CONNOR Mahoney’s departure to Bournemouth has now been confirmed, and must act as a stark warning to Rovers.

While his move away from Ewood Park comes as no surprise, Tony Mowbray has still lost one of his most talented attackers from last season’s squad, the fans are denied the chance to watch one of their own develop in front of their eyes and the club will miss out on a sizeable transfer fee for a player who was one of their top prospects.

Only time will tell whether it is a decision that the 20-year-old himself comes to regret. 

But he should go with the best wishes of fans, a likeable and personable lad who could have done no more to help in the club’s battle against the drop.  His message of thanks on social media was a classy touch.

Mowbray’s tongue may have firmly been in cheek when he said several weeks ago: “The boy should be on a four-year deal looking forward to the next 200 games for this football club and us turning down Real Madrid in 18 months for £30million” but the sentiment was clear.  Mowbray wanted Mahoney’s talent, not his potential, to take him to the top at a time he felt suited all parties.

For Mowbray it wasn’t about convincing Mahoney to stay, it was advising him on what he felt the best move for his career would be.

Mahoney’s contract situation left Rovers in a perilous position. Barnsley, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough had all shown interest before Bournemouth moved to the top of the queue.

Compensation talks between both clubs will continue, but Rovers will be unable to hold out for any substantial fee, even via a tribunal, given the lack of game-time that Mahoney has had.

More than half of his appearances for the club came in the 15 matches for which Mowbray has taken charge. Had he enjoyed similar game-time prior to that, then things may well have worked out differently.

The loan signing of Martin Samuelsen from West Ham last summer did nothing but stifle his development.  Loan offers from League One clubs were rejected in January, when a new deal was finally offered, but there was still little sign of Mahoney breaking through despite eye-catching performances for the Under-23s who he had clearly outgrown.

Mowbray soon identified his talent, and gave him the platform to shine. But that only increased the number of suitors and likelihood of Mahoney moving on.

And so to Bournemouth he goes. A long-term deal will allow him the chance to develop in to the player many believe he can.

But, as their press release announcing his signing stated, his life at the Vitality Stadium will begin in the club’s Academy, who with no disrespect, play at a much lower level than Rovers' youth sides. Indeed, a quick search on their website, or online, you would be hard pressed to even find last season’s results.

The most likely route for Mahoney in the coming season will be a loan move to the Championship – but will he be able to receive the regular game-time he craves, and his development needs?

But that isn’t something for Rovers to concern themselves over, what should be is the safeguarding of their assets.

While discussions about his first-team opportunities may be up for debate, what isn’t is that Mahoney shouldn’t have been allowed to get in to the last six months of his contract before a deal was offered.

If Rovers are to continue investing in their Academy and Category One status, then the club should be able to enjoy the fruits of that investment.

And the only way to do that is by protecting their assets. 

A start has been made with the recent contracts offered to their Academy graduates but they will be keen to avoid a repeat of the Mahoney saga.  Let’s hope the future is spent discussing youngsters' talents, and not their contracts.