Cantwell Credits Blackburn Environment for Resurgence, Reflects on Rangers Departure

Todd Cantwell, a key figure in Blackburn Rovers’ recent improved performance, stated he feels “70%” restored to his peak ability, attributing this to being in “the right environment” at the club. The ex-England Under-21 international departed Rangers last summer, having submitted a transfer request after his standing with manager Philippe Clement diminished. Last week, John Eustace, Blackburn’s current manager, characterized Cantwell as the team’s “focal point.” This recognition followed Cantwell’s significant contributions to recent victories against Middlesbrough and Leeds United, which have propelled the club up the Championship table, placing them within two points of the play-off positions. Cantwell registered his first goal for the club during the match against Leeds, converting a penalty kick which was the sole goal scored in the game. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, the former Norwich City midfielder referenced the challenging conclusion of his 19-month period at Ibrox, remarking: “To have a few of those moments in my career so far is probably uncommon. It felt a bit unlucky.” He continued, “Situations and different things have followed me around – I’ve got on with the manager and they’ve gone, or I haven’t maybe seen eye to eye with the tactical side of things.” Cantwell added, “Your career is short and you look back and realise that. I’m 26 now, not a young boy any more, and if you don’t feel you’re in the right environment to play your best, but also be happy.” He further elaborated, “Happiness is a thing that often gets looked past in football. It’s numbers-dominated, about where you are in the league and what you’re playing for, and there’s a lot to be said for just feeling happy in yourself and your environment.” Regarding his time at Rangers, he stated, “I thrived in the environment at Rangers but circumstances changed, different people were in charge and it didn’t feel right any more.” Cantwell expressed pride in his decision to submit a transfer request, saying, “I’m proud of myself for taking that step (the transfer request) because the younger me would probably have sat for another season, and it might have been a season that I looked back on and say I lost.” Cantwell disclosed that he was not at his best mentally or physically upon joining Ewood Park, a condition he has since addressed. He remarked: “When I first came here I didn’t realise how match-unfit I was and didn’t give enough respect to the fact I wasn’t really ready or as close as I thought I was, in my own head, to play.” He added, “I’m touching 70% at the moment so I know there are gears to go up.” With three consecutive victories, Rovers are set to face Hull City on Saturday and Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday. Cantwell conveyed his belief that the team can participate in the promotion contention. He commented on the manager’s influence, stating, “The manager was here before I arrived, but you could tell there was a clarity behind the expectation of what he thinks we can do, and what we should think we can do.” Cantwell further noted, “I’m joining a team that managed to find points in the last couple of games last season to keep them in the league, so it’s results like last week that give some people the belief that we can be serious this season.” He concluded, “This Championship season, more than most, feels quite open. So the opportunity is there for us, and results like last week should give everyone the confidence and the reality that we can get in there if we push hard enough.” Todd Cantwell’s initial goal for Blackburn Rovers was scored from the penalty spot during their victory against Leeds United last week.