Defender Eiran Cashin has candidly discussed his premature departure from Birmingham City, admitting his loan spell 'didn't really work out as much as I wanted' before securing a move to Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.
A Loan Spell Cut Short at St Andrew's
The centre-back joined Birmingham City, known as the Blues, in the summer of 2025 on what was intended to be a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. However, his time at the club was abruptly cut short in early January 2026.
Cashin struggled to establish himself in manager Chris Davies's plans from the outset. After a couple of shaky performances against Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday, which he described as 'rusty and error-strewn', he found himself largely out of the team for the following two months.
Injuries and suspensions within the squad saw him handed only his second and third Championship starts over the busy Christmas period. By that point, however, the decision to terminate the loan agreement appeared inevitable.
Seeking Game-Time at Blackburn Rovers
The recall by Brighton was swiftly followed by a reallocation to Blackburn Rovers, where Cashin has immediately set out his stall. In his first interview with his new club, the defender emphasised that the pursuit of regular first-team football was the driving force behind the move.
'It's just about playing games, and I think this is the place to do it,' Cashin stated. He highlighted a 'busy schedule ahead' as a perfect opportunity to get the minutes he craves after a frustrating first half of the season.
He acknowledged the disappointment of his Birmingham stint, saying, 'Of course things didn't go to plan, but I'm here now, I'm excited and I'm ready to put what I have learned into play.'
Ismael's Influence and a Point to Prove
A key factor in choosing Blackburn was the direct approach from their manager, Valerien Ismael. Cashin revealed that an early Zoom call with the boss, detailing the style of play and his specific role, was crucial to his decision.
'The fact that the gaffer has showed me a lot of confidence... showed us how much he wants to have us in the door, for me that's massive,' Cashin explained. 'I can't wait to get out there and repay him for it.'
The defender, who feels 'fit, ready, and confident', now anticipates a swift return to action. In a twist of fate, he could be back at St Andrew's as soon as Friday, 3 April 2026, when Blackburn are scheduled to face Birmingham City as part of the Championship's Easter programme.
