Former Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley has called on the club to offer a new contract to rising star Tyrhys Dolan, emphasising the importance of securing the 22-year-old’s future.
Dolan, who joined Blackburn in 2020 from Preston North End, has since become a key player for the team, making 164 appearances for the club. That involvement ensures he has become a key part of their push up the table, and Bentley stressed the significance of keeping hold of top talents like Dolan, especially with the competitiveness of the Championship and the financial power of rival clubs.
Speaking to On The Terraces, Bentley said, “It’s always important to keep good players as it can be hard to replace. The Championship is so competitive now, some clubs have decent money to spend on transfers and can come calling for your players. So if you want to push on, it’s key that the club look to keep Dolan and sign him up.”
Peterborough-born Bentley, who came through the ranks at Arsenal but thrived at Ewood Park in a two-season stay, advised Dolan to remain focused on his development, adding, “My advice would be to keep your head down and keep looking to learn and perform each week. Keep looking to be on that teamsheet and play week in week out. Be comfortable with your environment both on and off the field and you can go far.”
Blackburn faced speculation over the summer about Tyrhys Dolan’s future, with clubs like Luton Town reportedly interested in the young winger during the transfer window. At the time, concerns were raised about Blackburn potentially losing one of their brightest talents to rival Championship teams. This speculation has not yet been put to rest as Dolan has yet to sign a new contract with Blackburn.
Bentley’s comments come as Blackburn aim to build on a promising start to the 2024/25 season, with manager John Eustace leading the team to an unbeaten run in their first four matches. As the club looks to maintain its momentum, retaining key players like Dolan will be crucial for their long-term ambitions, which surely involve a Premier League return.
Writer’s View
Blackburn must retain Tyrhys Dolan’s services. As one of the team’s most promising young talents, Dolan plays a pivotal role in the club’s attacking setup. His pace, versatility, and ability to create chances make him a key asset. Securing his future aligns with Blackburn’s long-term ambition to return to the Premier League.
By building around young talents like Dolan, Blackburn can foster consistency, grow their squad’s potential, and remain competitive against financially stronger clubs. Retaining him also protects them from losing talent to rival teams.
Founder of The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
