Blackburn release TWENTY players after narrowly missing out on Championship play-offs under Valerien Ismael

Rovers acted decisively after missing out on the Championship play-offs by one place and two points.

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Valerien Ismael has kept the core of a squad who finished seventhCredit: Rex

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Adam Forshaw has been released – but there’s a twistCredit: AlamyBoss Valerien Ismael has kept his main men and reportedly wants around six key signings this summer.

But Adam Forshaw’s inclusion in a big batch of departures has raised eyebrows in some quarters.

The former Middlesbrough and Leeds star, 33, had been praised by Ismael in recent months.

And Forshaw remained in Rovers’ matchday squad until the end of the season as they finished seventh.

But although the ex-Brentford ace has been freed, Blackburn say they will “keep in close contact” with him over the summer.

Rovers admit he is “entitled to explore other options”.

But it leaves the door open for an intriguing transfer saga to develop.

Blackburn also revealed they are still in talks with three senior players, having offered all of them new contracts.

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They are Danny Batth and Tyrhys Dolan – who both started Rovers’ season-ending 1-1 draw at Sheffield United – plus Andi Weimann.

Rovers said in a statement over their released list: “Batth and Weimann both enjoyed magnificent maiden seasons at Ewood Park last term, bringing vast Championship experience, leadership qualities and high standards to the dressing room and out on the pitch.”

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Centre-back Danny Batth is in talks over extending his Blackburn stayCredit: RexMeanwhile, Blackburn have activated a one-year option to keep Wales winger Ryan Hedges another year after his 42 league games in 2024-25.

Under-21 players Harrison Wood, Zack Stritch and Adam Khan have also had the option of an extra 12 months triggered.

Jake Batty and Felix Goddard, who were both loaned out last season, have been offered fresh Ewood Park deals.

And teenage midfielder Lorenze Mullarkey-Matthews has been handed the chance to sign his first professional contract.

On the way out are: Dilan Markanday, Jack Vale, Zak Gilsenan, Patrick Gamble, Tom Bloxham, Jordan Eastham, Rhys Doherty, Isaac Whitehall, Jalil Saadi, Alex Baker, Adam Caddick, Paul Murphy-Worrell, Lewis Bell, Bradley Taylor, Jackson Shorrocks, Nathan Willis, Stephen Edmondson and Teddy Ramwell.

On top of this, Dan Shaw’s registration has been cancelled by mutual consent.

Five loanees have returned to their parent clubs – Owen Beck, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Dion Sanderson, Cauley Woodrow and Emmanuel Dennis.

Blackburn said: “Rovers would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all the players who will be leaving the club for their contribution and commitment during their time at Ewood Park, and we wish them all well in their future careers.”