http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/ en Copyright 2009 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:55:46 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss It seems to be going unnoticed but the sun is setting on this first decade of the new Millennium. How will history judge the last 10 years? We have loved then loathed Big Brother,winced at the endless conveyor belt of D list celebs 'enjoying' their 15 minutes and got carried away believing the good times would last forever by living on the never never. When the VIP's finally made it into the Dome on that New Year's Eve a decade ago, few could have imagined that 10 years later, Leeds United would have been drawn to face Accrington Stanley in a consolation cup designed to pacify lower division clubs and offer a route to Wembley. The wider football world has seen significant change. For Rovers however, it has been a decade of consolidation. The first opposition of the new Millennium were Wolves watched in front of a crowd of more than 24,000 at Ewood. The team was being steered to mid table mediocrity by Mr 'Blackburn', Tony Parkes. Brian Kidd had been fired 6 weeks earlier and the club was 3 months away from aquiring the services of Graeme Souness. Rovers were in the 2nd tier. Just 4 short years had passed since the ultimate prize had been claimed. But times had changed. The wealth that Rovers enjoyed was now sloshing around and being appreciated by the big city clubs. Many fans felt that their time in the blazing sun had come and gone. In some ways, this was correct. But there have been many occasions to saviour and some to forget. We have enjoyed promotion, a cup final victory, a season where we flirted with a Champs League position and had fun in Europe. We have also suffered semi final heartache, frequent relegation dog fights and saw some of our more talented players leave just when we were enjoying their presence in blue and white. The team that started that Wolves game, contained one survivor in Dunn (but he's come and gone and come back again ) and characters which we may have forgotten like Darren Peacock and Ashley Ward. For the record, Egil Ostenstad scored in a 1-1 draw. It is likely that only the insane would include 'The Egil' in their team of the noughties, but who would make the grade? This is part 1. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/11/review_of_the_noughties_part_o.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/11/review_of_the_noughties_part_o.php Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:55:46 +0000 Another tortuous International break is allowing fans of all clubs to take stock and review the ups and downs of the first quarter of the season. For Rovers followers, the enforced absence of domestic football has come at the worst possible time. If result of the Pompey game was significant, then the 2nd half tactical changes to achieve a victory were earth shattering. The fans had rightly lost patience by half time with the coach and a turgid and insipid system which had failed to produce a single point on the road this season. The fact that bottom of the league Pompey were playing away from home with 2 strikers only underlines that the formation makes the dour Arsenal tactics of the early 90's appear to be like Brazil 1970! Sam himself took the accolades and praise for the insightful changes. But the real heroes were Benni and Jason Roberts. McCarthy wants away, and who can blame him? He does not see a future for himself at the club and more than likely will unfortunately move on. Roberts on the other hand is an Allardyce type of player but rarely has contributed when given the chance. Saturday was different and every Rovers fan was delighted for him as we know he gives 100% despite having limitations. It is incredible to think that if the Pompey result had been different, we would be on the floor of the division with a mighty task to preserve our status in the top league. It is still going to be difficult but if Sam has truly shifted from the dark side, the outlook for everyone will be brighter. The team MUST line up with a positive formation at the Reebok in 10 days time. That means 2 out-and-out strikers. Team of the 'Noughties' Unlike the end of normal decades, this one may fade away without a trace or a whimper purely as it does not have a natural end as the 60's, 70's or 80's did. But with only 6 weeks until the dreaded notes of 'Auld Lang Syne' it is worth considering who would reserve a place in Rovers team of the decade. Using the 4-4-2 system (Sam take note!) I will reveal my selections over the International break. Everyone will have an opinion so get thinking whether you would have Craig Short instead of Ryan Nelsen or Matt Jansen in place of Craig Bellamy. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/11/goodbye_to_victor_meldrew_foot.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/11/goodbye_to_victor_meldrew_foot.php Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:32:24 +0000 Rovers 10th successive failure on the road came as no surprise to anyone. It may not have resembled the debacle of 7 days ago but even Jack Straw who was sat among the faithful in the ghost-like atmosphere of O.T, would fail to put a positive spin on Rovers' recent performances against the Big Boys. The backline may have been tighter than last week but the support to the isolated Di Santo was largely non-existent and on the rare occasions when the ball found its way to him, he was not able to hold it up and bring in others. Kalinic was unfortunate with a shocking decision but if our only opportunity to create any threat on the opposition goal is from set pieces, then please ,please, please, give someone a try other than Pedersen! http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/11/no_horror_show_but_eerily_fami.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/11/no_horror_show_but_eerily_fami.php Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:33:33 +0000 A Rovers spokesman said last night(Sunday) that "A couple of cases of swine flu have been confirmed and other members of the squad have complained of virus-like symptoms." This may partly explain the debacle we witnessed in the 2nd half on Saturday.The players in question happen to be Dunn and Samba who were both missing at Chelsea. There is now a serious doubt as to whether the League Cup tie against Peterborough will take place at Ewood on Tuesday. It appears that the club tried to get the FA to cancel the Bridge fixture at the11th hour but as FA policy dictates, this is a privilege reserved for the Big 4! All Rovers fans will wish Dunny and Samba well and we should know more when the club releases information later in the day. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/rovers_need_oinkment_after_fee.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/rovers_need_oinkment_after_fee.php Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:56:54 +0000 My apologies for the delay in responding to the events on Sunday. The celebrations immediately after leaving Ewood went on and on and on and... But on sobering up and reflecting on the afternoon and after watching a re-run of the match for the first time,I have to agree with many of the Burnley viewpoints which have been aired since the game. In no particular order: 1. Burnley were by far the most inventive side who created countless chances and limited Rovers to half ones at best. Burnley's gorgeous free flowing football, which now must eclipse Arsenal's passing game, was in complete contrast to Rovers ugly long ball stuff. The build up play which led up to Rovers first and third goals was more good fortune rather than swift incisive passing. Indeed Di Santo's touch to bring in Dunn for the equalizer was so lucky. He definitely did not mean to do it. The two Rovers forwards certainly did not deserve their men of the match awards. What did they contribute? 2. Rovers were certainly the aggressors and on more than one occasion should have seen them being reduced to ten.Wade Elliot did not show violent conduct when he unfortunately 'tangled' with Chimbonda on the touchline and Clark Carlile was desparately unlucky to get a yellow with a fair tackle on Dunn. Oh, and Brian Jensen did not deliberately take out Roberts. 3. Despite the police stopping the club from selling further tickets, I firmly believe Rovers would not have sold more as opposed to Burnley who could have filled the ground five times over. Historical facts back this up. Lest we forget the world record attendence of 349,456 for Burnley's final game in '87 gainst Orient when every Burnley supporter was there and that same season in Div 4 they did average well over 100,000. We all know they have always commanded bigger gates than Rovers. Overall folks, a good day all round. A great advert for East Lancs, with a passionate and partisan crowd, with little hint of nonsense ( apart from some clowns who decided to impersonate cavemen in Cherry Tree.) I firmly believe we have the greatest derby in the country, which has been witnessed by a whole new audience around the world and it's something ALL OF US in this part of the county should be proud of and wish to continue. The morning of the match brought feelings of apprehension and excitement and reminded me of how it use to be when nothing else mattered in life apart from your club being successful. And then we had to grow up! Now it's time to move forward and build on the home form to enable us to enjoy the return fixture in March in a relatively comfortable postion. We will not forget Sunday but use it as a springboard to move forward and climb the table as we did after Turf Moor in 2000. Next stop, The Bridge. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/my_apologies_for_the_delay.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/my_apologies_for_the_delay.php Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:33:07 +0000 Irony and subtlety are in short supply in East Lancashire this week. As the title of the most recent Burnley blog will testify, grown up, intelligent men may lose some perspective and all rational can be thrown on the scrapheap. In defense, the novelty factor of the fixture is having a huge part to play in the build up. The media, as is usually the case, have used this rare opportunity to dust down their reference books and educate the country as to the meaning of the rivalry. From Frank Keating's historical piece in Wednesday's Guardian, to the Mirror's view that this is the most vicious derby in England, each publication will have their own slant in the build up. But if ever a game did not need any hype, this is one. There is no need to give it some snappy title(as sky love to do) or create an artificial atmosphere by playing some ridiculous gladatorial music as the players enter the arena. This is a throw-back game to another era and is just as much about the towns as the teams. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/lancashire_hotpot_more_like_a.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/lancashire_hotpot_more_like_a.php Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:51:21 +0000 One arm of the Arsenal propaganda machine (aka the Matchday Programme) reliably informed us on Sunday that Rovers' record defeat was suffered at the hands of the Gunners in 1933, 8-0 if anybody is interested. This statistic would surely have been re-written had it not been for the brilliance of Paul Robinson. I had to look twice when I watched the highlights that evening and saw Fabio looking on from what I have always considered to be a souless new build.I was convinced he would have gone to the Bridge to observe players he already knows inside out. Robinson deserves his chance again but could the unthinkable become reality and Capello decide David Dunn is playing with the same confidence and swagger he possessed all those years ago when he last won a cap. Dunny is fitter and stronger and more arrogant than at any time since the beginning of the decade. There are always at least 2 wildcards included in any World Cup party and he would certainly be a brave choice. Sam was correct in believing Rovers should have been awarded a spot kick at the Ems,but wrong in thinking it would have changed the course of the result. Arsenal were in another stratosphere compared to the rest of us. It was the greatest exhibition of attacking football I have seen in the flesh for a hell of a long time. I have often criticised Wenger for undermining the traditions and fabric of the English game but nobody can argue with the way his teams can play. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/and_heres_to_you_mr_robinson.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/10/and_heres_to_you_mr_robinson.php Match Review Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:58:12 +0000 They say a week is a long time in politics but it's light years as far as football is concerned. Last weekend brought doom, gloom and a great sense of forboding for the cold and dark months which lie ahead. Fast forward 6 days and optimism oused out of Ewood, the like of which we have not seen for some time. We maybe getting ahead of ourselves slightly but there are fundamental reasons why this victory may prove significant in shaping the rest of a very long season ahead. The manner of the performance and the tempo at which we took the game to the opposition even after the sending off, was unique in the current campaign. If Sam's system is going to be effective and worth pursuing, you need a target man who is mobile and able to lead the line. He also has to bring into play the runners from midfield. This has been missing up to now. Step up Di Santo! He fulfilled the criteria and ran himself into the turf. If he continues to impress, the current Chelsea transfer embargo may unfortunately force his quick return to West London. N'zonzi was also instrumental in the victory. His distribution was excellent and he controlled the midfield for long periods. His performance should finally see the end of the 'none' dimensional Grella/Andrews partnership particularly after the former saw red by doing a great Paul Scholes impression under the nose of the ref. Dunny took us all back a decade with an inspirational display. In fairness, he does appear fitter, stronger and more confident than at any time in recent seasons. There is still much to do for Sam to convince the Ewood faithful that his methods and formations are the most pragmatic way of keeping the club in the top flight, but Saturday certainly helped his campaign. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/few_villains_on_a_day_of_heroe.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/few_villains_on_a_day_of_heroe.php Match Review Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:44:11 +0000 The glorious 'Indian Summer' weather we had this weekend was in complete contrast to the mood that all Rovers fans were feeling leaving Goodison on Sunday. The performance raised more questions than answers and was the latest in long line of away days where the faithful travelled in hope rather than expectation. I have said many times before that we do not have the quality to play a passing game, equally we do not have the personnel in the right places to do justice to the current system. We are stuck between a rock and a hard place and that should worry us all. I still have faith in Sam to fulfill his remit of keeping us up but by continually playing a 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 formation, he is testing the patience of the most loyal supporter. As for poor Jason Roberts, it is nothing personal. He gives 100% and I appreciate the effort he puts into every game. But unfortunately that is not good enough. By asking him to play as the lone man upfront, with the total lack of service he receives, it is akin to kicking a blind man's stick away! http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/toffees_too_sticky_for_the_pud.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/toffees_too_sticky_for_the_pud.php Match Review Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:10:41 +0000 I've never played a game of Rugby League. I do realise however that the basic premise is that you have 6 attempts to score a try and if you are too predictable the ball will be 'turned over' to the other team. The first half yesterday resembled just that. The late Eddie Waring would have been in his element! For 45 minutes, one side was a poor man's Stoke, the other was far worse than that. The pattern of play went something like this; Long throw,long throw,long throw,corner,goalkick. Long throw,long throw,long throw,corner,goalkick. Long throw,long throw......(you get the idea!) There were kids in front of us snoozing to their hearts content. With Jason Roberts again all alone up front, Rovers were limited in their attacking options. Wolves were worse than awful and with more adventure, Rovers would have gone in at the interval with more to show than Diouf's opener. The 2nd half was different. Rovers were inventive and mixed things up and the default mechanism was thrown in the bin.They removed their shackles and with the instrumental Dunn surging forward with energy and purpose, they threatened the Wolves goal on countless occasions. There was a spell on the hour mark when Rovers treated the faithful to an exhibition in the art of passing which had some of us looking through the history books as to when that last happened! http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/there_is_more_than_one_way_to.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/there_is_more_than_one_way_to.php Match Review Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:37:34 +0000 It's been 7 days where nothing in the football world has got me truly excited. The transfer window let in a slight draft...yawn,yawn! Chelsea have had a transfer embargo placed upon them, but deep down we all know that the ban will be overturned or suspended at the very least. And now we have to brace ourselves for weeks if not months of similar stories involving clubs who may not have signed youngsters by the most ethical means. The coverage could make the Telegraph's expenses extravaganza seem like a one day news item. But the lack of eyebrow raising stories always seems to occur during International week.It does feel strange to have a break so early in the season, but the Premier League have their hands tied when it comes to the International calandar. It was a pointless game against Slovenia despite what anyone might say. Some will argue that it was good for Capello to try out some 'fringe' players before the Croatia game but if the guy does not know his squad by now, he might as well pack it all in and retire to Lake Garda. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/its_been_7_days_where.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/09/its_been_7_days_where.php Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:02:56 +0000 Down the years, Rovers' followers have become immune to the adverse media coverage the club sometimes receives. In '95, we did not win the league but United lost it. In the middle part of this decade the name of the team was temporarily changed to BBBRFC (Bully Boys Blackburn Rovers Football Club) by some pundits. There was a season around this time where we were playing some great stuff and challenging for a Champions League spot, but very few took notice. Casting my eye over the Sunday papers this morning, it seems the next wave of Rovers bashing is upon us (Rod Liddle's jibe in the Times being one example). But is it justified? Yesterday's game was a dour affair with very little in the way of excitement and creativity(except for an unexpected Tugay appearence) but arguably the main remit for the team was to avoid defeat and get us off the mark. If this was the case then job done! I'm not saying I agree with playing 4-5-1 against a team we could and should beat at home but watching football never has or will guarentee thrills and spills. Alladyce's methods are about as old news as finding out The Beatles have split up! But it is plainly obvious that Big Sam was frustrated with some of the fans' reactions to certain tactical decisions. In his post match interview he told the supporters to"Leave it to me. I'm the expert." At this embryonic stage of the season, I am prepared to bow to his judgement. I just hope those words don't come back to haunt him. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/chewing_the_cud.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/chewing_the_cud.php Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:18:51 +0000 There have been a few occasions this week which have got me shouting at the telly. It was not just the scenes from Upton Park and resulting media hysteria that went with it but also the 'bleeding' hypocrisy that epitomises all that is Rugby. The same old drivel that is always espoused whenever anything remotely controversial occurs within football. "It wouldn't happen in Rugby" or "Why can't football take a leaf from Rugby's book?"are always the default reponses. (That particular piece of literature would make for grim reading.) If an incident like 'bloodgate' had occured with the round ball sport, those holier than thou would again been squeezing football till the pips squeak. The transfer of Stephen Warnock has also annoyed me. Not the fact that he moved to Villa Park to 'achieve European Football' (hee hee!) but the fact that supporters of both clubs will not find out the true cost of the transfer as it undisclosed. I realise this is a common but increasing tactic used by clubs to hide behind but for the supporters it is yet another example which distances themselves from their team. I think it should be the rule that clubs reveal transfer fees of both incoming and departing players,particularly if the player in question happens to be one of their prized assets as Warnock was. It would also go some way to clear the air between club and supporters as to how much (or little) there was to find a replacement.So who will be his ultimate successor? http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/pascal_the_rascal.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/pascal_the_rascal.php Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:55 +0000 We've started but certainly can't finish! Rovers' season is 180 minutes old and not even the harshest critic would say thay haven't shown the endeveour and created the scoring chances to get something out of both games. At Sunderland on Saturday, lady luck wore a red and white shirt. But a couple of dubious decisions from Alan Wiley was not the sole reason Rovers returned from the North East with nothing. We had more chances than Peter Mandelson has had to return to Government! But rarely did our strikers hit the target. This will prove to be the downfall to any team in this league. Kalinic, 'The future of Croatian football', was ridiculed for his misses on MOTD but it is far too early to make judgements.However,the name of Grabbi was brought up in conversations as a comparison after the game. Scary stuff! http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/banjos_and_barn_doors.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/banjos_and_barn_doors.php Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:03:42 +0000 Being a season ticket holder and travelling up and down the country, I have endured a marathon game of snakes and ladders with Rovers over the past three decades with low points such as the '89 Palace Play Off debacle and incredible highs like '95 and Cardiff in 2002. I know that every fan has an opinion on a whole range of issues. Some of you may nod in agreement at what I will write in the months ahead, while others could totally disagree with the views expressed. I hope we can create healthy debate with original ideas and points of views on everything Rovers and beyond. Here's one to kick off. I believe Burnley's recent 'successes' will be beneficial to Rovers. http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/why_burnleys_gap_year_is_good.php http://blogs.soccernet.com/blackburnrovers/archives/2009/08/why_burnleys_gap_year_is_good.php Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:37:20 +0000