Mon Oct 14, 2019 12:25 pm
BlackRovers fan and Lancashire Telegraph contributor Michael Delap about how Cunningham had been getting on at Ewood Park this season.
Monday 14th October 2019
How did Greg Cunningham start life at Blackburn Rovers?
In short, he started very well.
Rovers have needed a left back of his ilk for a fair while, the previous first choice Amari’i Bell actually has more impressive physical ability than Cunningham, in terms of pace and engine, but has often looked short of confidence and positional discipline.
Cunningham’s addition to the Rovers squad has provided welcome relief in what was fast becoming a problem area, starved of options. The other realistic option of Sam Hart is totally untested in the Championship.
What attributes impressed you and what still needs improvement?
His tenacity and sheer stubbornness to surrender his flank to anybody else.
He’s not a high flyer or capable of playing at higher level in my opinion but for the Championship he’s a perfectly respectable, dogged and regimented left back who can support the attack when called upon. He’s been a pretty decent hit.
Has he endeared himself to fans?
Absolutely. At Rovers we love a scrapper and Greg is one of those.
He’s slotted in a treat.
What does the manager think of him?
You’d have to ask Tony Mowbray, I’m afraid! But in all seriousness he started all but one league game, which tells you he rates Cunningham a fair bit.
Is he the sort of player you'd like to make a permanent signing?
Absolutely. There’s a long way to go and a promising start doesn’t always translate to a sustained push in the future.
But based on what I’ve seen so far he looks a good fit for a club that has long since needed good, honest pros and I don’t think Cardiff would charge us the Earth.
Were Cardiff City wrong to let him go out on loan?
It depends on how good your other left backs are I guess? Joe Bennett looked fairly decent in the 0-0 draw we played out at Ewood Park a few weeks ago so hard to say.
We certainly needed a reliable left back and I’m pleased to say Greg has provided such a thing.
Thanks Cardiff! We owe you one. Possibly two after Rudy Gestede.
Cunningham's horrible injury
After writing this in the most rotten case of timing imaginable it has transpired that Greg Cunningham has torn his ACL, potentially ruling him out for the season.
The news leaves Tony Mowbray’s men short of good quality options at left back, effectively putting us back to where we started in the summer.
A real blow, Cunningham will be sorely missed.
Mon Oct 14, 2019 5:04 pm
No positional discipline but in the same breath hea regimented..