In all honesty I can’t say that I am Lewis Travis’s greatest admirer. That said there is something quite disquieting and discomforting about his departure from the Rovers. Without going into the politics of it all it never bodes well when a long standing and loyal senior professional wants away.

Working under what appear to be increasingly trying and difficult circumstances, the Rovers need leaders both on and off the pitch more than ever. In this respect Lewis Travis comfortably fulfils that requirement.. There is little doubt that as a senior professional and individual he commands the respect of the dressing room.

There is no doubting that he is a wholehearted competitor who wears his heart on his sleeve and as a player he has never knowingly let the club down.

I much admired Travis when he first broke into Tony Mowbray’s team and thoughts, during the 2017/18 season. His youthful enthusiasm, skill and judgement marked him out as a player to watch and covet.

He looked more than capable of being an all-round well-equipped footballer. He was tidy around his feet, which is so often not the case with young players.

Over the succeeding years Travis has had to adjust his style of play whether because of tactical changes and emphasis, or on a personal level. I think he recognised that he lacked pace and better judgement and that failure to adapt would leave him vulnerable particularly when asked to press high and execute those recovery runs to maintain a solid defensive structure. He does possess high energy levels but I’ve always felt that the histrionics, to which he’s partial, deflected from his ability and concentration. Without them he would be a better-balanced player in my opinion.

Ideally he would want to be a Tronstad, but it’s not in his make-up.

You get the distinct impression that he is more suited to the Eustace style of play than the methods JDT or Ismael demand. Having nailed his colours to the Derby mast, only time will judge whether he has made the right decision.

Clearly, Lewis recognizes the mounting, behind the scene issues and shenanigans and I think this has, to a certain extent, played a part in his thinking and heightened his desire to depart Ewood. It’s nothing new. Weve seen it before with much higher performers than Travis, but non the less discouraging. Travis is at that stage in his career whereby his next contract decision is crucial both professionally and personally. I don’t blame him.

Having said that, and as if to confound me, Travis had an admirable season. He was impactful and as driven as I’ve seen him for some time.

His newly found  “renaissance” might have encouraged the Rovers’ hierarchy to look at offering a more favourable contract in an honest  attempt to retain the player’s services.  Obviously not. Just like Lenihan, Brereton Diaz, Rothwell, Dolan and, more recently, Brittain before him, the club’s assessment falls some way short of supporters expectations.

I believe Lewis Travis can be replaced as a footballer but the Rovers also need to replace his high energy, commitment and loyalty, and that might prove more difficult.

I wish Lewis Travis well in his next move. He’s been an excellent Rovers servant, deserving our best wishes and thanks.

Once a Rover, always a Rover.