Chelsea 3 - Blackburn Rovers 0
Another bad night in London
Rovers could have taken the lead in the first few minutes at Stamford Bridge, but it was Didier Drogba who gave the Champions the early goal after just 5 minutes. The goal seemed to put Blackburn off their stride for a while, but they then managed to regroup and had equal shares with Chelsea fro the rest of the half. According to radio commentary - the Referee giving nothing the visitors way - 1-0 at the break. The second half was dominated by a serious looking the injury to Ashley Cole replaced by Wayne Bridge. Chris Nonda came on for Paul Gallagher, but it was Chelsea who scored the second on 66 minutes. Rovers continued to give them a game. Chris Samba (for Henchoz) and Francis Jeffers (on for Derbyshire) also got some play late in the game.
Perhaps the injury toll played its part. To rub salt into the wounds Salomon Kalou scored the third for Chelsea on the stroke of full time.

Mark Hughes told reporters: "They have individual talent that is able to turn a game and get the points for them. I feel that's what has happened. We were very much in this game and ended up losing 3-0. We are scratching our heads somewhat because we have performed but, more often than not, great players will produce for you when you need them to."
Rovers fall to 12th in the Premiership. (31st January 2007)
bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction)
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D-Day - January Window closed
Four in - Three Out
So Far .. Rovers have welcomed back David Dunn - brought in Stephen Warnock, Chris Samba and Bruno Berner. We've said good-bye to Dominic Matteo, Lucas Neill and Jay McEveley. There have also been new contracts for Matt Derbyshire and Paul Gallagher. Mark Hughes believes he has a stronger side now than at the start of year.

Also as the window closed, two of Rovers' youngsters went out on loan. Cercle Brugge signed right-back Tony Kane 'till the end of the season, with left-back Andy Taylor joining Huddersfield Town until March 3rd.
(31st January 2007)

Rovers on BBC 1 - again
Arsenal/Bolton v Blackburn in the FA cup
The BBC have decided which of the 5th round FA Cup games to screen on TV. Rovers enjoyed a prime slot v Luton last week, and now it's either Arsenal or Bolton v Rovers live again on BBC 1. Rovers get the Saturday lunchtime slot, with fellow Lancastrians PNE also chosen for a Sunday slot.

The full details are:-
Saturday 17 February Arsenal or Bolton v Blackburn (1215 GMT, BBC ONE)
Saturday 17 February Manchester United v Reading (1715 GMT, BBC ONE)
Sunday 18 February Preston North End v Manchester City (1310 GMT, BBC ONE)
(30th January 2007)

One OUT- One IN
After Jay ...it's Bruno
Just 24 hours after Rovers sold Jay McEveley to Derby County, they've signed Swiss International left back Bruno Berner on an 18 month deal. Bruno comes fro FC Basel and has spent a week on trail, with Rovers. Sadly he's already been in UEFA action - so won't b able to play fro Blackburn in the forthcoming European games. Rovers.co.uk report that he was Ewood for the 3-0 win over Basel, but her never got off the bench. At 29, he's come for a 'small' transfer fee and Rovers have an option on a further year if things work out. He's had 16 caps for Switzerland. (30th January 2007)
rovers.co.uk (full story) AND bbc.co.uk (more)

Good-bye to Jay
James McEveley signs for the Rams
Blackburn have said good-bye to another of their talented youngsters Jay McEveley. He'll move for an initial £600,000 and has signed a three-and-a-half year deal. Derby County boss Billy Davies said:- "We are delighted to have Jay. He is an excellent young player. "He gives us great competition and we are looking forward to working with him at the club." Jay made 26 appearances for Rovers since making his debut at just 17.
He's had a number of games of late - but would be keen on a regular starting place that Derby will probably offer. We wish him well. (29th January 2007)
rovers.co.uk (story) ALSO bbc.co.uk

Round 5 - Away AGAIN!
Rovers get Arsenal or Bolton
The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup wasn't kind (again) to Blackburn. This time it's Arsenal or Bolton AWAY!
The full draw is:-
Chelsea v Blackpool or Norwich Watford v Ipswich Preston v Man City Plymouth v Derby County Man Utd v Reading Arsenal or Bolton v Blackburn Bristol City or Middlesbrough v West Bromwich Albion Fulham v Tottenham
The games to be played Feb 17th or 18th 2007
John Williams told rovers.co.uk that he had sympathy with the fans missing out on a game at Ewood Park:- "Whoever we play, Arsenal or Bolton it will be very difficult, but if we are to progress to the latter stages of the FA Cup is never easy. But in saying that, neither Arsenal nor Bolton will relish facing us after scoring eight and conceding one in the competition so far." (29th January 2007)
bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction)
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Luton 0 - Blackburn Rovers 4
Double for Derbyshire - Round 5 here we come
No contest to be honest and Live on BBC 1. Blackburn played a professional game, and Luton weren't in it really from start to finish. Brad Friedel had a couple of saves to make - but the stars of the show were Matt Derbyshire and Morten Gamst Pedersen. That's not to take anything away from debutante Stephen Warnock and the returning Ryan Nelsen in defense. There was even time to give half an hour to Chris Samba who might quite like English football after this!
The first goal came after ten minutes thanks to a super shot from Derbyshire. He'd found himself off side a number of times before he eventually timed it right. Next Matt was on hand to set up Benni McCarthy for the second on 36 mins. 2-0 at the break. Derbyshire used his head for the third and made perfect contact. The icing on the cake came from Morten Gamst Pedersen and his left foot. He found the target from around 18 yards out.
Derbyshire has now scored 5 since his introduction into the first team - 3 in the FA Cup and two in the league. He also signed a new contact last week.
Blackburn now wait 'till 13:0 on Monday to see who they'll meet in round 5.
Mark Hughes told BBC TV - that the defeat at Watford was the 'kick' they probably needed. He was full of praise for Matt Derbyshire and said playing along side Benni was ideal. Sparky agreed a home tie would be good in round 5 - but away form has been great and now looks forward to the draw.(27th January 2007)

bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (report)
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Samba Signs
Welcome to Christopher Samba
As expected, the Congo international Chris Samba has now signed for Blackburn Rovers. The 22 year old has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal after a successful trial spell. Talking to rovers.co.uk Samba said:- "I'm very grateful that I'm here, I'm very happy to be here. It's a dream for me to play in England in this league, and at a great club like Blackburn, it is perfect for me. It was a good experience (in Germany), I think of all the leagues it is the one that is most similar to the English league. It is a very strong league but in England it is more intensive and stronger."
Mark Hughes said "Chris came in last week. He's a big guy to say the least, he is upwards of 6'5" and a big powerful guy. Sometimes when you have players of that stature sometimes they don't really leap to their maximum height that you would imagine but he certainly does. He's quick enough, he's got a big long stride and covers the ground very easily and is a good passer of the ball. We think he is a good addition to the squad."
Christopher Veijeany Samba
Born: 28.03.1984
Height: 6'6" (2 meters)
Place of Birth: Creteil
Nationality: French
Signing Date: 01.01.2004
Previous Clubs: FC Rouen, CS Sedan (25th January 2007)
bbc.co.uk (sport) AND herthabsc.de (profile) AND rovers.co.uk (full story + subscription viedo interview)

Savage suffers broken Leg
News from Mark Hughes post match interview on BBC Radio Lancashire confirmed the worst. Robbie Savage who was stretchered off at Watford has suffered a broken leg and like Ooijer and Reid will now miss the rest of the season. The Manager told rovers.co.uk "I've just got news from the hospital that it is a break. How severe it is I don't know as yet. Obviously it has come on the top of a performance and a result that we weren't expecting, it has not been a good evening. People have said that it wasn't a good tackle but I've not seen it, I'll need to look at it so I can't really comment. I hope that it wasn't anything untoward or a poor challenge."
bbc.co.uk (hear all rovers iterviews once posted) ALSO rovers.co.uk (Hughes on Savage)


Watford 2- Blackburn Rovers 1
Watford win their first in 12!
A potential banana skin' - Mark Hughes said before tonight's game at Watford. And after 12 minutes the home side took the lead thanks to a very rare Brett Emerton own goal! Under no real pressure, Emertron managed to turn a cross box ball into his own net. Rovers should have taken the lead after just 40 seconds thanks to Morten Gamst Pedersen, but for much of the first half they looked shaky and seemed to miss Tugay in midfield. The status quo was resumed thanks to a Benni McCarthy Goal (his 14th of the season) as the first 45 ended - in injury time. The cross came in for David Bentley, and McCarthy headed home. 1-1- at the break. On the hour mark it was the home side who were on target again - this time from a set piece and Jay DeMerit headed them back into the lead. To rub salt into the wounds Robbie Savage had to come off with a serious leg injury just before the Watford winning goal. Also leaving the field injured was goal scorer Benni McCarthy.
Watford won only their second game of the season, and Blackburn have now lost to all three sides in the relegation zone.
Mark Hughes will wonder how his side managed to score 10 goals in the last three away matches - but against the bottom side they just couldn't raise their game. (23rd January 2007)

ALSO Luton Town 1 - QPR 0
Zeshan Rehman scored and own goal in the 80th minute, which sees Mike Newell's side secure the 4th round tie this Saturday against his old side in the FA Cup. Luton face Blackburn on Saturday lunchtime - the game live on BBC 1. (23rd January 2007)


bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (report)
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Next, it could be Samba
Rovers linked with Hertha Berlin's French defender
Blackburn could be ready to line up a move for 22 year old Christopher Samba, who's been on trail at Brockhall. BBC Sport report Hertha coach Falko Gotz as saying: "We are waiting for the fax to arrive. It would be great for him if it works out."
Christopher Veijeany Samba
Born: 28.03.1984
Height: 6'6" (2 meters)
Place of Birth: Creteil
Nationality: French
Signing Date: 01.01.2004
Previous Clubs: FC Rouen, CS Sedan (23rd January 2007)
bbc.co.uk (sport) AND herthabsc.de (profile)

Schoolboy friends get new deal
Matt & Paul agree new contracts
They were friends at primary school, and now both Rovers youngsters have signed extensions to their Blackburn careers. Paul Gallagher played along side Matt Derbyshire at Everton in the FA Cup the other week, when both strikers found the target. BBC sport say the new deals will keep the friends playing together at Ewood Park 'till 2010. Derbyshire told rovers.co.uk "Everything is going great, I've been working hard and things are starting to pay off. It is going superb for me, I've come off the bench a couple of times, I've started a couple of times and I've got a few goals and long may it continue." He's already scored twice in the league and once in the cup this season ... and his 90th minute strike at Manchester City put the icing on the cake at the weekend. (22nd January 2007)
bbc.co.uk (story) AND rovers.co.uk (Derbyshire)

Lucas OUT - Stephen IN
Neil goes to West Ham - Warnock comes to Ewood
The expected transfer OUT from Ewood Park has now taken place for Lucas Neill, as he follows his choice of West Ham rather than Liverpool. But coming from Anfield is 25 year old Stephen Warnock, who was at Brockhall today for a medical.
Mark Hughes told rovers.co.uk:- "I just like his attitude to the game. He wants to get up to people, to put pressure on people and really he just fits the bill as far as I'm concerned. He is naturally left-footed as well which gives us that balance on the left-hand side which we didn't have with Lucas being right-footed. Liverpool really appreciated the qualities that he has and they weren't too keen on allowing a good young English player to leave their football club. I think that is the reason maybe the deal hasn't been done before."

The West Ham official site has posted this;- West Ham United is delighted to confirm the signing of Australian international captain Lucas Neill from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee. Goodbye and good luck.

Mark Hughes hopes that Warnock will replace Neill in defense and now has to consider the rest of the season without Andre Ooijer who's had a successful operation on his broken leg. Rovers.co.uk report that the Dutch international broke his 'fibula' and sustained 'ligament damage' during the game on Saturday at Man City. (22nd January 2007)
www.whufc.com (Neill) ALSO rovers.co.uk (Warnock Signs) AND rovers.co.uk (reaction)

Manchester City 0 - Blackburn Rovers 3
Great away from continues in the North West.
Morten Gamst Pedersen scored twice and sub Matt Derbyshire added the 3rd in the 90th minute securing a double over City. The headline looks like all good news - but after 35 minutes Rovers lost the services of Andre Ooijer as he seemed to get his leg caught up ..." It looks like he has a broken ankle, he is on his way to hospital," Mark Hughes told reporters - it could see him miss the rest of the season. With Lucas Neill looking likely to be on his way out of the club - Robbie Savage took on the captaincy and there was another start for Jay McEveley. Man City may have claimed the honors possession wise - in the second half - but Blackburn had the best of the passes and shots on target throughout the game.
Morten was on the end of a superb David Bentley cross for his headed first goal just before the break, and it was his wonderful free kick that gave Rovers their second on the hour mark. Matt Derbyshire replaced Chris Nonda with about ten minutes to go, and with moments left the youngster took the ball all the way to score Rovers third (and his personal third senior goal).
Post Match Mark Hughes was delighted with one of 'the teams best away performances of the season'. "We are playing exceptionally well on the road. It was the first of four away games but the way we are playing at the moment I don't think they hold any fears for us to be perfectly honest. I thought we came here against a team that doesn't concede goals very readily and really we just picked them off. I felt we got our game plan right today, executed it really well and fully deserved the victory."
Pedersen received the SKY man of the match, and Rovers moved up to 10th and insto the top half of the table. (20th January 2007)
The injury to Andre Ooijer is a broken fibula and the Rovers defender also has torn ankle ligaments. BBC sport quote Dutch TV talking to Andre's Father Willy van de Kerkhof; "I spoke with Andre on the phone and he was very down, though this injury will not end his career. His knee is not really damaged like we feared." But none the less Blackburn will have to do without his services for the rest of the season. (21st January 2007)

bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) AND bbc.co.uk (Andre Ooijer)
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LUCAS NEILL

STEPHEN WARNOCK

Rovers and out (I've always wanted to use that headline!)
Lucas Neill chooses The Hammers - Rovers hope for Warnock
SKY SPORTS have picked up on an article in Sydney with Lucas Neill explaining why he'll be moving to West Ham "It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it," Neill told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. "It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me whereas Liverpool made a take it or leave it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened." ... It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one. West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there."
Rovers.co.uk now say "Heading out of Ewood Park could be defender Lucas Neill, the Australian has been given permission to talk to West Ham after the two clubs agreed a fee. If all goes to plan, both deals could be concluded"
So after months of speculation which seemed to involve some sort of swap with Liverpool - now it looks like cash all the way. Rovers should pick up £1.5 million for Neill and probably pay that out again to Liverpool for Stephen Warnock. rovers.co.uk also say "The club has today been given permission to speak to Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock after Rovers agreed a fee with the Merseyside club."
It now looks like both deals will be concluded at the start of next week. (20th January 2007)

skyports.com (Lucas Neill) ALSO rovers.o.uk (both) AND bbc.co.uk (Lucas Neill)

Goodbye to Dominic Matteo
Defender signs for Stoke City + other transfer news
He would have been out of contract in the Summer - but Rovers have allowed Dominic Matteo to leave Ewood on a free. He'll play against PNE at the weekend. At one stage the Scottish international was a regular starter, but he's failed to claim a place this season, and at 32 the move should guarantee him getting games. Good Luck Dom. (19th January 2007)

Also news today that youngster JOEL GARNER- who scores goals for fun in the reserves - has gone on loan to Carlisle for the rest of the season.

AND on LUCAS NEILL The Mirror say that "Mark Hughes has blocked skipper Lucas Neill's move to West Ham - and will put him in his side against Manchester City tomorrow. The Australian had agreed a £60,000-a-week deal with the Premiership strugglers after rejecting a move to Liverpool. But Blackburn had wanted to do business with the Anfield club after agreeing a swap deal with Steven Warnock to fill the left-back vacancy."
mirror.co.uk (Lucas Neill) AND bbc.co.uk (Joel Garner)

Deal !!!
Welcome home Dunny ...

If you read the links below you can see this was off and on for days ... but Wednesday 17th January 2007 is special for David Dunn and his many Rovers fans. Despite all the expectation, and visits to Bolton - it is Blackburn that welcomes the local lad back. As Steve Bruce at Birmingham City said "He's a Blackburn lad and wants to go back there and play for his hometown club again." As for David, he told reporters "It feels really good to be back. It has been a hectic week but I am glad it is all done and I am back in Blackburn. I am really pleased now that it has all come to a head and I've signed that piece of paper." Mark Hughes told rovers.co.uk "We are absolutely delighted to get David. It went right to the wire, but we always felt that once we were given permission to speak to David then it would be to our benefit and we would be able to get the deal done and make sure that he was a Blackburn Rovers player again. I think it was important to us and very important to David as well. He's got a real affection and affinity with the club and the opportunity to come back to Blackburn Rovers was always there in the back of his mind from the time that we made a bid in the summer." So it really is welcome home to the l;ad that left Rovers for Birmingham in a £5.5m deal in the Summer of 2003. Sam Allardyce had thought he'd captured the former Rovers - but perhaps blood is thicker than water. He told bbc.co.uk " ...sadly, I think his heart is with Blackburn." (17th January 2007)

Luton v QPR - off
A waterlogged pitch put pay to this evening replay ... BBC Sport report that the third round tie between Luton Town and QPR was postponed at Kenilworth Road. Rovers will need to wait for another week to discover who they'll play in Round 4. The match will now be played on Tuesday 23 January the same night that Blackburn are in town to play Watford in their own rearranged game (in the league of course).

Deal or No Deal ???
Could a Dunn deal be back on??
BBC Sport quote John Williams as saying that Blackburn still have an interest in brining David Dunn back home to Rovers. Williams said; "I think the fans would value having him at Rovers. The question now is if we feel we want to match Birmingham's valuation."
The BBC say that Birmingham City had already accepted a £1m bid from Bolton .. and the midfielder has passed a medical.
On Sky Sports Mr. Williams says "We remain interested in David Dunn. We are unique in the Premiership as a small-town club and I think having a local lad in the side would add value. You cannot say having a local boy returning would increase attendances but I think the fans would value having him at Rovers." (15th January 2007)

Bolton still looks favorite for David, with Steve Bruce telling reporters that " ... I kept reading that Blackburn were going to make a counter bid. We had received nothing from them but they have been in contact in the last hour, but I think it is too late. Dunny has already decided he is going down the route of signing for Bolton and in any case Blackburn still haven't met our valuation of the player." (16th January 2007)
bbc.co.uk(story) AND skysports.com (more) ALSO bbc.co.uk (updated story)

Steven setback - 'out for months'
Steven Reid suffers new injury woe
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that Steven Reid - who was well on the way back to recovery - has now suffered a new injury blow. Following a 'freak' training ground accident, scans have revealed that surgery will be needed on a cruciate knee ligament. This type of injury needs months of recovery time, and it means that Steven could now miss the whole of this season. This is not related to the previous four month break, when he was out with a back problem. Mark Hughes is quoted in the Lancashire Telegraph as saying; "It's a major blow to lose Steven and we obviously feel for him. He was very close to being back in action, a couple of reserve games and he would have been available again, so it makes it very difficult for us and possibly affects what we are going to do in the transfer window."
John Williams told rovers.co.uk; "We are desperately sorry for the lad. He had worked so hard to get back to full fitness after his back injury and was close to making a return to action."
There's now further speculation that Blackburn might step up their interest in David Dunn, linked with a move to Bolton last week. Mark Hughes has already chased Dunny in the last transfer window - but Birmingham City seemed to put too higher a valuation on the former favorite. Certainly the club will now need midfield cover for the foreseeable future. (15th January 2007)

Steven Reid has been talking exclusively to ROVERS WORLD- he described his injury as a "freak" - going in for a tackle with David Bentley, he got his leg caught and knew straight away that it was serious. He said he'd hoped to play on Tuesday night - but instead was rushed to hospital in Leeds for a scan.
When the results came through he said he was prepared for the worst. He now hopes that after treatment he will be ready for the start of NEXT season.
ROVERS WORLD subscribers can see the full interview at rovers.co.uk (15th January 2007)

rovers.co.uk AND Lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Blackburn Rovers 0 - Arsenal 2
10 man Arsenal stop Rovers run
Arsenal are dangerous at any time, but down to 10 men after just 12 minutes, there class shone at Ewood in the rain. Thing started brightly enough, with Matt Derbyshire awarded another start and just missing the target on ten minutes - but the sending off of Gilberto (dismissed for violent conduct on Robbie Savage)two minutes later, looked like a turning point. It was for Arsenal - as it only served to fire up the Londoners who broke the deadlock with a free kick taken Thierry Henry and headed home Kolo Toure. 0-1 at the break.
Mark Hughes brought on Tugay to help out, but despite chances it was another bit of Thierry Henry fancy footwork from left side of penalty are that saw Arsenal score their second. 'Chris' Nonda replaces Ooijer - but despite the extra fire power Blackburn failed to make any impact.
Mark Hughes told RADIO ROVERS "The sending actually helped Arsenal more than it did us. They were able to get plenty of people behind the ball. I played Matt Derbyshire today because I thought there were going to be opportunities down the sides of the centre-halves, but once they went to ten men they could sit deep and block those spaces behind. Then their midfield players dropped back onto Benni so it was very difficult for us to release the ball to our front men."
Despite the setback, Rovers stay 11th with 28 points
bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction)
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Not Dunn
David almost home - but not quite!
Despite all the speculation that a David Dunn deal brining him back to Blackburn, today it's emerged that Bolton now seems the likely venue. Various websites this morning have predicted the move, and according to the Lancashire Telegraph "DAVID Dunn could sign for Bolton Wanderers in the next 24 hours unless Blackburn Rovers mount a last-ditch bid to hijack the deal."
It's believed that Dunny was at Bolton yesterday for a medical and meeting with big Sam, but would still prefer Blackburn. However Mark Hughes has said all along that only if 'the price is right'. The Telegraph quote Steve Bruce as saying; "He has problems with his family life up north. That is genuine. So it might be in both our interests that I get a few quid in, spend it on someone else and then off we go again. It will be an amicable goodbye."
(12th January 2007)
lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

See it free!
Rovers v Bayer Leverkusen - 'see no fee' for season tickets
Blackburn Rovers have announced a remarkable deal for season ticket holders and anyone else planning to be at Ewood next month for the home leg of the Rovers - Bayer Leverkusen UEFA cup tie. The games has an unusual kick of time of 18:00 GMT, which the club believe will offer a chance for children to come along on a school day. Tickets for youngsters have been slashed to just £1 for the tie on Thursday Feb 22nd 2007. The full pricing is as follows; for Non-season Ticket Holders £15 (adults), £5 Senior Citizens and Club 16-21 Members and £1 Juniors. No additional cost at all for Season Ticket holders.
MD Tom Finn told rovers.co.uk; "In order to ensure the maximum backing for the team we have again decided to allow our season ticket holders free entry to the match, It is further recognition of their importance to the club and emphasises the value of being a season ticket holder at Ewood Park."
The club agreed to the 'strange' kick off time so that they could take advantage of screen time on German TV - in itself a way of brining in revenue to the club. The first away leg will kick off at 17:15 GMT.
rovers.co.uk (full details) ALSO uefa0607

Rovers avoid the big boys
Round 4 draw offers a trip to London
Blackburn Rovers have been awarded an away tie again in the next round of this years FA Cup. But this time, it's not Premiership opposition, in fact a replay will be needed before Rovers know where they will play! The draw sees a trip to either QPR or Luton Town who played out a 2-2 draw on Saturday. They replay at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday 16th January. It could be a chance to face old boy Mike Newell - manager of course of Luton.
rovers.co.uk quote Chairman John Williams; "It would have been nice to have been drawn at home, but it is nice to have avoided the Premier League, that is what the cup is about ties between clubs from different divisions. If Luton get through, and it is by no means ensured, then there are the obvious links between ourselves and Mike Newell, but they have a difficult replay against Queens Park Rangers to get through."

The full draw is:
Arsenal v Bolton West Ham v Watford Bristol City or Coventry City v Hull City or Middlesbrough Chelsea v Nottingham Forest Chester City or Ipswich Town v Swansea Cardiff City or Tottenham v Southend Utd or Barnsley Barnet or Colchester v Peterborough or Plymouth Argyle Birmingham City or Newcastle United v Reading or Burnley Derby County v Bristol Rovers Sheffield Wednesday or Manchester City v Southampton Crystal Palace v Preston North End Manchester United v Portsmouth Blackpool v Norwich City Queens Park Rangers or Luton Town v Blackburn Rovers Wolverhampton Wanderers or Oldham v WBA Leicester City or Fulham v Stoke City
[played on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January] (8th January 2007)
bbc.co.uk (draw details) AND roversew.co.uk (reaction) ALSO facup0607

Everton 1 - Blackburn Rovers 4
Rovers ease through the third round of the FA Cup
It only took five minutes for Rovers to get on the score-sheet at Goodison - Matt Derbyshire making it 2 in 2. Blackburn made six changes to the team who beat Wigan - but the mix of youth (Derbyshire, Gallagher and McEveley all included) seemed to work. Next to find the target was Morten Gamst Pedersen - it was Morten's shot saved by Tim Howard that led to Derbyshire's goal and this time a 25 yard free kick did the trick (20'00)! Everton were all over the place & Rovers took full advantage with a goal next for Paul Gallagher (38'00). 0-3 at the break, and The Toffees needed to do something to get back in the match. They'd had two penalty decisions waved away before Aaron Mokoena fouled Mikel Arteta and Andy Johnson scored from the spot (67'00). The home side had almost 60% of the procession - but couldn't break down the Rovers defense again. Benni McCarthy came off the bench to put the icing on the cake late into injury time scoring a fourth for Blackburn.
Post Match Mark Hughes reacted to the 6 changes he'd made, telling reporters; "People looking at the teamsheet may have thought I was taking this game lightly. That wasn't the case and I knew if we played to our potential the team that I put out had a real chance to win. To score as many goals as we did and play as well as we did I think that is great credit to the players."
David Moyes admitted; "It wasn't our day. We didn't start well enough. Everything we did didn't go in and everything they did went in. They hit the target and we didn't. I think there was a penalty we could have got but that wasn't the reason why we didn't get a result so we are not going to harp on about that. I thought the team were terrific in the second half and one goal was scant reward for how hard we worked."
Rovers progress to the 4th round of the FA Cup - draw 1t 13:30 Monday 8th January. They've scored 10 goals in the last four games! (7th January 2007)

bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction)
PLUS goals0607 AND t&t0607 AND fix0607 AND FAcup0607

DAVID BENTLEY

LUCAS NEILL

Transfer gossip - David Bentley (& Lucas Neill)
United show Bentley interest - Rovers offer him a new deal
Yesterday, papers (including the Daily Mirror) reported that Manchester United would target David Bentley - if their quest to bring in Bayern Munich and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves wasn't successful. Today The Lancashire Telegraph say improved pay, and a new contract could be in the offering to keep the talented player at Ewood Park. Andy Neild says "Hughes had already planned to sit down and discuss a new deal with the 22-year-old before a story appeared in yesterday's national press ... Now the Rovers chief is ready to hand Bentley a bumper pay-rise as a reward for his progress over the last 12 months - even though the former Arsenal star still has two more years to run on his existing deal."
The Mirror story said; "Bentley has caught the eye of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson with a string of impressive performances this season to put himself in the frame for a £5million move to Old Trafford. While United remain confident they will sign Hargreaves, 25, for around £17m, Bentley is now an alternative target."

Mark Hughes told the Telegraph he wasn't aware of a United offer - but admitted that as expected, there had been many enquiries for Lucas Neil. The Rovers Manager told the paper ..."We know what we'd look for but the money isn't an issue really. I've got to be able to spend it even if we took money, or if it's a player swap then it's got to be the right player for me. I've enquired about players and other players have been offered to me, as have money deals and other different variations on things. But as I keep saying it's got to suit our situation and I've got to make sure that it doesn't make us weaker." (6th January 2007)
mirror.co.uk (David Bentley - Man Utd) ALSO lancashiretelgraph.co.uk (Neill and Bentley latest)

BARGAIN DEAL WILL BE DUNN
The Mirror.co.uk say:-
DAVID DUNN is set to return to Blackburn from Birmingham in a cut-price deal. And Rovers boss Mark Hughes is also lining up a £3million move for the Championship's leading scorer Robert Earnshaw. The Blues will cut their losses on injury-hit Dunn who has made just 53 starts since arriving for £5.5million in 2003. City want £1m, but Rovers prefer a pay-as-you-play deal. Norwich star Earnshaw played for Hughes with Wales.
Where as The Lancashire Telegraph believe:-
BLACKBURN Rovers may have to play a game of patience in their pursuit of David Dunn because Birmingham City have slapped a £2 million price tag on the midfielder's head. Blues boss Steve Bruce is eager to recoup as much of the £5.5 million transfer fee he paid Rovers for Dunn three and a half years ago, but unless he significantly lowers his demands then an Ewood return in January for the 27-year-old could be in jeopardy.
(4th January 2007)
mirror.co.uk AND Lancashire Telegraph

bbc.co.uk (scotland story) ALSO visit the archives for some fascinating Blackburn background (GJMedia)

Wigan 0 - Blackburn Rovers 3
First senior goal for Derbyshire - as Rovers make it three in a row
Three changes to the side that beat Boro on Saturday, three wins in a row, three goals and all three points as Rovers start 2007 in fine form. But to be honest, it was the home side at the JJB who had much of the first half play, although Nonda got very close. Then just after the half hour mark, a foul by Leighton Baines on Morten Gamst Pedersen led to a free kick (MGP) and a headed own goal by Emile Heskey, 0-1 at the break. As has often happened of late a fresher more determined Rovers started the second half, with Matt Derbyshire on for Chris Nonda, and it was to be the Blackburn youngster's big day. It was 'the Gamst' on hand again with a header that gave Derbyshire his FIRST SENIOR GOAL. Rovers now looked in total control and top scorer Benni McCarthy was to add to his tally from the penalty spot when Fitz Hall handled in the area - McCarthy's 12th of the season.
So 12 points from 15 available with wins against Reading, Liverpool, Middlesbrough and Wigan. Only the trip to Arsenal saw a loss in the busy holiday schedule.
Mark Hughes told reporters; "I thought we were excellent again today. There was a real determination in the dressing room that there was never going to be a case of us having done enough ... we all desperately wanted the three points today and I think that showed in our performance. We have had a really good return from Christmas and can approach the new year with lots of optimism. We hope out current good form will end the same way it did last season, with us qualifying for European competition. We've had lots of injuries and players have been adapting to the Premiership, but we're improving all the time now."
Rovers start the year in 11th place - with a game in hand. (1st January 2007)

bbc.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction)
PLUS goals0607 AND t&t0607 AND fix0607

HAPPY
NEW
YEAR

2007