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Final
Thoughts for 2004
And from me - a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
- and Good luck for Rovers at Aston Villa and for 2005
(click on the above headlines
to follow the link to each story)
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Savage
personal plea for a move, and some understanding ..
The Daily Telegraph report on what they describe as a 'plea'
from Robbie Savage to Birmingham City to let him move to Blackburn
- the paper and website reveal the sad story of the 'turmoil'
that the player is going through saying
"Savage has finally revealed the extent of the personal
anguish that is dominating his life - blaming himself for the
stroke suffered by his mother and the illness that has forced
his father to quit work at the age of 57.... He is being persecuted
by his own Birmingham fans because of a possible £2.5 million
move to Ewood Park" And they quote him as saying
"I don't like people saying derogatory
things about me. I like nice things being said. This is not
about money. Whether I am at Birmingham, Wrexham or wherever,
I just want to be close to my family." (30th
December 2004)
thetelegraph.co.uk
(full story)
bbc.co.uk (more on Savage deal)
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Aaron
on his way - and can't wait...
Rovers January signing - SOUTH AFRICAN captain Aaron Mokoena
- has been telling the media about his excitement at the move
to Blackburn. The player is quoted on many websites as saying
"For South Africans going into
the Premiership it can be hectic and really difficult. But
I’ve been in Europe for a while and picked up a lot of experience
... I am really excited at the prospect"
Reports say that Rovers have agreed a fee of £300,000 for
Aaron, who should be here next week. The transfer window opens
on January 1st - but because of the Bank Holidays, paperwork
won't be completed for the first few days of the New Year.
(29th December 2004)
thesun.co.uk
(report)
sportinglife.com
(story)
soccernet.espn.go.com (more).
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3rd
win of the season - in Bank Holiday derby at Bolton
Rovers picked up their 3rd win of the season at the expense
of local rivals Bolton, and moved another place away from the
bottom three. Jay Bothroyd could have given Rovers the lead
within the first minute, but Jaaskelainen saved with his body
at the near post. Minutes later it was Bothroyd again who fed
through to Steven Read and then Paul Dickov hit a 20 yard unstoppable
volley to give the visitors an early lead. Injured Bothroyd
was replaced by Jon Stead after 25 minutes whofound the woodwork.
Bolton threw everything at Blackburn in the second half, with
ex-Rover Kevin Davies coming closest - but put his shot over
the bar.
Mark Hughes was delighted with the result, and felt that the
result was just what the team deserved after coming so close
to wins in recent games. He told reporters "We've not had the
rewards that our performances have deserved recently, but we
did here. "There was a determination
in the dressing room before the game - we knew we had enough
quality to beat them and we showed that with the goal. In the
second-half we withstood everything they threw at us and created
more chances so the win was deserved." Hughes believes
this is a sign of things to come. (28th December 2004)
rovers.co.uk
(full report )
rovers.co.uk
(reacrtion)
bbc.co.uk
(full report) bbc.co.uk
(reaction) PLUS interview with Mark Hughes
Goals
(all the goals)
Table & Tally |
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A
point a piece on Rovers Return for Souness..
Blackburn and Newcastle entertained a near capacity crowd for
Boxing Day with an entertaining 2-2 draw on the day that saw
Graeme Souness make his first return to Ewood. It only took
five minutes for Kieron Dyer to give the visitors the lead ...
but 20 minutes later, Souness signing Paul Dickov scored at
the other end to make it 1-1. Brad Friedel could do nothing
to stop a superb 30 yard free kick from Laurent Robert on the
half hour, and at the interval Rovers trailed 1-2. The second
half started with a Rovers bombardment of the Newcastle area
- and it only seemed inevitable that the home side would get
another. on 54 minutes Andy Todd scored only his second goal
for the club to bring Rover level again. There were plenty more
chances at both ends, but Mark Hughes side added another draw
and a valuable point to the tally for the season.
The second half also saw the rare site of a Refereeing substitution,
when Matt Massias had to come off to be replaced by fourth official
Uriah Rennie. Despite what seemed like quite a long delay, only
3 minutes of time was added at the end of the game, and Mark
Hughes felt that Rovers were denied potentially valuable playing
time. He told Radio Rovers "But
I'm a little bit disappointed that the final whistle went in
all honesty, obviously they had to change the referee and took
an age to get the other guy back on and in all honesty I think
they've got the timings wrong and something needs to be said
about it because there is no way that we played the full allocation
of time today. There's nothing we can do about it now, but it
highlights that they need to be up to speed."
(26th December 2004)
* Jay Bothroyd failed a fitness test - Jon Stead started
* Steve Reid went off injured to be replaced by David Thompson
rovers.co.uk
(full report )
rovers.co.uk
(reacrtion)
bbc.co.uk
(full report) PLUS interview with Souness and Hughes
Goals (all the goals)
Table & Tally |
IN
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rovers.co.uk have confirmed that AARON Mokoena is set to become
the clubs latest signing. As reported in South African press
(click here) ten days ago, the 24 year-old
has completed trials with Rovers and has impressed sufficiently
for talks to have taken place. Mark Hughes told the website
"Aaron is the captain of South Africa
and can play in central defence or the centre of midfield. We
have agreed a deal with Racing Club Genk of Belgium and with
the player himself." The deal is now subject to work
permit and registrations completion, before Aaron becomes available
to play. "He has impressed us during training.
He is a great athlete with pace, a good organiser, a very vocal
character and he will be a good addition."
(23rd December 2004)
rovers.co.uk
(full story)
bbc.co.uk
(story) |
IN
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 The
Spector of Christmas Present! - as Jonathan signs for Rovers
ManUtd.com
report that Manchester United young defender Jonathan Spector
will join Rovers on loan until the end of the season. The site
report that the 18-year-old had a run of three games at left-back
in August, but has only forced his way into the side twice since.
Sir Alex Ferguson believes a loan move to Ewood Park for the
remainder of the campaign will make the American defender mentally
and physically stronger. "We feel that Jonathan is the type
that needs that challenge now, he is very close to first-team
level. The challenge of going out on loan will test him and
bring him on that bit further." (23rd December 2004)
manutd.com
(full story)
bbc.co.uk
(more details) |
OUT
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Dans
Departs
Rovers have confirmed the departure of Neil Dans to Colchester.
The former academy player has also had loan spells with Blackpool
and Hartlepool. rovers.co.uk say "The
22 year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Layer Road earlier
this season where he made quite an impression with the supporters."
(23rd December 2004)
rovers.co.uk
(full story) |
UPDATE
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'Derisory'
offer - say Birmingham City
The Football Guardian website report that Birmingham have rejected
Rovers £2.2million bid for Robbie Savage - and called
it 'derisory'. They quote David Gold as saying "Rovers
have offered what we feel is a derisory sum for Robbie Savage
and we have turned the bid down." He also seemed
pour cold water on any offer saying "...even
if they offer us a lot more we would not sell Savage to them.
Like us, they are involved in a relegation dogfight, so it would
be madness to sell one of our best players to a competitor."
ALSO according to The Sun Karren Brady has accused Rovers of
unsettle Savage. “I had told them not
to bother putting a bid in writing unless it was a serious one.
But what they came up with was nothing short of derisory. “It
could have meant us waiting five years to get our money. The
way things are going all this could affect the relationship
between the two clubs.” (22nd December 2004)
footballguardian.co.uk
(full story)
thesun.co.uk
(full story) |
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Dickov
- not OFF --- Savage may be ON
Rovers have confirmed and rejected a bid for striker Paul
Dickov. Paul has 5 Premiership goals to his name at Rovers
and John Williams told the clubs official website rovers.co.uk
that they had turned down an approach from Birmingham City.
He also confirmed that the Scottish International is keen
to continue his career with Blackburn.
Rovers have today confirmed receiving an approach from Birmingham
City for top scorer Paul Dickov. Chief ed.
"We rejected the approach and Paul also made it clear that
he was very happy here at Rovers and had no intention of leaving,"
said Mr Williams.
Meanwhile - the links the otter way with City's Robbie Savage
seem to be stronger, with the player talking to SKY sports
news ... he told them "I think that's
nothing to do with me, it's to do with the two clubs concerned.
I think they have [put a bid in]. I signed a four-year contract
four months ago. There has been speculation about me for the
two years I have been at Birmingham. First it was Everton,
now it's Blackburn.... I haven't created this speculation
myself. I haven't phoned up every paper saying Blackburn are
trying to buy me. It's up to the two clubs, that's it really."
(21st December 2004)
rovers.co.uk
(full story)
bbc.co.uk (full story)
skysports.com
(Dickov and Savage)
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Youri
Djorkaeff set to depart
The Lancashire Evening Telegraph report that the three month
contract with Youri Djorkaeff will not be renewed, and the injured
Frenchman will leave Ewood at the end of the month. In his time
in Blackburn, he only made three appearances - and hopes that
he'd reproduce some of last seasons play making performances
at Bolton haven't happened. The Telegraph say he will leave
by 'mutual consent'. 21st December 2004) |
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Aaron
Mokoena agrees fee and plays on January 3rd! (www.iol.co.za)
www.iol.co.za report that
"A R6,7-million fee has been agreed with
Mokoena's Belgium club Racing Genk and the 24-year-old defender
is likely to be rushed straight into the first team by Rovers'
manager Mark Hughes." The site claim that "...the
South African is expected to make his debut for Rovers at their
Ewood home ground against Charlton Athletic on January 3."
( 20th December 2004)
PLUS Abel
Xavier
SKY sports report that
Portuguese defender Abel Xavier is confident he will sign for
Blackburn Rovers this week. "I've
been told I will have an offer in the next 24 to 36 hours,"
he stated. "I have nothing to prove and feel strong." Xavier
has been without a club since leaving German outfit Hannover
earlier in the season." (20th
December 2004)
Aaron
Mokoena (full story)
Abel
Xavier (full story) |
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Short
to miss Christmas list
Blackburn veteran defender Craig Short
will miss the Christmas and New Year games having picked up
a hamstring injury. Craig was substituted early in the weekend's
Everton game, and is now expected to be out for a couple of
weeks. rovers.co.uk quote Mark Hughes
"He just overstretched for a high ball, he has a slight strain.
We hope it won't be too long but with hamstrings it is usually
a minimum of two weeks." (20th
December 2004)
rovers.co.uk
(story)
bbc.co.uk
(report) |
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Valuable
point at home to Everton in goal less draw
Rovers picked up a point at home to Everton with the
second 0-0 in a week. Having gone 58 games to reach the first
goal less game, it was 2 in 2 despite a dominating performance
from Blackburn. Sub Paul Gallagher DID score - but the goal
with just 5 minutes left in the match, was ruled off side. In
injury time Brett Emerton hit the outside of the woodwork. Brad
Friedal had a very quiet afternoon, as the mid field and defence
held up well against the Premierships no.2 team. Mark Hughes
was delighted with the performance, and most pundits said that
Rovers should have collected all three points. The result took
them away from the bottom three, with Norwich, West Brom and
Crystal Palace and Southampton all suffering big defeats. Rovers
now have 15 points and stand 16th on goal difference above Norwich.
(18th December 2004)
bbc.co.uk
(report)
bbc.co.uk
(reaction)
rovers.co.uk
(reaction)
Goals (all the goals)
Table & Tally |
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Aaron
Mokoena - Rovers target??
Sport.Iafrica report that Bafana Bafana defender Aaron Mokoena's
proposed move to Blackburn looks set to go ahead. The website
say that the 24 year old South African central defender and
national team captain had trials with Rovers last week, and
were impressed with him and are keen to sign the player. The
site say "The two clubs are currently
in advanced talks over a £600 000 deal." (14th
December 2004)
sport.iafrica.com
(story)
www.krcgenk.be
(player profile) |
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Hands
Off ... Morten
Rovers have rejected a bid to take Norway winger Morten Gamst
Pedersen on loan. Although the ex Tromso player has had few
chances so far at Ewood, Manager Mark Hughes told the Lancashire
evening Telegraph that his chance would come. "Morten
is working very hard. At the moment, it is not the right time
to put him in but he will have an impact for us this season."
he told the paper. (14th December 2004)
bbc.co.uk
(report)
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Robbie
Savage and Ryan Nelsen for Ewood??
The Lancashire Evening Telegraph say that Mark Hughes is going
to make a £2million bid for Birmingham City's Robbie Savage
when the Winter Window opens in a few weeks time. The paper
says "So far, both clubs have
chosen to remain tight-lipped about the possibility of a deal
being struck for the outspoken Welshman. But Savage's name has
been at the top of Hughes' wanted list for some time and as
I understand it, a move is in the offing.... the 27-year-old
has privately indicated he wants to link up with Hughes and
assistant manager Mark Bowen after a successful spell working
under the duo with Wales."
Meanwhile reports from New Zealand say that Rovers are also
close to making a move for All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen. The
player has been training at Brockhall for the past week or so
and the NZ website say that "The
Christchurch-born centre-back completes his four-year contract
with American Major League soccer champion DC United on December
31, and is then free to transfer." They have
the view down-under that "... it
would be a great fillip for New Zealand football if Nelsen could
join the Premier League club." (13th
December 2004)
stuff.co.nz
(report)
thisislancashire.co.uk
(LET [NB this page has variable address]) |
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Thompson
on as sub, and sees Red at Palace
Rovers had all the chances in the first half, but had to finish
their London tie with only ten men. On a day that saw other
results going against Rovers - they picked up a point with their
first 0-0 resuult for 58 games!! They drooped to 18th on 14
points.
But the headlines will reflect the second yellow in five minutes,
that saw David Thompson leave the field when Blackburn saw RED
for the fifth time this season.
bbc.co.uk
(report )
bbc.co.uk
(reaction)
rovers.co.uk (latest news)
Goals (all the goals)
Table & Tally
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Abel
Xavier for Rovers??
BBC Sport report that Mark Hughes has given on-trial defender
Abel Xavier a week to prove that he deserves a contract at Ewood
Park. With the transfer window just weeks away, Abel has been
watched at close range by Rovers in training at Brockhall. The
BBC quote the manager as saying "He
has lost his way a bit but we are having a look at him. I would
rather look at players first hand in training than rely on agents
and videos. He's done okay but he has only had one training
session so he will be here for a couple more days next week
before we make a decision."
Also under consideration is New Zealand captain Ryan Nelson
who's to spend spend a second week training with Blackburn.
Hughes expects to make a number of mid season signings to strengthen
the squad and stave off relegation. (10th December 2004)
bbc.co.uk
(report) |
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Three
more in court - Dwight Yorke case
BBC Sport report that three more local men have appeared in
court charged with racially abusing Dwight Yorke.
Shaun Baxter, 35, of Belper Street, Andrew Roberts, 19, and
Brian Hargreaves, 20, both of Arron Avenue, appeared before
Blackburn magistrates. They are charged with racially aggravated
public order offences. It follows the game held at Blackburn's
home ground, Ewood Park, on 21 November. The BBC say that Magistrates
granted an application to adjourn Thursday's hearing and the
three men were released on unconditional bail to return to the
same court on 16 December. (9th December 2004)
bbc.co.uk
(report) |
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TUGAY
to miss Christmas Cheer
Rovers
influential midfield man Tugay looks set to miss the busy Christmas
schedule after picking up a training ground injury ...BBC Sports
report that a scan has revealed that the 34-year-old Turkish
international suffered damage to a 'medial knee ligament'. He
is likely to miss all six of Rovers' Premiership matches over
the forthcoming festive period. (9th December 2004)
bbc.co.uk
(report)
rovers.co.uk
(details)
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ATOUBU charged with 'violent conduct'
The FA report that the Spurs defender Thimothee Atouba has been
charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for violent conduct. It
follows the incident involving Paul Dickov during Rovers match
on Saturday 4 Dec. The FA say "He
is required to respond to the charge by 6pm on Tuesday 7 December,
with the case scheduled to be heard at a Disciplinary Commission
on Friday 10 December." (6th December
2004)
thefa.com
(full report)
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A
return to Cardiff ... The FA Cup 2004-2005
Blackburn Rovers will visit Cardiff City in the third round
of this year FA Cup. The draw this afternoon (Sunday 5th December
2004) The game will take manager Mark Hughes back to the City
where he played his last 90 minutes for Rovers in the Worthington
Cup final. Rovers last played at Ninian Park back in April 1985
in the old second division when they 2-1 winners. Rovers.co.uk
report that "The two sides have
met twice in the FA Cup, with honours even, at win apiece, although
a replay was required for Rovers to progress to the 6th round
in 1958 after a goalless draw at Cardiff. "
(5th December 2004)
rovers.co.uk
(news)
facuop 2004-5
(gjmedia full draw details) |
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Rovers
loose the first in 6 - at home to Spurs...
After a run of four draws and a great win last weekend at Fulham,
Rovers cam down to earth at Ewood - losing 1-0 to Spurs. Paul
Gallagher would have scored just after the break, had Paul Robinson
not made a superb save, but Robbie Keane scored the winner on
56 minutes to leave Rover 17th in the Premiership.
Manager Mark Hughes told reporters "We've lost a game at a time
we felt we were getting a hold of it and were on the front foot.
"It was a terrible goal to concede. They got players behind
the ball, and we didn't have enough guile. "It's frustrating
for us. We haven't played well; we didn't have enough imagination."
(4th December 2004)
bbc.co.uk
(report )
bbc.co.uk
(reaction)
rovers.co.uk (hughes thoughts)
Goals (all the goals)
Table & Tally
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BIG
MATCH PREVIEW
Blackburn v Tottenham - 17:15 Saturday
4th December 2004 (live on SKY)
bbc.co.uk
(preview)
bbc.co.uk (Hughes view)
rovers.co.uk (club preview) |
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Long lay off for
Gresko.
Blackburn have confirmed that Vratislav Gresko could miss the
rest of the season. Phil Batty told the clubs official website
"Vratty returned from international duty with an injury.
Tests have revealed cruciate ligament damage and unfortunately
he will be out of action for several months." Gresko picked
up the injury whilst playing in the for Slovakia against Slovenia
in mid-November. (2nd December 2004)
rovers.co.uk
(rteport)
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"I'm loving it at Blackburn"
- Captain pledge to stay at Ewood
The LANCASHIRE EVENING TELEGRAPH have an exclusive interview
with Rovers Captain Barry Ferguson, in which the Scot scotches
rumours of his return North of the border. Nor does there seem
to be any interest in moving to join Rovers ex-manager at Newcastle.
The full interview reproduced on the
thisislancashire.co.uk website talks at length to Ferguson,
who also has plenty of positive comments about the new regime
at Blackburn. (1st December 2004)
"It's all a bit annoying, I've still
got more than two years left on my contract here and since the
new regime have come in, I've really enjoyed it. The training
has been excellent and I think I can learn a lot off the new
guys who have come in and the stuff they're coaching us. The
main thing is I'm happy and my family is happy. And if we can
get the right results on a Saturday then I'll be even happier.
So I definitely see my future here. You're always going to get
speculation and clubs are always going to get linked. I can't
do anything about that and until anything concrete happens,
I'm loving it at Blackburn and, hopefully, I can stay here for
a few more years yet." |
CHANGE
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Bolton,
another TV game
Rovers have announced that Rovers home tie with neighbours Bolton
Wanderers has been moved from Saturday to a Monday night kick
off . The game was scheduled for 22nd January (2005) but SKY
have now scheduled the match for Monday Night Football - and
it's now a 20:00 kick off on 24th Jan (2005). (1st Decembre
2004)
rovers.co.uk
(full details) |
