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players on the ball!
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| Some
memories to cherish .. and to forget! Just a few of the 'highs and the lows' |
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The
season gone by 2003-2004 |
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| 44 POINTS |
15th
place for Rovers Blackburn Rovers finished the 2003-4 campaign in 15th place with 44 points. On the last day oif the season 34 points would have been enough for survival with all three relegated teams on 33. |
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Cole
Goal not enough on his 100th Rovers Appearance Andy Cole claimed his 11th of the season (23'00) but a much disputed reply from Stern John (82'00)say Rovers and Birmingham City share the points at Ewood. Graeme Souness was convinced that the equaliser shouldn't have counted after what he believed was a clear foul. Rover went completed the season without a single penalty, and no 0-0 results. 26,000 made it a great atmosphere at Ewood, and the players saluted them at the close with a brief lap of honour. Andy Cole was the last to leave the field - was it his last Rovers appearance? (15th May 04) FULL Story BBC Sport ALSO BBC Sport (Souness Anger) PLUS rovers.co.uk 
HEAR report from BBC 5 live |
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Short
- agrees a longer stay... |
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No
repeat at Spurs.. Rovers failed to match last years season end performance at Spurs - losing 1-0 to a first half strike (Jermain Defoe 17'00). They had three great chances in the second half, but couldn't find the equaliser. Graeme Souness says the game summed up the season ..”It is a disappointing year for us. We thought we could go on and improve on last season and that hasn't happened" he told SKY FULL Story BBC Sport AND SKY Sport
HEAR report from Nigel Adderley on BBC Sport. |
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Keeper
will miss end of the season... Brad Friedel is set to miss the last two games (at Spurs and Ewood Park) with an injury he sustained in last weeks win over Manchester United. Brad - who kept clean sheets in the last three games now gives way to Peter Enckelman who gets his first chance to start for the first team. Friedel has amassed 80 caps for America and has notched up 197 appearances in his time at Anfield and Ewood Park. (6th May 04) FULL Story rovers.co.uk AND SKY Sports PLUS soccer365.com |
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On
Your Todd ... Andy Todd will be on his way at the end of the season. There's been much speculation over the past few weeks - but today (Thursday) Rovers confirmed that the defender won't be back at Ewood next season. (6th May 04) FULL Story BBC Sport |
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Get
Well Soon - Kiddo |
 Brian Kidd - Recovering from prostate cancer |
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Rovers
1 - Manchester United 0 Stead 6 - Rovers 43 points Blackburn moved to mathematical safety with the 4th win in 4 games, berating Man Utd 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Jonathan Stead (85'00). Sub Paul Gallagher made the perfect pass for stead to hit home. Manchester United fielded and under-par squad - and Rovers lost the services of Amaruso and Short, Andy Cole had a first half goal ruled off side, with Flutcroft and Tugay both going close. FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk HEAR
Stuart Hall on BBCi SportALSO SEE BBCi Sport - TORD GRIP on Stead |
 43 points and still 6 to play for! Rovers in 13th place and Premiership football again next season. |
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Out
of Amo .. It looks like the impressive return of Lorenzo Amoruso has been short lived ... Both rovers.co.uk and BBCi Sport report that the latest injury is likely to keep him out 'till next season. They quote the Rovers boss as saying" It's an almighty blow to us. Our medical staff are currently assessing the extent of the damage but you've got to be careful with hamstring injuries" Lorenzo picked up the hamstring injury during training.(29th April 04) FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk |
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Another
operation? Ferguson worry. BBCi Sport report that Rovers long term injury worry - Barry Ferguson might need further surgery before he can return to full fitness and the first team. The website says that "Latest medical reports show that Ferguson, who dislocated his knee-cap in December, is still experiencing some discomfort from the injury. ..." They understand that another operation to remove wires may still be needed. There were hopes that the proud Scott would play again for Rovers before the end of this season. That now looks very unlikely. (28th April 04) FULL Story BBCi Sport ALSO SKY Sports |
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Douglas
gets Ireland Senior Call! As reported last month (16t March CLICK HERE) Jonathan Douglas has now received the hope for call to the Republic of Ireland Senior squad. rovers.co.uk report that "He is named fro the first time in Brian Kerr’s Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday’s friendly international with Poland in Bydgoszcz (kick off 5:00 pm GMT)" Although he's played in the junior team - this is his first senior call. And it's because of the withdrawal of former team mate Damien Duff that Douglas gets his chance. (26th April 04) FULL Squad .. Given (Newcastle United), Colgan (Hibernian), Maybury (Hearts), Cunningham (Birmingham City), Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur), Harte (Leeds United), O'Brien (Newcastle United), O'Shea (Manchester United), Miller (Celtic), Roy Keane (Manchester United), A Reid (Nottingham Forest), S Reid (Blackburn Rovers), Quinn (Sheffield Wednesday), Holland (Charlton Athletic), Kinsella (West Bromwich Albion), Douglas (Blackburn Rovers), Lee (Cardiff City), Connolly (West Ham United), Robbie Keane (Tottenham Hotspur), Morrison (Birmingham City). FULL Stoey rovers.co.uk |
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Stead-y
as he goes ... Craig Short has been talking about the tremendous form that youngster Jonathan Stead has shown since joining Rovers. Short told BBCi Sport "He's got these little tricks and you're thinking 'this kid's from the Third Division and he shouldn't be doing that to me', so he surprises a few people. He's scored some important goals for us and given the whole team a lift." (26th April 04) FULL Story BBCi Sport ALSO Manager Graeme Souness has told SKY Sports that he thinks Stead will be in line for an England place next season. "He will be stronger and fitter after a good pre-season and I expect him to break into the England side" he said. (26th April 04) FULL Story SKY Sports |
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3
points 1 goal (Stead)
and 40 points!! Jonathan Stead scored his 5th in Rovers colours against Everton (81 minutes) to secure all 3 points at Goodison Park (3 wins from 3 games). In a game where Rovers did a great job keeping the Toffees out - and Brad Friedel made some essential saves. Cole, Stead and Amoruso all had good chances. Rovers now have the magical 40 points and go in to the Manchester United game at Ewood NOT needing to win - but 4 in 4 would be wonderful! FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk (1) AND (2) ALSO SKY Sorts
HEAR Stuart Hall Report on BBCi AND
HEAR Souness reaction on BBCi |
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3
4
points 3-4 at Fulham! Rovers earned 3 priceless points in a memorable battle at Loftus Road. Andy Cole opened the scoring on 22 minutes following a brilliant cross from Tugay. Just 3 minutes later Collins John scored his first for Fulham, and then again deep into first half injury time. But Rovers came out the brighter after the break - and Jonathan Douglas scored his Premiership maiden goal a couple of minutes into the half (2-2). Lorenzo Amoruso then gave Rovers the lead again on 50 minutes, before Luis Boa Morte drew his team level 9 minutes later. But Rovers had the last laugh when Jonathan Stead scored his 4th for Rovers on 74 minutes to secure the win and all the points. It was end to end stuff - and Rovers effort paid off with a deserved win and much needed help in the relegation fight. HEAR
BBC report on BBCi - FULL
Story from BBCi
HEAR Grame Souness talking to BBC SportPLUS rovers.co.uk AND SKY Sports |
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4/4/4/
... Liverpool 4- Blackburn 0! Rovers conceded 3 in the first 24 minutes (2 from Michael Owen plus an o.g. from Todd) and then a further goal in the second half to loose 4-0 at Anfield. They were completely out played in the first half, and despite better play after the brake, Emile Heskey managed to put the final one in and rub salt in smarting wounds. Only Jonathan Stead got close to scoring fro Rovers on a wet and miserable Liverpool afternoon. Now the home clash with Leeds is a vital 'must win' at Ewood. (4th April 04) FULL Story BBCi Sport
HEAR BBC Report SEE
rovers.co.uk (1) PLUS
rovers.co.uk (2) |
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Alan
Kelly takes early retirement .. Rovers and Republic of Ireland Keeper Alan Kelly has taken medical advice to end his playing career. Alan, who suffered a finger injury at the start of season, sadly won't play again for Rovers. His track record is impressive - playing 34 times for the Republic of Ireland and 470 appearances for his five clubs. Rovers World offer an exclusive interview with the player (CLICK HERE) [an subscription service). 5th March 04) FULL Story rovers.co.uk AND BBCi Sport. |
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TEXT
'Rovers Radio' + Message to 88442 Over 100 of you used Radio Rovers new TEXT service to pass on your comments during the game at Ewood. You can now message the studio at every home game ... just send ROVERS RADIO and your message (plus name) to 88442. Calls cost just 25p + your network standard change. |
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Reid
Gunning for return Funny game football - Steven Reid last played for Rovers at Arsenal last December - now after a series of injuries - the young midfield star hopes to be back in contention for Arsenal at home! rovers.co.uk have a report on the recovery of Reid, Amoruso and Thompson. - all making goo progress (26th Feb 04) FULL Story rovers,co.uk |
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"Fantasy
Football" - Friedel scores then heartbreak in injury time! Rovers went down 3-2 at Charlton - but were already 2-0 down at the break. In a remarkable second half, Andy Cole came on to get one back and then Brad Friedel scored his first ever goal in the 88th minute to make it 2-2. The celebrations had hardly died down before Charlton got the winner deep into injury time. Graeme Souness believes that luck works both ways - and now hopes that Rovers get their share in the remaining 12 games this season. (21st Feb 04) HEAR
SIMON MANN BBC reportFULL STory BBCi Sport + BBCi Sport (2 )AND rovers.co.uk PLUS rovers.co.uk (2) |
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Ready
STEAD-y GOAL (again)... Blackburn 1 - Newcastle 1 Two games - two goals - as the young starlet Jonathan Stead scores his home debut goal to secure an invaluable goal for Rovers at Ewood Park. The home side dominated the first half, and should have had a hat full. Then Craig Bellamy gave Newcastle the lead on 51 minutes as the Tyne siders started to take control. It took until the 85th minute for the man described by Graeme Souness as "Shearer Like" JONATHAN STEAD to hit the back of the net and secure the point for his new team. No it isn't a dream - and it felt like Rovers had won the cup final! (11th Feb 04) FULL Story rovers.co.uk AND BBCi Sport PLUS SKY SPORTS |
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100
for Souness ... 0-1 to Rovers - Stead debut winner!!!
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Goodbye
Martin - and good luck .. Rovers have said goodbye to Martin Taylor - 'Tiny' agreed his move to Birmingham City, just ahead of the transfer deadline. The deal nets Rovers £1.25 million, and keeps Taylor in the midlands for the next three-and-a half years.Steve Bruce told BBCi sports "I'm delighted to have got Martin and it would have been nice if Butt came to the club now as well," Graeme Souness has always described Tiny as 'son in law material' and is sure he's be a great success for City. Also out - CICCIO GRABBI, DINO BADGIO (2nd Feb 04) FULL Story BBCi Sport |
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Striker
Stead just makes it through the 'window' rovers.co.uk announce that Huddersfield striker Jonathan Stead has joined Rovers in a four and half year deal and clost "more than £1 million". The player told Rovers World “I just can’t believe what’s happening to me, I’m a little bit lost for words, but I can’t wait to get involved as it’s a fantastic opportunity.” BBCi Sport say that Rovers made a fourth offer to secure the deal. Jonathan had been at the Yorkshire club since the age of 10 - but says he's now "living the dream" The transfer window closed at 17:00 hrs this afternoon - So Rovers have added PETER ENCKELMAN, MARTIN ANDRESON, MICHAEL GRAY and STEAD. (2nd Feb 04) SEE the whole Jonathan Stead interview on Rovers World [a subscription service) FULL story also on BBCI Sport |
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Former
Rovers winger dies at 72 There's sad news today that the Former Aberdeen and Scotland manager, and Rovers winger Ally MacLeod has passed away after a long illness. Ally MacLeod played fro Rovers in the 1960 cup final against Wolves at the Wembley Stadium and was a contemporary of Rovers legends Brian Douglas and Ronnie Clayton. He turned down the chance to be the clubs Manager after Jim Illey's departure. MacLeod was Johnny Carey's most expensive signing in 1956 when he came from St. Mirren. Born in Glasgow in February 1931, Ally was a Scottish schoolboy International. Rovers fans used to call him "Noddy", because of the way his head moved when he was running. Ally scored 51 gaols for Rovers in 281 (all competition) appearances. He'll probably be best remembered for his time as Scotland Manager. He took them to the 1978 World Cup final. (1st Feb 04) MORE details BBCi Sports Scotland |
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Andreson
signs for the rest of the season Norwegian Mid field player Martin Andreson is to join Rovers on loan for the rest of the season. Last years Norwegian player of the year agreed to come to Ewood today, and is expected to join the squad this week. |
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Window
almost closed but Rovers still looking ... rovers.co.uk report that the club have made an offer for young Huddersfield striker Jonathan Stead .. and they say that there might still be more signings before the Monday deadline. And there are rumours this evening that Martin Taylor could still make a move to Birmingham City - providing more cash for a last minute transfer dash. (28th Jan 04) |
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What
a Gray day! Rovers sign former England international Michael Gray - on a two and a half year deal. The left back has joined Rovers from Sunderland on a free. The player told BBCi Sport "It is very exciting for me, not only to be joining a big club like Blackburn but also to be back in the Premiership," Gray might make his debut at Ewood on Sunday against Chelsea (28th Jan 04) FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk |
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250
for Andy Cole - but just a point for Rovers at Wolves Andy Cole opened the scoring (14') with his 250th League career goal ... he'd waited since September to score it. Craig Short came off just before the interval and 7 minutes into the second half the Wolves captain (Paul Butler) got the equaliser. Alex Rae then added a second to give the bottom club in the Premiership the lead. Then in the last ten minutes, from a free kick - sub Dwight Yorke scored from the set piece  .
Ironically Wolves have been linked with a possible offer for the striker.
Rovers had more chances - but they had to settle for a point (7th
Jan 04)FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk |
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Now
Jay has his knee put out - a 10 to 12 week injury .. Burnley's FA Cup Third Round win over Mansfield Town was soured by the news that Rovers on-loan defender Jay McEveley suffered a dislocated knee. The 18-year-old landed awkwardly in the second half and was stretchered from the pitch. "Jay has dislocated his knee," revealed Stan Ternent after the game. "The knee is back in place now, but he'll be out for around 10 to 12 weeks. "It's bad luck for us again and it seems to be one thing after another. "He'll come home with us and it's just unfortunate." Rovers loaned Jay out for a three month spell - with an option to recall him after 4 weeks. (3rd Jan 04) FULL Story burnleyfootballclub.com AND BBCi Sport |
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Not
a very Happy New Year .. As if having David Thompson and Barry Ferguson out for the rest of the season was bad enough - Garry Flitcroft and Andy Todd have now both amassed 5 yellow cards - and are now due a one match ban. The Captain will miss the Bolton Derby -and Todd the game with Manchester City, (29th Dec 03) Full Story rovers.co.uk |
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Historic
win for Rovers - but tragic result for Ferguson ...
Ferguson was rushed to hospital and the prognosis didn't look good. It was an innocuous challenge - by Garry Speed, but what might have been a dislocation - looks like a broken knee cap. Souness came straight on the field to check out his midfield star and looked away when he realised just how much pain the young Scott was in. Post match he told SKY - it soured the result for Rovers.(28th Dec 03) FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk |
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Going
Home? Blackburn are in talks with an Italian top-flight side about the sale of striker Corrado Grabbi. Blackburn chief executive John Williams said: "I think they would be quite interested in taking him but there's a long way to go in negotiations yet." (18th Dec 03) FULL Story BBCi Sport |
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No
Dunn but all dusted! 0-4
at St. Andrews! Paul Gallagher (87'00) scored his first, first team goal for Rovers as we keep a second clean sheet and ran riot in the second half at St. Andrews. Barry Ferguson also scored his first Premiership goal and there was a first of the season too for Tugay! The other goal scorer was Lucas Neill, Facing Rovers for the first time, David Dunn couldn't help his team in a fast moving game. Rovers moved up to 14th place with 17 points. (6th Dec 03) FULL Reports BBCi Sport and rovers.co.uk |
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We
want 'US' striker? Blackburn Manager Graeme Souness says that the club have been checking out the American 31 year old for the past 6 weeks. He told the press at Brockhall that they've been talking to McBride's agent and John Williams is now trying to make a loan deal happen. (5th Dec 03) FULL Story rovers.co.uk and BBCi Sport |
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Another
home win - this time it's Spurs! Paul Gallagher made his first start at Ewood but it was defender Vratislav Gresko who claimed the one goal winner in a hard fought 1-0 against Tottenham. It might not have been the worlds greatest game - but the three points were what mattered on a day that all the other teams lower down the table also secured important victories It also marked Rovers FIRST clean sheet this season! (29th Nov 03) FULL Story BBCi Sport and rovers.co.uk |
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David
Thomspon could be out for the rest of the season -
reports BBC Radio Lancashire .... The 26-year-old is currently recovering
in the US after undergoing knee surgery at the Steadman Clinic in
Colorado. BBCi
Sport quotes John Williams as telling the station that David may
come back and play some games towards the end of the season.
(20th Nov 2003) FULL Story BBCi Sports and rovers.co.uk |
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 Rover win 2-1 at home to Everton and out of the drop zone! Blackburn moved out of the bottom three with a hard-fought victory over Everton at Ewood Park. Early goals from Markus Babbel and Dwight Yorke got them off to a flying start. Graeme Souness says he's "Mighty Relieved" particullaly with tyhe first half display. (10th Nov 03) FULL Story BBCi Sport and rovers.co.uk |
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Blackburn
could be without defender Lorenzo Amoruso for up to three months following
a knee operation. The former Rangers captain had surgery to correct
the problem after an exploratory examination. (22nd Oct 03) FULL
Story BBCi Spor ALSO See LORENZO Amoruso is unlikely to play again before the New Year. (22nd Oct 03) FULL Story rovers.co.uk |
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Blackburn
Rovers boss Graeme Souness insists he has not been offered the opportunity
to succeed Glenn Hoddle at Spurs. Souness said: "I have not had any contact with Tottenham and I categorically deny I have accepted the job. "I've not been offered the Spurs job and all I'm concerned about is trying to get three points from an important match against Charlton on Monday." (18th October 2003) FULL Story BBCi Sport |
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 3 points at Portsmouth |
SEE All the goals for the season 
HEAR The Manager on BBCi Sport and his commitment to stay at Ewood
Park - "no interest in Spurs ... I'm
staying." |
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| IN and OUT |
Blackburn
In: Dino Baggio (Lazio, season loan), Barry Ferguson (Rangers,
£7.5m), Brett Emerton (Feyenoord, £2.2m), Lorenzo Amoruso (Rangers,
£1.4m), David Yelldell (Stuttgart Kickers, free), Steve Reid (Millwall,
£2.5m), Vratislav Gresko (Parma, £1.2m). Out: Damien Duff (£17m, Chelsea), David Dunn (Birmingham, £5.5m), Craig Hignett (Leicester, free), Keith Gillespie (Leicester, free), Egil Ostenstad (Rangers, season loan), Henning Berg, James Corbett, Darren Dunning, Darren Hockenhull, Marc Richards, Hakan Sukur (all released). |
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BLACKBURN
SIGN FERGUSON ... Blackburn Rovers have completed the signing of Barry
Ferguson from Rangers for £7.5m. The Scottish international signed
a four-year deal at the Ewood Park club on Friday (30th August 2003)
FULL Story BBCi
Sport FERGUSON DEAL AGREED - ROVERS have confirmed that an agreement with Rangers has been reached over the transfer of Barry Ferguson. (29th August 2003) FULL Story rovers.co.uk Rovers agree Ferguson deal Ferguson could be on his way to Ewood Park Blackburn Rovers have verbally agreed with Rangers to sign Barry Ferguson. (29th August 2003) FULL Story BBCi Sport BREAKING NEWS .... BREAKING NEWS ... Blackburn win race for Ferguson Blackburn Rovers agreed a £7.5m fee for Barry Ferguson last night to win a transfer battle and take the Rangers and Scotland captain out of the Champions' League fixture with Manchester United. Ferguson headed for Lancashire to sort out a five-year contract worth a further £9m after manager Graeme Souness' success in securing his signature despite interest from Everton. (29th August 2003) FULL Story Independent.co.uk ROVERS have confirmed that a second bid for Barry Ferguson has been rejected, but talks are ongoing. (27th August 2003) FULL Story rovers.co.uk Everton believe they are in pole position to land Rangers captain Barry Ferguson - despite having a £6m bid turned down. (27th August 2003) FULL Story BBCI Sport Blackburn boss Graeme Souness is keen to bring in Barry Ferguson and other reinforcements after seeing his side slip to a last-gasp defeat at home to Man City. (26th August 2003) FULL Story BBCi Sport Rangers manager Alex McLeish has confirmed captain Barry Ferguson wants to leave the club as soon as possible. And Blackburn Rovers are favourites to land the 25-year-old Scotland international. (22nd August 2003) FULL Story BBCi Sport Ferguson wants out of Ibrox Rangers. manager Alex McLeish has confirmed Barry Ferguson wants to leave the club as soon as possible. Blackburn and Liverpool have been linked with the midfielder. (22nd August 2003)FULL Story SKY SPORTS |
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SEASON
STARTS SO WELL!! |
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BBC
SPORT report .... Lorenzo Amoruso has finally completed his £1.4m move from Rangers to Blackburn. The 32-year-old Italian was paraded at a news conference at Ewood Park on Monday... American goalkeeper David Yeldell from Stuttgart, and Rovers will complete a transfer quartet by finally completing the signing of Slovakian defender Vratislav Gresko(see full story) BBC SPORT - 14th July 2003 |
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Blackburn
Rovers Report .... Brett Emerton signs for Rovers ... The 24-year Australian star put pen to paper on a four-year contract and was be presented to te press at Brockhall on Monday 14th July 2003 ROVERWORLD have World exclusive interviews (subscription may be needed) rovers.co.uk and bbc.co.uk (14th July 2003) |
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 (C) BBCi  |
DAMIEN DUFF FILE ... completes Chelsea
move. The 24-year-old winger has signed a four-year deal and becomes
the Blues' fourth summer capture following billionaire Roman Abramovich's
takeover of the club. BBCi Sport (21st July 2003) Man Utd chief executive Peter Kenyon says the club are not interested in signing Damien Duff BBCi Sport (20th July 2003) Chelsea have agreed a fee with Blackburn for Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff. BBCi Sport (16th July 2003) "I don't want to lose Damien - we always knew Damien was a very special player," said Souness. "We have no intention of selling him and we want to keep him here." BBCi SPORT (14th July 2003) |
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  The Summer's BIG stories (archive) |
Damien
Duff officially joined Chelsea this evening .... 21-07-03 Click
Here
'DD'
- they were the 'double diamond', who worked wonders for Rovers
(older fans will understand and remember the brand!) |
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On October 30th 2003,
Radio Rovers was 10 years old.
THE UK's LONGEST RUNNING FOOTBALL RADIO STATION
"THANKS FOR LISTENING "
the home of Blackburn Rovers F.C. Since then we've broadcast EVERY home game 'live'
We operate under a Radio Authority R.S.L. (restricted service license), covering Blackburn.
Radio Rovers is for ALL Rovers fans! (At home and abroad)
All the latest news, views and reaction PLUS every home match 'live',
on 1404 kHz (212 mtrs) Medium Wave, and NOW also (both home & away).
We transmit from the Ewood Stadium, and our studio is based in the Darwen End stand with a great view of the pitch. Our commentary team sit in the press box at the top of the Jack Walker Stand, with an even better view of the pitch. Do join us and share our passion!
Season 2003-04
Some memories
to cherish