SO another transfer deadline comes and goes with Jordan Rhodes remaining a Rover.

In truth there was little chance of the fans’ favourite leaving Ewood Park unless a Premier League club had come calling.

When Blackburn Rovers owners Venky’s turned down Middlesbrough’s £12m bid for Rhodes they made it clear it was not about the money.

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They did not want to sell a player they have privately described as their ‘jewel in the crown’ to a club they perceive to be a rival.

That is laudable but, judging by last season and the first five games of this season, it seems unlikely that Rovers will be battling with Boro for automatic promotion come May.

That begs the question, then, should it have been about the money?

Selling Rhodes to Boro, on the back of the fees received for Rudy Gestede, Tom Cairney and Josh King, would have led Rovers to having their embargo lifted.

And, if a reminder was required, the events of deadline day showed that needs to happen sooner rather than later.

Even when Rovers fall in line with Financial Fair Play requirements they will still not be able to compete with the likes of Derby County, who flexed their financial muscle once more on Tuesday when shelling out £10m on two midfielders.

But it would allow them to compete for proven Championship performers like Matej Vydra, who will cost Reading in the region of £2m for a season-long stay at the Madejski Stadium.

That said what effect would losing Rhodes have had on Rovers?

Significantly weaken their side, for starters.

With one 20-goal striker already gone they could ill-afford to lose another who, let’s not forget, has netted more times than any other player in the Championship over the past three seasons.

And what would it have done to a fan base that, while continuing to give their backing from the stands, are becoming increasingly restless with the results they are seeing on the pitch?

Rhodes’ finishing may have been rusty on his comeback match on Friday but his movement was sharp and, make no mistake, the goals will follow the fitter he becomes.

And that is what Rovers are crying out for. For all the undoubted endeavour they have displayed this season, they have lacked quality in the final third.

That is why keeping Rhodes, in many ways, was their best bit of business of the window.