Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his season marks to the midfielders and attackers.

RICHIE SMALLWOOD 8

Became a fans’ favourite, helped by the ever-popular chant, from the minute he pulled on the blue and white shirt. Gave everything for the cause, was never found wanting for effort, and his goal at Fleetwood in January will live long in the memory. Finished the season with his ever-present record intact, helped by an incredible run of 16 games without a booking.

CORRY EVANS 6

His 36 Rovers appearances this season are the most since 2014/15 as despite some injury concerns, has become something of a mainstay of the team of late. Looked to struggle with the pace of the games in the first half of the season but a run of 90 minutes from March onwards saw him finish the season in impressive fashion. 

PETER WHITTINGHAM 5

His arrival was greeted with great fanfare and a player with great experience at higher levels looked the perfect fit. However, it sadly hasn’t worked out for the 33-year-old who made just three appearances in 2018 and only 23 in all as he struggled with injury.

LEWIS TRAVIS 7

One of the standout performers for Damien Johnson’s excellent crop of under-23s, Travis first earned his senior bow in the Checkatrade Trophy. However, he has finished the season with 10 first-team appearances in all, five of which have come in the league. Impressed off the bench against both Oldham and Charlton and set to a play a big part in the club’s future after signing a long-term contract.

ELLIOTT BENNETT 8

Has captained the side in Mulgrew’s absence and his workrate and enthusiasm has typified the spirit of this Rovers side. Has played in all manner of positions and given his all in each. Agreed a new deal in November and gone from strength to strength since. The disappointments were having to wait until February for his first goal and the red cards against Wigan in the league and Crewe in the FA Cup.

CRAIG CONWAY 6

Suffered with niggling injuries throughout the course of the season which restricted him to just 19 starts. Was never found wanting in terms of workrate but wasn’t as effective at times as he has been in recent seasons.  A popular goalscorer against Bradford off the bench and took his goal against Portsmouth in October as well.

HARRY CHAPMAN 7

One of the biggest disappointments for Rovers this season was not being able to see Chapman in full flight more often. Was used as an impact substitute by Mowbray in the early months of the season where he had a devastating effect at times. Made just one league start but became a big hit with the Rovers fans. His season ended prematurely in October after a devastating hamstring injury but fans will be hoping they haven’t seen the last of him in a Rovers shirt.

MARCUS ANTONSSON 7

Signed from Leeds United on loan to complement Rovers’ attacking options. But it was as a left winger in which he would enjoy the most success. There was great relief for the Swede when he found the net at Rochdale in September and he would score eight times in all during an excellent two-month spell. Injury in December somewhat derailed his season but one whose workrate could never be called into question.

ADAM ARMSTRONG 8

His addition in January helped soften the blow of Chapman’s absence, operating in a similar role out wide but still providing the goal threat for which he was famed during his loan spell with Coventry under Mowbray in 2015/16. Finished the season with nine goals, some of them crucial, not least his late winner at Portsmouth in February. A player who would be welcomed back with open arms.

JACK PAYNE 6

Had caught the eye for Oxford in the first half of the season before moving to Ewood Park on loan. However, he never quite lived up to the billing. Has undoubted quality but only got to show it on fleeting occasions as he played second fiddle to Bradley Dack. Scored just once in his 17 matches. Will be worth considering for a return next season, however.

BEN GLADWIN 4

Was one of Rovers’ most impressive performers in pre-season but would end the season without a league start to his name. Failed to show he merited one with some below-par displays in the cup competitions and a knee injury picked up in November ended his campaign.

BRADLEY DACK 9

League One player of the year and swept the boards at the club’s end of season awards. The 24-year-old finished the season with 18 goals and some outstanding performances. Blended excellent workrate with superb technical ability and became Rovers’ go-to man in their times of need. His two doubles against Peterborough, brace against AFC Wimbledon, and solo goal at Bury won’t be easily forgotten.

DANNY GRAHAM 8

Started the season playing second fiddle to Dominic Samuel and had only scored twice by the end of October. But he became entrusted as Rovers’ central striker and has more than repaid that faith with 17 goals and seven assists having struck up an excellent understanding with Dack. May be 32 but remains a natural goalscorer and target man. An extended Ewood stay makes sense for all parties.

DOMINIC SAMUEL 6

Four goals in his opening six games saw him enjoy an excellent start to life at Ewood Park. However, has failed to score since November having seen Graham regain his place at the head of the Rovers attack. Has shown glimpses of his quality though his confidence has taken a hit. Has the tools to succeed in the Championship and will be hoping for a strong pre-season

JOE NUTTALL 7

Finished the season as the top scorer in Premier League 2 football and found the net on five occasions for the first team. Scored on his league, FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy debuts, demonstrating his eye for goal.  Will be a decision to make over what is best for his development next season.