ideal situation but there is no guarantee that will happen.

So while Gary will be working on that, I think what will be at the forefront of his mind will be keeping intact this set of players.

As they are a set of players who have given supporters hope going into next season.