IN's and OUT's - JANUARY 2005
Barry Ferguson slipped out of Ewood at the eleventh hour and goes home to Glasgow Rangers

The on-off affair seems to have included a £5miilion chance of a move to Everton, but the former Blackburn Captain was only keen on a return to Ibrox. He had a medical on Monday evening, and then agreed a five and a half year deal North of the border. Rovers were keen not to loose their man - but equally keen not to loose money on a player they paid £6.5 Million for 18 months ago. This term saw just 2 goals for Ferguson - 1 in the 3-2 defeat at Southampton, and the other in the 2 all draw at home to Aston Villa. He also scored 2 goals in an injury hit first season at Ewood - in the League Cup defeat against Liverpool, and the memorable 4-0 thrashing of Birmingham City at St. Andrews. The full fee for Ferguson WOULD have risen to £7.5 Million - but it's understood that that was based on appearances and European games.
The Rangers deal is for just £4.5 Million - rising to £5 Million. (23:00 31-01-05)

FROM THE ARCHIVES - THIS IS HOW FERGUSON'S ARRIVAL AT EWOOD WAS REPORTED IN AUGUST 2003

Ferguson File click for player profile

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) 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

And in the rest of the news ....
IN: Aaron Mokoena; Ryan Nelsen; Robbie Savage
OUT: Barry Ferguson; Javier De Pedro, Alex Bruce; David Yelldell (loan)

bbc.co.uk (Ferguson) skysport.com (Ferguson) rangers.co.uk (club site)

De Pedro leaves on a free ...
SKY Sports News report that Javier De Pedro has left Blackburn to join Perugia.
The Spanish winger has failed to establish himself at Ewood Park since arriving last summer from Real Sociedad. SKY say The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-year deal at Perugia after agreeing terms and passing a medical.(31st Jan 2005)
skysports.com (full story)

ROVERS DRAW BURNLEY!!!! (AWAY)
THE draw for the 5th Round of the FA cup has drawn Burnley (12) v Blackburn (3) !!!
The 'dream draw' will see an East Lancs derby with Rovers the favourites to make it through to the next round!
Mark Hughes told rovers.co.uk "Obviously, everyone always hopes for a home draw, but we are very much looking forward to going across to Turf Moor.
It is a big local derby, I remember playing for Rovers the last time we went there."

The FA Cup Fifth Round 19/20 February 2005

Bolton Wanderers v Derby County or Fulham
WBA or Tottenham H v Nottingham Forest
Everton v Manchester United
Charlton Athletic v Leicester City
Burnley v Blackburn Rovers
Southampton v Brentford or Hartlepool Utd
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Arsenal v West Ham United or Sheffield United

CLICK HERE TO HEAR clip (31st Jan 2005)

thefa.com (all the details) facup 0405 (report) rovers.co.uk (reaction)

SKY Sports News report:
.... that Rovers and Rangers are in new 'talks' about their latest bid to take Barry Ferguson back to Ibrox.
(31st Jan 2005) 11:00

'D' for Decision Day ...
The final day for transfers in the 'winter window' looks likely to have more than a few twist and turns. Websites are full of speculation about the future of Craig Bellamy and Barry Ferguson. Despite hopes on Friday that Rovers Captain would be staying at Ewood, there are now some reports that say an eleventh hour bid from Ibrox could still see the player head North of the border..... Other reporters believe that he might only make it as far as the North East - with a bid from Newcastle a possibility!!
setanta.com report the Rangers boss Alex McLeish as saying "I'm not convinced the deal is finished. We are doing all we can and everyone will know the answer come the transfer window deadline (tomorrow)."

It's also understood that although Birmingham City had a £6 million offer accepted by Newcastle for Craig Bellamy, the player is yet to accept the terms of the move to the midlands. Some reports say that Rovers have also tabled a similar bid - structured over a number of years. Mark Hughes told Radio Rovers on Friday that he was a big fan of the Welsh striker - and the club had enquired about his availability. icbirmingham.co.uk say "Rovers tabled their bid and told Newcastle their payment would be structured over three years in a move which stokes up the rivalry again between Birmingham and Blackburn. Newcastle chiefs are believed to be happy with Rovers' proposal and now it appears to be a straight choice for the player although Everton are also in the running and there is a highly unlikely option of Bellamy going to Celtic on loan."

So, with only hours to go - Freguson and Bellamy are very mush STILL in the headlines - Rovers could have a new striker and loose their Captain.

ALSO

SKY sports also report that Blackburn could make a late bid to bring in John Carew on loan. SKY quote Mark Hughes as saying "John Carew is a very good player, I played against him and I have also come up against him as a manager. At this stage, though, the only way I will be able to bring a striker in will be through a loan deal, so we are looking at ways to do that." (29th Jan 2005)
sentanta.com (Rangers-Ferguson) icbirmingham.co.uk (Bellamy-Newcastle) skysports.com (John Carew)

Spector Staying at United ...
As the transfer window closes, Manchester United have decided NOT to let young American defender Jonathan Spector out on loan to Blackburn. It's reported that continued injury problems at Old Trafford have meant that Sir Alex has opted to keep the youngster in his squad, and Rovers have lost out on the chance of taking him on loan.
"Jonathan won't be going to Blackburn now, we couldn't let him go due to injuries and illness to Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Wes Brown" (30t Jan 2005)
skyports.com (report)

3-0 at Ewood, and into the 5th Round for Rovers
A Bizarre own goal - a debut goal for Jemal Johnson and a first for Dominic Matteo saw Rovers safely through the Mondays FA Cup draw.
The opening goal came when keeper Aidan Davison failed to clear a Kevin Watson back pass - and helped the ball into his own net on 21 minutes ... Just minutes later Rovers made it 2-0 when Jemal Johnson scored his first for the senior side with a cracking 18 yards shot. After the break it was defender Dominic Matteo who added the third as he 'diverted' a Robbie Savage free kick. It could have been four when sub Ryan Nelson had his goal disallowed - but Rovers will settle for a comfortable tie and hope for another home game in the fifth round draw.
Mark Hughes told Radio Rovers "Jemal did very well, it was an opportunity to give him some more game time and he took it. He scored a first class goal but also impressed me with his movement and energy. It will have done him a lot of good. That was one of many positives, I thought we were very professional in how we went about the job. We got a gift goal which knocked them onto the back foot, but we worked really hard throughout and got our reward." (29th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (report) rovers.co.uk (reaction) Goals (all the goals) Table & Tally facup 0405 (report)

And Finally Ewood ....
As the Winter Window slowly closes - there's plenty of speculation about late moves in and out of Ewood Park.
Talkfc.com report that Liverpool are being linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Thompson. The site say ..".Liverpool's interest for the player has yet to be confirmed by any solid source but there is no doubt the 27-year-old would improve a Liverpool squad that is currently very thin in midfield with Xabi Alonso and Vladimir Smicer on the treatment table. It is not known whether Thompson would even want to move back to Anfield to fight for a place he is pretty much guaranteed at Everton"

Meanwhile - despite news that the move to take Craig Bellamy on loan seems to have failed, blackburnrovers.-mad.co.uk say "Blackburn Rovers are set to make a last-gasp attempt to sign a new striker before the January transfer window slams shut on Monday" They link the club with a move for Diego Tristan (CLICK HERE FOR EARLIER STORY) and John Carew. As they say "It is thought a loan-move for either one of the pair could be completed over the weekend. Watch this space"
And Rovers have confirmed a move OUT of Ewood for David Yelldell - the keeper has gone on loan to Brighton. (28th Jan 2005)
talkfc.com (David Thompson) blackburnrovers-mad.co.uk (strikers) rovers.co.uk (Yelldell)

Barry to stay a Rover...
Rovers.co.uk report that a second bid from Rangers for Captain Barry Ferguson has been rejected by the club, and it now looks likely that he'll stay at Ewood Park. BBC Sport say a statement from Rangers insisted that the deal was now dead as they would not be making another improved offer. Rangers official website issued the following statement.
"BARRY FERGUSON will not be returning to Rangers after Blackburn Rovers rejected a substantial second offer today. "Rangers Football Club can confirm that a further increased offer was made today to Blackburn Rovers to acquire the registration of Barry Ferguson. Our £4 million offer was rejected and negotiations will proceed no further after Blackburn Rovers made it clear they would only accept a transfer fee of £6 million. Rangers Football Club is disappointed as we believe this offer to be substantial." (27th Jan 2005)
rovers.co.uk (short statment) bbc.co.uk (story) rangers.co.uk (full report)

Alex Bruce joins up with Dad Steve
Rovers have confirmed that defender Alex Bruce has joined Birmingham City.
The Club will receive a 25 per cent "sell on" of any future transfer deal involving the player
Alex will join up with his Father at Birmingham - his contract was due to expire at the end of the current season. (27th Jan 2005)

2 and 2 makes .... Bellamy??? Or could Rovers have found their man ???
Various news sites report that Blackburn could be in line to take out of favour Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy on loan. The Telegraph quote John Williams saying "If there is an opportunity to bring in a striker on loan before the transfer window shuts [next Monday] then that is something Mark would be interested in doing". Newcastle value the Welsh International as worth over £7 Million - well outside Rovers price bracket - but a loan might be possible.
However the paper also say "only initial interest in taking Bellamy off the club's hands had been registered in an audacious approach from the Championship side Stoke City, although reports also linked Bellamy with Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa."
Mark Hughes obviously knows Bellamy well, and a deal would also solve his chances of brining in a striker during the January Window. Chelsea are next up in the league - wouldn't THAT be interesting.
FOX Sports say "Blackburn are hot favourites to land Craig Bellamy after they confirmed their intention to sign a striker on loan amid little interest in the Welshman."
Watch this space!!! (26th Jan 2005)
telegraph.co.uk (full story) foxsport.com (full story)

Rangers prepare new bid for Barry ..
BBC Sport report that Rangers are to make a new improved offer for Rovers Captain Barry Ferguson .. But, the BBC say, the Glasgow club will NOT meet Rovers £6m asking price for the Scotland star.It's also emerged that Rovers had offered Ferguson a new contract before Christmas, that would keep him at the club beyond his current deal. "This deal is still open should he remain at Ewood Park." (26th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (full report)

Diouf 'dive' denies Rovers a point
Radio Rovers received a host of emails and texts complaining about the apparent 'dive' resulting in the penalty goal by El-Hadji Diouf that won Bolton all the points at Ewood Park ... The Controversial player was also lucky to be on the park after in another incident he elbowed Andy Todd while Kevin Nolan was "just as lucky" after a tackle on Robbie Savage. The spot kick incident overshadowed the Lancashire Derby - and any good work from Rovers was soon forgotten thanks to the 76th minutes goal. Brad Friedel palmed the penalty clear - but the ball went in on the rebound.
A furious Mark Hughes told the BBC "It was never a penalty. The lad has a reputation for diving and he has enhanced it. It was diabolical and we have lost points because of it. Diouf should not have been on the pitch anyway. He caught Andy Todd (with an elbow) and the ref saw it but pulled out a yellow card. Refs are paid to make decisions and he did not make the correct ones."
Speaking to Radio Rovers, the Manager said "I'm disappointed with the penalty award, it was a diabolical decision in all honesty. The lad dived, he's got a reputation for diving, the referee should be aware of that and should have taken that into account, he hasn't and he's been conned. I don't think anybody really deserved to win the game, we were lacking a bit of guile up front, we needed a little bit of quality in the final third and it wasn't there this evening.(24th Jan 2005)
rovers.co.uk (reaction) rovers.co.uk (report) bbc.co.uk (reaction) bbc.co.uk (report)
Goals (all the goals) Table & Tally

More Money for a transfer to Rangers ....
BBC Sport report that Rovers Captain Barry Ferguson has been told that Rangers will have to up their 'derisory offer ' if they want to secure the services of their former player. However according to the website, Ferguson's agent, John Viola, said: "We had a proposed meeting, but John Williams was knocked out with flu. It's a case of waiting to hear when he is better, which will probably be later in the week."
Apparently Rovers have told Barry that they are "sympathetic to his desire to return to his former club". But it is believed that they will only allow him to leave should their own valuation for the be met . (23rd Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (full story)
Rovers confirm - Ferguson can go ... for the right fee
BBC Sport have updated their story confirming that Rovers will let their captain leave Ewood Park - IF Rangers up their bid. "To say there is clear water between Rangers' offer and our valuation is an understatement" Rovers chief executive John Williams told BBC Sport. (25th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (updated report)

Window still open ...
John Williams admitted that the three new players that have already joined Rovers this January might not be the end of the story. Today SKY SPORTS say that Rovers are linked with a move for Deportivo La Coruna striker Diego Tristan. Diego has only had six starts this term and scored three goals. SKY say that Mark Hughes is understood to want Tristan "on loan until the end of the season, but is being scared off by Depor's reported demands of £1 million for such a deal." (23rd Jan 2005)
skysports.com (full story)

Pedersen does it again! - Rovers 3 - Cardiff 2
Morten Gamst Pedersen made it three in three as he scored the third goal for Rovers at Ewood Park in the FA Cup replay against Cardiff City. Rovers took an early lead through David Thompson, but Cardiff equalised through Joel McAnuff to make it 1-1 after 24 minutes. Then Rovers took the lead again as a 'freak' Thompson goal made it 2-1 on the half hour.The Pedersen close range shot came just a minute after the break, giving Blackburn what looked like an unbeatable 3-1 advantage. But Cardiff kept up the pressure, and James Collins scored their second on 53 minutes. Rovers looked nervous at the back, and the last twenty minutes was end to end with a host of free kicks and corners going the visitors way. But Rovers survived and will now meet Colchester on the weekend of the 29th/30th January at Ewood Park

Mark Hughes told Radio Rovers "It was a poor game from our point of view, we never really played at any stage in the game. We possibly got stuck into the kind of game that Cardiff wanted to play, but fair play to them, they were energetic, they got up to the ball which at times we didn't do, we made it a hard night. We are thankful that we got the result and are in the hat but we can do better than that." (19th Jan 2005)
rovers.co.uk (reaction) bbc.co.uk (report) Goals (all the goals) Table & Tally facup 0405 (report)

"DELIGHTED to be here ... " Robbie of the Rovers
Robbie Savage completed his move to Ewood Park in time to watch his new team beat Cardiff City for a place in the next round of the FA Cup. In an exclusive interview with Radio Rovers/Rovervision, the former Birmingham City man talked of his two weeks of anguish waiting fro the move to happen."This has been the longest two weeks of my life. I went from being a hero to becoming the most hated man in Birmingham," he told them. "I want to repay the faith he has shown in me and prove to the fans that I am worth every penny."
Subscribers to Rovers World can see the full interview and reaction from his new Manager Mark Hughes by logging on to the site.(CLICK HERE)}
Hughes told rovers.co.uk "He was worth waiting for, Robbie is going to be a very good player for Blackburn Rovers for years to come."
It's understood that the Welsh international has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Rovers who paid a fee of £3million (19th Jan 2005)

rovers.co.uk (full story) rovers.co.uk (reaction) roversworld (interviews) bbc.co.uk (background)

ONE in - ONE out???
bbc.co.uk report that Rovers have confirmed they have agreed a fee with Birmingham City for Robbie Savage, while rovers.co.uk say that Barry Ferguson has submitted a written request to leave Ewood Park.
SAVAGE: A spokesman told the BBC "The next stage will be to confirm personal terms with the captain of Wales and for him to have a medical." And a frustrated Mark Hughes told BBC Five Live "I hoped it could have been resolved by last Friday but it's still up in the air, It would be better for all parties if it was resolved quickly rather than allowed to drag on."

FERGUSON: John Williams told the club website that " I can confirm that Barry has put in a transfer request and the situation will now be considered by the Board." As reported last week, Rangers chairman David Murray has insisted they will not be increasing their £3m bid for Rovers Captain - that would only yield £440,000 for the player who cost the club £6.5 million (CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO EARLIER STORY) (18th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (SAVAGE) rovers.co.uk (FERGUSON)


SKY SAY "SAVAGE IN TOWN FOR MEDICAL"
Sky Sports News had an exclusive interview with Robbie Savage who appeared to be in or close to Blackburn and said he would have a medical on Wednesday (19th Jan 2005) - and Birmingham chairman David Gold told Sky Sports News "We are now a willing seller and they are a willing buyer so I think the deal will be concluded, I believe he's going for a medical and we'll be taking it from there. We had some serious problems with Robbie but I must say we are very sad to see him go."
skysports (full story)

.

New Deal for Todd.
BBC sport report that manager mark Hughes is to offer Andy Todd a new contract. Hughes told the BBC "His contract expires in the summer and we will be looking to extend it. He deserves that. He's been fantastic since I brought him back. He has been great since I've been at the club."
With Barry Ferguson missing through injury for the trip to Portsmouth, the defender was handed the captaincy. Hughes says "That was the reason I gave him the captain's armband against Portsmouth because his performances have warranted it." (16th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (full report)

Rovers collect ALL the points, against 9 man Portsmouth
Morten Pedersen added a Premiership goal to those he'd scored in both cup competitions to give Rovers a 1-0 win at Portsmouth, and became the first Rovers player this season to score in all three. The goal came just four minutes after the South coast side had gone down to 10 men with the sending off of Lomano LuaLua - after he appeared to headbutt Andy Todd. Amdy Faye also saw red on 90 minutes.

A much changed Rovers side included a debut for Ryan Nelsen and the return of Tugay and Matt Jansen (on as sub). There was also a first Premiership start for Aaron Mokoena The result puts Blackburn nine points clear of third-from-bottom Norwich

Mark Hughes told rovers.co.uk "We'd lost Lucas and Dom, Barry and Flitty prior to the game, so there was a little bit of trepidation, but the lads who came in were fantastic and stuck to their task and we were worthy winners I thought. We had to weather a little bit of pressure towards the end as you would expect, but over all I thought we well deserved the three points."

The Manager was also full of praise for the two new boys - he told the BBC "I thought that defensively, we were very sound. I thought the players who came in were excellent - Aaron was superb and Ryan was first class."
The game was littered with cards - 6 Rovers men seeing yellow - and Andy D'Urso also added 6 minutes of extra time - eventually playing over seven!! (15th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (report) bbc.co.uk (reaction) bbc.co.uk (ALL PREMIERSHIP INTERVIEWS - includes Hughes & Pedersen)
rovers.co.uk (reaction) rovers.co.uk (report) Goals (all the goals) Table & Tally
RYAN NELSEN - reaction from his Father
stuff.co.nz report an interview with Ryan Nelsen's Father following his debut at Portsmouth... Wayne Nelsen told the site that Ryan was ,,"pretty pleased with everything, He told us he loved every minute of it. He was glad to have the first one out of the way. In some ways he was able to prove to some of his teammates that he can play. It will help his confidence a lot. ... He didn't know till 35 minutes before the game that he was actually playing. He didn't have much time to psyche himself up. He said he had never played right-back before in a four-man backline, and he found he had to do a few new things, like having to throw the ball in. He hadn't done that for ages."
stuff.co.uk(full story) (16th Jan 2005)

Rovers Dilemma - pay Rangers a further £2.56 million - or collect £440,000, and loose the captain....
With a deal for Robbie Savage almost in the bag - Rovers now have to decide if they should hand over the final payment for Barry Ferguson to Rangers - or accept a transfer fee for his Scotland return. The Evening Times online (in Scotland) have an in depth interview with Gers David Murray. In it he says they won't offer anymore money - but suggest that an "unhappy player" (Barry Ferguson) has to make his mind up about a move back home. The site say "Blackburn have to pay Rangers £2.56m next week as the final instalment on the Scotland skipper's £6.5m transfer 17 months ago. David Murray has tabled a deal that will see him waive that payment, with a further £440,000 going to Rovers. "
"It's up to Barry to tell them. If he wants to come back to Rangers he has to open some dialogue. If they refuse to sell him they risk keeping a very unhappy player who might just dig his heels in. Barry can sit and see out his contract there. Blackburn have to judge whether the boy means it. The bottom line is we would be delighted to have Barry back for £3m, but we don't want to get into a Dutch auction. ... It's their shout, it's up to them whether or not they want to do a deal. We will not make any further bids." (15th Jan 2005)
eveningtimes online (full article)

- SAVAGE on his way to Blackburn ...
BBC Sport report that Birmingham City's Robbie Savage IS to join Blackburn Rovers ...
After weeks of 'talks' between the two clubs, it now seems a deal can be done. bbc.co.uk say "Birmingham now appear willing to sell want-away Savage after previously rejecting a transfer request ...Blues boss Steve Bruce confirmed that 30-year-old Savage has played his last game for the club"

Meanwhile SKY sports say "Talks have restarted between Blues managing director Karren Brady and Rovers chief executive John Williams, and the transfer-seeking midfielder could soon be getting his wish of a switch to Ewood Park."
(CLICK ON THE Text quotes to read full story) 14th Jan 2005 11:45

FERGUSON - Not for sale ....
Following speculation yesterday about the future of Rovers captain Barry Ferguson, today the club confirmed that Rangers made a bid for their former player. As the story unfolded, the BBC reported that Blackburn captain Ferguson has insisted on a return to Scotland with his family unhappy down south.
Then around lunchtime rovers.co.uk confirmed through John Williams that "we have received an offer from Rangers, but we have informed Rangers that Barry is not for sale." The BBC then updated their story,. adding comments from Barry's agent John Viola "It is up in the air. We will have to wait and see."
breaking news.ie quote Martin Bain, director of football business at Ibrox, “We were made aware by the player’s agent that Barry Ferguson may wish to leave Blackburn Rovers. “As a result, today we made an offer. However, this was rejected and we have been informed the player is not for sale.”
The site say that they believe that won't be the end of Rangers interest (12th Jan 2005)
KEY LINKS to this story ...
rovers.co.uk (statement) bbc.co.uk (rovers reaction to bid) goal.com (rangers bid) breakingnews.ie( more reaction)
NO NEW BID from Rangers
Chairman David Murray has told BBC Sport that Rangers won't be offering any more fpr Barry Ferguson. "We are not prepared to spend any more. If the deal is not done a week before the window closes we will be signing another midfielder."
Teanmtalk.com quote John Williams as being delighted at the news ..."I've seen the quote from David Murray saying they would not be raising the bid under any circumstances. That's fantastic news for us. I'm delighted to hear that and that's the end of the matter. It's music to our ears that they're not going to raise the bid - it's what all Rovers fans wanted to hear." (13th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (update) teamtalk.com (John Williams)

A grand fine for Reid
BBC Sport say that Steven Reid has escaped a ban - but picked up a £1000 fine following the a clash with former Birmingham winger Jesper Gronkjaer. The BBC say that the FA have also warned him about future conduct. (11th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (report)

Ferguson needs 'clarification' and Pedersen want more games
Various reports say that Blackburn want to clear up all the speculation of a return to Scotland for Rovers captain Barry Ferguson. The player has been quoted regularly saying that he loves being at Blackburn and is happy in the area - but the papers keep linking him with a move back to Rangers. Sporting Life say that the club are now calling on Ferguson's agent to 'clarify the future of the Scotland midfielder'. They believe that "Blackburn are understood to be so concerned at the constant speculation they want talks with Ferguson's adviser John Viola."
Meanwhile SKY Sorts suggest that Morten Pedersen might want to go back to Norway on loan. They quote the player (who scored last week in the FA Cup) as saying ''Right now, I don't rule anything out, I want to play football matches and changing clubs is an option. 'I am truly enjoying myself off the pitch. The environment is decent and there are many nice team-mates. But I want to play football every week and not every third week, that puts you down.'' (11th Jan 2005)
sportinglife.com (BARRY FERGUSON) SKY Sports (PEDERSEN)

More SKY TV for Rovers
Blackburn's game at Everton will now be played on Sunday March 6th at 16:05 'live on Sky and Rovers home tie with Arsenal is now scheduled for an earlier kick off at 12:45 on Saturday March 19th. (11th Jan 2005)
skysports.com (full details of extra tv games)

Injury woes for Portsmouth
Rovers could miss the services of captain Barry Ferguson for the trip to Fratten Park this Saturday, after he had to be substituted off during the Cardiff game with a groin strain. Rovers will also be without full backs Lucas Neill and Dominic Matteo - both now have five yellow cards, and so serve a one-match suspension.
Returning to fitness should be Jay Bothroyd and Tugay. (10th Jan 2005)

Rovers could be at home to Colchester in the fourth round.
The draw fro the 4th round of the FA cup gives Rovers (or Cardiff City) a home tie with Colchester. The League one side are currently 18th in the table - but Rovers need to beat Cardiff first at Ewood next Wednesday night. The fixture would Neil Danns. with his old club - he signed for Colchester in December.
Mark Hughes told rovers.co.uk "It is a decent draw, but first and foremost we've still got a difficult tie against Cardiff City. As a manager you always hope for a home draw and that's what we've got." (10th Jan 2005)
rovers.co.uk facup 0405 (full draw)

FA CUP - The Replay ....
Blackburn Rovers have announced details of the sale of tickets for the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay at home to Cardiff. Rovers.co.uk say Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 11th January. Season Ticket Holders have until close of business on Thursday 13th January to claim their own seats. Season Ticket Holders who have applied for the Home Cup Scheme will be sold their tickets automatically.
Prices ... £24.00 Adults £19.00 Adult Season Ticket Holders £14.00 Senior Citizens £ 5.00 Juniors.
The tie will kick off at 8.00 pm. The draw fro the 4th round takes place at 13:30 Monday 10th January 2005 - live on the BBC and SKY. (9th January 2005)

CLICK TEXT ABOVE FOR MORE TICKET NEWS

Rover return to Ewood after 1-1 in Cardiff
Blackburn earned themselves a replay at Ewood Park after being held to a 1-1 draw at Ninian Park. Morten Gamst Pedersen scored his second goal fro Rovers, when he gave them the lead in the fifth minute lifting the ball over the Cardiff keeper. Pedersen first found the target in the Carling cup when he came on as sub last September. Rovers had a second goal disallowed and then in the 35th minute Alan Lee headed home the equaliser for Cardiff City.
Mark Hughes told the BBC "It was probably a fair result. We did OK in the initial period, scored a goal and looked quite comfortable but Cardiff came back into it and put us under pressure. I think we should have kicked on and closed the game out quickly after our goal but credit to Cardiff because they stuck to their task. We are happy to take them back to Ewood Park, but if we are to get through our passing will need to be much better." (8th January 2005)

REPLAY DATE Wed 19th January 2005 - Ewood Park

bbc.co.uk (report) rovers.co.uk (report) rovers.co.uk (reeaction) Goals (all the goals) facup 0405

NO GO - for Stead loan request ..
Blackburn Rovers have turned down a request from Sunderland to take Jon Stead on a three month loan.
Mark Hughes told BBC Sport "Jonathan's had a difficult season, but he's working very hard and shown determination to turn the season around. I'm sure in the second half of the season things will get better for him."
Jonathan got a great response from the Bank Holiday crowd at Ewood when he came off for Paul Gallagher, he's played really well - but is still to find the target this season. It's generally agreed that his goals last term kept Rovers in the Premiership (7th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (reporrt)

Savage Going nowhere ...
BBC Sport report that Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan has warned Robbie Savage that he will not be able to leave St Andrews without a fight. Savage angered the Blues by handing in a written transfer request, claiming he wants to join Blackburn so he can move nearer to his family in north Wales. Sullivan says: "No player has left us on his terms in my 12 years here. "What he ought to know is the more he moans and the more stories we see, the more determined it makes this club." (6th Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (report)

Rovers announce second signing
Blackburn have signed New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen from US side DC United on a free transfer. He's been at Brockhall on trial, and has now been offered an 18-month deal. Ryan is a centre-half but can also play in midfield. Rovers.co.uk say that Ryan has been an international regular for several years and was twice voted in the All-Star side during his spell in the United States (6th Jan 2004)

Rovers had already confirmed the completion of the deal for Aaron Mokoena who was introduced to the crowd at Ewood on Monday afternoon.

dcunited.com (full details of his career in the USA) rovers.co.uk (story) rovers.co.uk (Aaron Mokoena signing)

SKY Sport report that Birmingham City midfielder Robbie Savage has now handed in a written transfer request.
Rovers have already had an offer rejected for the player. He's talked about being happy at St Andrews, but also revealed family problems and suggested he was keen to move nearer his family in Wrexham.
(update)
BBC Sport say that Savage handed in the request to Steve Bruce at Birmingham's Wast Hills training complex on Monday morning. They also report that he's due to have a meeting with Blues co-owner David Sullivan on Wednesday to discuss his future.
(21:00 hrs 3rd January 2005 update 22:00hrs)
skysports.com (report) bbc.co.uk (report)

New Year defeat at Villa for Rovers.
Rovers held Aston Villa at bay for 88 minutes, but then a corner led to the winning goal from Nolberto Solano. Jon Stead started for injured Jay Bothroyd, and was replaced late on by Paul Gallagher. Rovers did hit the woodwork and pressurised the Villa defence, despite a shot in the last minute from Dickov who slipped as he shot fro goal. Other results added a little more pressure on Blackburn with a win for Fulham, a draw for Norwich and West Brom. Southampton lost at Man City. Rovers start the New Year dropping to 16th place. (1st Jan 2005)
bbc.co.uk (report) (includes interview with Mark Hughes bbc.co.uk (reaction) rovers.co.uk (more reaction)
Goals (all the goals) Table & Tally

Final Thoughts for 2004

• Rovers will collect around £1 million from the sell on of James Beattie from Southampton
• Jonathan Spector's move to Ewood delayed by injuries at Old Trafford - he'll arrive later than expected
• Mark Hughes defends Rovers bid for Robbie Savage - no new one posted yet.
• Paul Dickov - Happy to stay at Ewood Park despite rumours of a bid from Birmingham City

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)