Blackburn Rovers contract talks gave Aynsley Pears confidence of becoming number one

He has taken the No.1 jersey for the 2023/24 season

Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears took huge confidence into the new season after signing fresh terms back in May.

The 25-year-old finished the previous campaign as manager Jon Dahl Tomasson’s first choice and then signed a four-year contract extension at Ewood Park. Pears had seen game time limited in the two seasons prior to last, but impressed in Rovers ‘ cup run and then got the gloves in the league from February onwards.

Under contract until 2027, there is evidently great belief in Pears at Blackburn – and the player himself is feeling good about his football too. Thomas Kaminski has been sold to Luton Town and that move did not come as a great surprise to Pears, who suspected there may not be room for both players this campaign. And in terms of his own form, last season’s minutes are viewed as priceless.

“Just getting the games!” said Pears, when asked what has been key. “It is hard to judge a goalie, or any player, when he’s not playing. You don’t see them, no matter how much training you do. But, once I got on the pitch I felt like I helped the team with the cup runs and in the league. I’ve just got to keep going; I’m happy I’ve got a chance to stay in the team.

“When I signed, I think we knew that one of us was going to have to go. That is the way it kind of happened and I had an inkling I was going to be number one when I signed my deal. I’d played the last 20 odd games, but it looked like it wasn’t going to happen and then Thomas obviously left – which frees it up for me to hopefully take with both hands.”

Pears has seen three new faces walk through the door at Rovers this summer in striking duo Niall Ennis and Arnor Sigurdsson and midfielder Sondre Tronstad. Tomasson wants to get more business over the line, but Pears believes the dressing room are blocking out any noise regarding budget cuts and transfer window frustration.

“Yeah, it has got nothing to do with us you know?” said Pears. “We’ve got to get on with the football and the team is looking good – we just need to keep going and get results, because that’s the game isn’t it? Nothing else matters. From the players’ point of view, we’ve spoken and whatever happens outside of the pitch, we can’t control that.

“I think we’re all just thinking about going out there and playing footy, which is what we’re paid to do. We have got a good team and we’re positive – we’ve got nothing to lose. Last year, he didn’t set out any targets really, it was just playing good football and getting better. He is so particular on getting better every day and I think that’s just the aim as a team. We’ll keep trying to do that.”