Playmaker Todd Cantwell has gushed about his “relatable” new boss John Eustace after proving to be an instant hit at Blackburn Rovers.
The comments come after a rocky relationship with former boss Philippe Clement at Rangers – with the Belgian now facing mounting pressure over his future after a lacklustre start to the season. Playmaker Cantwell pulled the curtain down on his Ibrox career on the final day of the window having been frozen out of the first-team plans by the Belgian after submitting a transfer request.
It was far from the first awkward moment between the pair after Clement took over from Michael Beale – the man who signed Cantwell – last October. The Rangers boss showed no mercy when he subbed Cantwell for Ross McCausland after just 35 minutes in the Europa League clash with Aris Limassol before criticising his lack of width on the right flank during the clash with the Cypriot side.
But while Clement is facing questions over his future in the wake of defeat to Kilmarnock, the 26-year-old is earning plaudits for his performances at Ewood Park. He chipped in with an assist for the winner against Swansea – and was full of praise for his new boss John Eustace as he set his sights on promotion.
Cantwell told The Sun that he had held open talks about his best position – notably not the role Clement criticised him for playing against Aris: “In terms of managers that I’ve had so far, he’s the most relatable. I say that because when I hear him speak it makes sense all the time.
“When I spoke to him, we had complete clarity on the two positions that I could bring the best version of myself in. They are positions I’ve played in since I’ve been here so far the No 10 and as a left winger. The way the manager wants a left winger is very similar to how Daniel Farke wanted me at Norwich.”
Cantwell also insists he hopes to use his experience to help his teammates as he opened up on the unseen dressing room role he hopes to fulfil: “I’ve had three seasons in the Championship and I’ve got out of it every time, so I’ve been on the end of success. Behind closed doors I always think I can get the best out of people, so hopefully my experience is dripping off me.”