Benni McCarthy Reflects on His Time at Blackburn Rovers Under Mark Hughes

Benni McCarthy has reiterated his adoration for Blackburn Rovers whilst admitting their absence from the Premier League has been “a shame.”

The South African was a huge fans’ favourite at Ewood Park, scoring more than 50 goals in his time at the club.

He became a quintessential “Barclaysman” during his stint in Lancashire, embodying the grit and flair that made Blackburn a respected Premier League outfit in the 2000s.

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McCarthy, who famously lifted the Champions League trophy with Porto before joining Rovers and later playing for West Ham United, still holds immense respect for the club that gave him his first taste of English football.

“I have a lot of love for Blackburn; they were my first club when I came to the Premier League,” he told The Added Time Podcast.

“It was a memorable time. They had great people working at the club and it made me fall in love with England.

“They have a fantastic fan base. The people around the club were amazing, which made them so special.

“The people on the front line who made it what it is. It's a shame that you see them where they are now in the Championship. Struggling to find their path back to the Premier League.

“There is always hope, last season they finished just outside the play-off after changing the manager. I would love to see them back in the Premier League.”

During McCarthy’s time at Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers were known for their stability, intelligent recruitment, and consistent top-half finishes.

Under the management of Mark Hughes, the club built a squad capable of competing with some of England’s elite sides while maintaining financial balance.

Rovers often overperformed during the early 2000s, punching above their weight in the Premier League through smart signings and a strong dressing-room culture. 

“They were stable, they had top players coming to play for the club,” McCarthy continued.

“I will always be grateful to Blackburn for that. My time there, we were always in the top 10. They were very consistent, stable in the league and a well-run club.

“We got Michael Salgado to come from Real Madrid and join to play for Blackburn. That wouldn't have happened if they weren't so stable and consistently in the top half of the Premier League.”

Blackburn’s fall from the Premier League in 2012 ended a proud era of overachievement. 

Since then, the club has battled to regain its footing in the Championship, showing flashes of promise but struggling for long-term consistency.

McCarthy, however, remains hopeful that the foundations which once made the club special can be rebuilt.

“Players looked at Blackburn as a whole to play, it was attractive. Now, you don't see that anymore. When I watch them now, I don't recognise anybody.

“I really hope they can get it together and get themselves back into contention in the Championship to be in the Premier League.”