JANUARY NEWS LINKS 2011
(latest stories at the top)
Formica and Rochina
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sign for Rovers |
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Deadline day in's and out
FORMICA
ROCHINA
So the January window has closed and as promised Blackburn Rovers have done some deals. Not only have they added to the squad with signings and loan deals - but more of the existing players have signed new contracts and at the 11th hour another has headed north of the border. The big news was the capture of Ruben Rochina from Barcelona, and then Mauro Formica who joins from Newell's Old Boys. At 19 and 22, both players bring youth to the team, and both signings pleased manager Steve Kean: "Ruben is a genuine addition to our senior squad, a young player with great ability. Mauro is a fantastic talent, an attacking player with great technical ability who has been in great demand."
Already on the books are Jermaine Jones and Roque Santa Cruz who came in a few weeks ago. News also today that Jason Roberts has signed a new deal keeping him at Ewood to the end of next season. Going out is El-Hadji Diouf, who's headed up to the SPL to join Rangers on loan for the rest of the season.
You can watch an EXCLISIVE interview with new signing Formica on the Blackburn Rovers official website via the 'RoversPlayer' (subscription)
Just across the county in Blackpool, a former Rovers - Blackburn boy James Beattie has come down from Rangers to join the seasiders on loan. What didn't happen was the expected move out of Bloomfield Road of Charlie Adam. The club were always keen to keep their prized player. But the transfer headlines were stolen by Fernando Tores - leaving Liverpool to join Chelsea on a five and a half year contract thought to be a new British record of around £50 million!
Blackburn are back at Ewood Park on Wednesday to play Spurs, who like Rovers went out of the FA cup at the weekend. So time to concentrate on the league then! (31st January 2011)
Aston Villa 3 |
-1 Blackburn Rovers |
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Deja Vu at Villa
NIKO KALINIC
When Rovers fans saw the draw for the fourth round, they feared the worst! Another trip back to Villa Park where in september a 3-1 defeat in the Carling Cup concluded that dream. And guess what? It happened all over again. Despite playing some good football, Rovers were 1-0 down in the first half ten minutes after an early exit with an injured for Roque Santa Cruz (replacedby Niko Kalinic) and Ciaran Clark headed home for Villa. Things looked to have turned back Rovers way when 7 minutes later the sub striker scored from a Michel Selgado cross to make it 1-1. It looked like they might be even more creative, and despite a second for Villa from Robert Pires (hits first for the team), they looked likely to find another themselves. Then Nathan Delfouneso headed in the home sides third and all before half time. So 3-1 down the second half gave the visitors plenty of time to find a few more goals - but even though Martrin Olsson found the woodwork, they were unable to fight back against a now ten man team. Nathan Baker was sent off for a 'wild tackle' with half an hour to go. The result left Steve Kean disappointed again - with defensive errors:- "First and foremost the goals that we conceded were poor from our point of view. We were ball watching a little bit, there wasn't a great deal of communication on one of the goals between the centre half and the full back, then we've conceded a goal where a midfield player has run off one of our midfield players so we are disappointed with that. ...
I thought that if we had gone in even at 2-1 we would have hopefully got a goal, we had five or six half chances, it was certainly the tail end of the first half that cost us the game.... We've looked at our chances again and we've had eight really good chances today," added Kean."It was a good open game to watch, but we are just disappointed that we were unable to get back into the game in the second half. We had enough chances to win two games but we have to be more ruthless, we have to work the 'keeper more, so that is something that we'll work on on the training ground."
So the dream stops there - AGAIN - but at least the manager is hopeful that the injury to Roque isn't too serious - and it's back to league action on Wednesday at home to Spurs. (29th January 2011)
So the dream stops there - AGAIN - but at least the manager is hopeful that the injury to Roque isn't too serious - and it's back to league action on Wednesday at home to Spurs. (29th January 2011)
Selgado |
Stays! |
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New contract for veteran defender
MICHEL SELGADO
Spanish legend Michel Selgado has spoken with some effection about his move to England and Blackburn Rovers. Now at 35 he's decided to add a further year to his club contract, which should see him with Blackburn 'till at least the Summer of 2012. He told the clubs official website: "To be honest, I'm really enjoying this club, so I'm delighted for me and my family, they are happy. It is great that the club wants me and that the fans love me, this is great when you are 35 and towards the end of your career. I think we have a good future, the club is trying to keep all the key players, and there are new faces too like Roque Santa Cruz and Jermaine Jones to help us. So I think the future is hopeful for all of us, and I want to be part of it."
He's certainly become a fans favourite - and long may he continue! (28th January 2011)
He's certainly become a fans favourite - and long may he continue! (28th January 2011)
LINKS: rovers.co.uk (full details)
Blackburn Rovers 2 |
-0 West Brom |
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Three back-to-back home wins & up to 7th!
'JUNIOR' HOILETT
The record books will show not only another important win - but an historic game featuring 22 nations in one match - a first! 'Junior' got his first Premier League goal - Rovers made it three home wins in a row - and moved 5 places up the league to a very satisfactory 7th place. The Baggies were certainly on top at the start- and Paul Robinson made his first impressive save within the first minute. But as the half unfolded, Blackburn came more into the game, and the deadlock was broken with five minutes to the break when David Dunn put a ball right into the box, and onto the head of Gabriel Tamas - who scored a lovely own goal beating his keeper to make it 1-0! The second half had hardly got going, and many fans were probably still returning with their pies - when 'Junior' Hoilett made it 2-0 with a super volley which Myhill could do nothing about. The Canadian had scored his first goal in the cup a few weeks ago - now he's a premier league scorer as well. There was some contention when the visitors probably correctly believed they should have had a penalty, but with a few more brilliant saves from Robinson Rovers kept a clean sheet. A great team effort with the Man of the Match award going to new boy Jermaine Jones, and Roque Santa Cruz only inches of an Ewood second debut brace!
But talking to RADIO ROVERS the Manager was also honest about the start of the match: "We were poor in the first 20 minutes ... I thought we allowed West Brom to dictate play, but in the last part of the half we got into our stride a little bit better. Then with David Dunn's quality ball into the box we took the lead, their lad had to head the ball as he knew Roque was threatening behind him and fortunately for us it found the net. At half time we said to the lads to start the second half the way we ended the first and with another quality move we scored another quality goal. We see Junior do that every day in training, he hit it so early and with such force that their 'keeper had little chance."Overall I was delighted with the performance, we showed a lot of good play and I thought the shape of the team was good. Roque and Jermaine tired towards the end as they've not had a lot of minutes recently, but it was great for them to see some action. Everyone played their part today."
The win see's Rovers up to 7th place - their best position since the first day of the season - and next Saturday it's Aston Villa in the FA Cup, before a return to Ewood and Spurs on Feb 2nd at 20:00. (23rd January 2011)
But talking to RADIO ROVERS the Manager was also honest about the start of the match: "We were poor in the first 20 minutes ... I thought we allowed West Brom to dictate play, but in the last part of the half we got into our stride a little bit better. Then with David Dunn's quality ball into the box we took the lead, their lad had to head the ball as he knew Roque was threatening behind him and fortunately for us it found the net. At half time we said to the lads to start the second half the way we ended the first and with another quality move we scored another quality goal. We see Junior do that every day in training, he hit it so early and with such force that their 'keeper had little chance."Overall I was delighted with the performance, we showed a lot of good play and I thought the shape of the team was good. Roque and Jermaine tired towards the end as they've not had a lot of minutes recently, but it was great for them to see some action. Everyone played their part today."
The win see's Rovers up to 7th place - their best position since the first day of the season - and next Saturday it's Aston Villa in the FA Cup, before a return to Ewood and Spurs on Feb 2nd at 20:00. (23rd January 2011)
Ryan re-signs |
'till 2013 |
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Nelsen to complete his playing days at Ewood
RYAN NELSEN
SKY SPORTS report that club captain Ryan Nelsen has signed a new contract with Blackburn that should keep him with the club 'till the end of his playing days. The New Zealand star has been talking very positively about the new Managers plans for the club, and recently told RADIO ROVERS that he hoped he could play on at the club.
Nelsen received the ‘Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit’ in the New Year honours and has just celebrated joining Rovers exactly 6 years ago this transfer window.
PLUS: in other news the BBC report that Pascal Chimbonda has joined QPR after his Ewood contract was terminated. He came to Ewood from Spurs fro £2 million but wasn't in the new managers plans. He told reporters "This is a good opportunity for me to be re-born as a footballer. The style of football that QPR play suits me, and this will provide a good challenge for me."
(21st January 2011)
PLUS: in other news the BBC report that Pascal Chimbonda has joined QPR after his Ewood contract was terminated. He came to Ewood from Spurs fro £2 million but wasn't in the new managers plans. He told reporters "This is a good opportunity for me to be re-born as a footballer. The style of football that QPR play suits me, and this will provide a good challenge for me."
(21st January 2011)
Kean Contract |
'till 2013 |
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Rovers sign up boss for the long-term
STEVE KEAN
It's only weeks since Steve Kean was handed the Manager's job at Ewood Park - taking over of course from his former boss Big Sam. He was very quickly told he wasn't just a caretaker manager - but in charge for the rest of the season. Now after a further trip out to meet the owners in India - he has signed a new deal for a further 2 1/2 years.
Kean told reporters "I am delighted to commit my future to Rovers at the start of what I see as a massively exciting new era. The owners have shown great faith in me and I will do all I can to repay them. This is a great opportunity for me and I intend to grasp it with both hands."
Talking today on TALKSPORT radio he said that Venky's want a period of stability and for him to get on with building a top side with Blackburn . Club owner Anuradha Desai says:"We have great confidence in Steve, someone who impresses us with his work ethic, enthusiasm, positivity and football philosophy. Stability is very important to us and this contract is further evidence of our desire to achieve such stability at the club."
The boss also said that he hopes to offer some new contracts to existing top players and in particular mentioned Chris Samba who he hopes will pen a new deal for a further two years. Kean said he would like that sorted in the next 48 hours.
PLUS: in other news this afternoon - it appears that Pascal Chimbonda has left Ewood Park. SKY Sports say: " Blackburn have terminated the contract of defender Pascal Chimbonda with immediate effect."
(20th January 2011)
Kean told reporters "I am delighted to commit my future to Rovers at the start of what I see as a massively exciting new era. The owners have shown great faith in me and I will do all I can to repay them. This is a great opportunity for me and I intend to grasp it with both hands."
Talking today on TALKSPORT radio he said that Venky's want a period of stability and for him to get on with building a top side with Blackburn . Club owner Anuradha Desai says:"We have great confidence in Steve, someone who impresses us with his work ethic, enthusiasm, positivity and football philosophy. Stability is very important to us and this contract is further evidence of our desire to achieve such stability at the club."
The boss also said that he hopes to offer some new contracts to existing top players and in particular mentioned Chris Samba who he hopes will pen a new deal for a further two years. Kean said he would like that sorted in the next 48 hours.
PLUS: in other news this afternoon - it appears that Pascal Chimbonda has left Ewood Park. SKY Sports say: " Blackburn have terminated the contract of defender Pascal Chimbonda with immediate effect."
(20th January 2011)
Jermaine Jones |
... Welcome |
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He saw the Liverpool game & wanted to come!
JERMAINE JONES
After plenty of speculation at the weekend Rovers have now completed the signing of Jermaine Jones from Schalke. Despite being born in Germany, Jones is an American International - his parents were stationed in Germany with the US military. Talking to the Rovers official website Manager Steve Kean said:
"He's a fantastic signing for us. He's got a fantastic engine and he can go box-to-box. He's a genuine all-round midfield player.... Anybody who knows him as a player, he's a natural ball winner, he's a very good passer as well."
The player also told reporters that when he heard that Blackburn were interested in him coming to Ewood he watched the Blackburn win over Liverpool on his laptop and decided Rovers were the club for him. Jermaine joins Roque Santa Cruz for the next home game at 16:00 on Sunday - the televised match with West Brom. (18th January 2011)
The player also told reporters that when he heard that Blackburn were interested in him coming to Ewood he watched the Blackburn win over Liverpool on his laptop and decided Rovers were the club for him. Jermaine joins Roque Santa Cruz for the next home game at 16:00 on Sunday - the televised match with West Brom. (18th January 2011)
LINKS: bbc. co.uk (full story)
Chelsea 2 |
-0 Blackburn Rovers |
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No joy at Chelsea - despite a full pack of players
ROQUE SANTA CRUZ
Steve Kean had his first headache as manager today - who to select with so many returning players and the new boy Roque . Well he chose to keep the prize striker on the bench for starters and added Jason Roberts and Benjani for good measure if needed. Paul Robinson was also back, and it looked to be a strong defensive unit all round. And despite the first half of the first half seeing Chelsea dominance Rovers came back into it and were still all square at 0-0 when the break came. But when the goals came they were both from set play - and that disappointed Stave Kean. First Florent Malouda's corner found John Terry and then Branislav Ivanovic found the back of Robinson's net. Then ten minutes later Ivanovic turned provider and Nicolas Anelka made it 2-0. Blackburn certainly had chances - but will be unhappy to give away all the points when there didn't seem to be a two goal margin between the teams. The Manager told reporters: "The lads are disappointed as they felt Junior Hoilett was fouled in the run up to the first goal. But we didn't get it and it went through for a corner. The second goal Chris has held his hand up, he's made a mistake on that. But we don't mind people holding their hands up, I like to see that. The disappointing thing is that we never dealt early enough with our organisation in setting up the set play and I don't think we were aggressive enough ... We were looking for a little bit more quality in the final third and I felt sometimes when we won the ball in the middle third we forced a little bit down the centre of the pitch, whereas in the game against West Brom we played off the wide areas more to exploit the full back areas.I thought we had a good go, but it wasn't to be today."
The traveling fans were able to see Roque return as he played the second half ( replacing Niko Kalinic) and Jason Roberts saw the final half hour (on for Junior) and an early sub for David Dunn when Jason Lowe came on after just 20 minutes. With other results Rovers drop a place to 11th and return to Ewood next Sunday to play West Brom who had a 3-2 win over Blackpool this afternoon. Sunday kick off is at 16:00 ... RADIO ROVERS coverage starts at noon - and chance to do the double! (15th January 2011)
The traveling fans were able to see Roque return as he played the second half ( replacing Niko Kalinic) and Jason Roberts saw the final half hour (on for Junior) and an early sub for David Dunn when Jason Lowe came on after just 20 minutes. With other results Rovers drop a place to 11th and return to Ewood next Sunday to play West Brom who had a 3-2 win over Blackpool this afternoon. Sunday kick off is at 16:00 ... RADIO ROVERS coverage starts at noon - and chance to do the double! (15th January 2011)
Jermaine Jones |
next one in .... |
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American International seems set to join from Schalke
JERMAINE JONES
SKY SPORTS are reporting that Blackburn Rovers have agreed with German Bundesliga side Schalke for a loan deal with an option to buy for American International Jermaine Jones. The 29 year old is a defensive midfielder, and according to reports has recently fallen out with his manager Felix Magath. SKY say: " Skysports.com understands that the two clubs have agreed terms, with Blackburn looking likely to sign him on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.The player is now due to travel to England over the weekend when he will finalise a move." (14th January 2011)
LINKS: SKY.com (full story)
He's |
Back |
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Roque Santa Cruz - back from the blues!
ROQUE SANTA CRUZ
It might have been the worst kept secret of the season - the wish of former Rover Roque to return. He did - and he did! And just in time to be eligible to play for Blackburn at Chelsea, the striker was back amongst friends and looking forward to getting some regular football action. The deal brings Cruz back on a half season loan, but he told reporters that he was keen to make that permanent. His family live locally and of course Santa Cruz junior is also up at Brockhall. He told reporters: "I felt a bit ignored by the manager (Roberto Mancini). It's been hard not to play and not to be chosen even though I felt great to play so I'm very excited about being back here to strengthen a team that are already very good."It will be my aim to perform now so at the end of the season we can maybe do something permanently .... Blackburn have always treated me well and that's the reason that it's very easy for me to go back. I have built a friendship with all of the players and I saw a lot of the guys during my time with City. I'm very pleased that everything has worked this way."
For Steve Kean - Roque is his first signing - but it's one he seemed delighted to have pulled of: "Roque feels like he's got some business to finish from the first time he was here. He had a fantastic spell [at Blackburn] and he showed his quality. Hopefully he'll do that again until the end of the season. It's massive from his point of view because he doesn't have to settle in at a new club. He's coming back to a place that was special to him and I'm sure he's going to deliver."
And so with the return tomorrow of many long term injured players - and Niko Kalanic from suspension - Kean has a hard job deciding who should start and try to pile more pressure on Chelsea who put 7 past Ipswitch in the cub this week. Full commentary of the game available via the rovers player. Welcome home Roque!
For Steve Kean - Roque is his first signing - but it's one he seemed delighted to have pulled of: "Roque feels like he's got some business to finish from the first time he was here. He had a fantastic spell [at Blackburn] and he showed his quality. Hopefully he'll do that again until the end of the season. It's massive from his point of view because he doesn't have to settle in at a new club. He's coming back to a place that was special to him and I'm sure he's going to deliver."
And so with the return tomorrow of many long term injured players - and Niko Kalanic from suspension - Kean has a hard job deciding who should start and try to pile more pressure on Chelsea who put 7 past Ipswitch in the cub this week. Full commentary of the game available via the rovers player. Welcome home Roque!
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full story)
New Assistant |
- John Jensen |
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First of the new boys - an Arsneal old boy
JOHN JENSEN
ROQUE SANTA CRUZ
Blackburn Rovers have appointed John Jensen as their new assistant Manager. The club's official website say that's he's signed an initial contract 'till the end of the season. When playing for Arsenal in the 90's the Danish International also came to Ewood on many occasions
Steve Kean said of the appointment: "John has a wealth of experience, both here and abroad, and he is very much focused on the development of players. His views and philosophies on football dovetail with mine and he has also shown himself to be a very loyal assistant, a massively important factor for me. I am delighted to welcome him aboard. From what I see and hear this looks like a very exciting time for Blackburn Rovers, with the new owners and a new manager. I think I can bring knowledge and experience to the job and I also believe I can help players become better individually and the team to improve as a collective unit. I view it as a great opportunity."
And the site quote Jensen as saying: "From what I see and hear this looks like a very exciting time for Blackburn Rovers, with the new owners and a new manager. I think I can bring knowledge and experience to the job and I also believe I can help players become better individually and the team to improve as a collective unit. I view it as a great opportunity."
In other news today, Rovers have announced a new contract for young striker Nick Blackman. He's just had a very successful loan spell north of the border where at Motherwell where he scored 10 times from 18 appearances. At 21 Nick came to Ewood in 2009, and is now contracted 'till 2013
There's no news yet from the transfer window ... but many sources are reporting that Rovers are close to announcing a loan deal bringing Roque Santa Cruz back to the club. (12th January 2011).
Steve Kean said of the appointment: "John has a wealth of experience, both here and abroad, and he is very much focused on the development of players. His views and philosophies on football dovetail with mine and he has also shown himself to be a very loyal assistant, a massively important factor for me. I am delighted to welcome him aboard. From what I see and hear this looks like a very exciting time for Blackburn Rovers, with the new owners and a new manager. I think I can bring knowledge and experience to the job and I also believe I can help players become better individually and the team to improve as a collective unit. I view it as a great opportunity."
And the site quote Jensen as saying: "From what I see and hear this looks like a very exciting time for Blackburn Rovers, with the new owners and a new manager. I think I can bring knowledge and experience to the job and I also believe I can help players become better individually and the team to improve as a collective unit. I view it as a great opportunity."
In other news today, Rovers have announced a new contract for young striker Nick Blackman. He's just had a very successful loan spell north of the border where at Motherwell where he scored 10 times from 18 appearances. At 21 Nick came to Ewood in 2009, and is now contracted 'till 2013
There's no news yet from the transfer window ... but many sources are reporting that Rovers are close to announcing a loan deal bringing Roque Santa Cruz back to the club. (12th January 2011).
FA Cup |
4th Round draw |
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... and Rovers will be away to ....
So last January ... The third round of the FA Cup saw Rovers away at .... Aston Villa - and they lost 3-1. This year, progress and on to the fourth round and Rovers are away at ... Aston Villa!! And of course last September it was Villa who knocked Blackburn out of the Carling Cup with a 3-1 win and then there was that Carling Cup semi-final last January - amazing. Anyway when ball eventually 15 came out of the bag it was to be drawn away at Villa Park later this month. One of the all Premier League ties.
The full draw was:-
Torquay v Crawley Town or Derby ~ Watford v Brighton ~ Bolton v Wigan ~ Arsenal or Leeds v Huddersfield ~ Fulham v Tottenham ~ Everton v Chelsea ~
Southampton v Manchester United ~ Swansea v Leyton Orient ~ Burnley v Burton ~ Birmingham v Coventry ~ Doncaster Rovers or Wolves v Stoke or Cardiff ~
Notts County v Leicester or Man City ~ Stevenage v Reading ~ Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers ~ West Ham v Nottingham Forest ~
Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe or Hereford
Ties to be played over the weekend of 29 and 30 January (9th January 2011)
The full draw was:-
Torquay v Crawley Town or Derby ~ Watford v Brighton ~ Bolton v Wigan ~ Arsenal or Leeds v Huddersfield ~ Fulham v Tottenham ~ Everton v Chelsea ~
Southampton v Manchester United ~ Swansea v Leyton Orient ~ Burnley v Burton ~ Birmingham v Coventry ~ Doncaster Rovers or Wolves v Stoke or Cardiff ~
Notts County v Leicester or Man City ~ Stevenage v Reading ~ Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers ~ West Ham v Nottingham Forest ~
Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe or Hereford
Ties to be played over the weekend of 29 and 30 January (9th January 2011)
Blackburn Rovers 1 |
-0 QPR |
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4th Round - here we come!
JUNIOR HOILETT
A game that started with some great pace and drive came to a grinding halt after the first quarter when Gael Givet and Jamie Mackie collided - and after a five minute interruption were both stretchered off. The good news for Gael is no serious injury - but for Jamie it looks much more serious with what looks like a double fracture of his leg. Blackburn had made a few changes from the Liverpool win - resting a couple of players - Chris Samba out with the flu. Starts for Jason Lowe and Grant Hanley - but established players too with the return (to the bench) of Jason Roberts. A mix of youth and experience , but when play restarted much of the momentum seemed lost. So 0-0 at the break - despite a wonderful 45th minute save from Mark Bunn. Rovers created far more chances in the second half - and Mame Diouf looked certain to score - Roberts came on for Benjani and also started to create a few problems for the visitor. Only minutes after creating one great chance 'Junior' Hoilett made no mistake, with the help of El-Hadji Diouf, to make it 1-0. The youngster picked up his second 'man of the Match' this week and as the clock ran down Roberts came close to make it two. Only 10, 284 were at Ewood - but the good run for Steve Kean continued with three wins out of four. Post match he told RADIO ROVERS "I think it was a well deserved win, but I thought it was going to be one of those games when we missed so many early chances it can come back to bite you. Thankfully we got a goal and managed to hang on... We stressed at half time, lets not get frustrated, lets try and be a little bit more ruthless but that never really came. But fair play to the lads we stuck at it and we managed to get our name in the hat for tomorrow. It has been a good spell and long may that continue and we can look forward now to going to Chelsea next week."
The draw for the 4th round takes place on ITV 1 on Sunday afternoon at 15:45 hrs - Rovers are ball no. 15!
The draw for the 4th round takes place on ITV 1 on Sunday afternoon at 15:45 hrs - Rovers are ball no. 15!
LINKS: bbc.co.uk (full reports) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) PLUS t&t1011 and goals1011 also facup1011
Blackburn Rovers 3 |
-0 Liverpool |
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A night to remember at Ewood Park
BENJANI
There were concerns that Rovers would struggle to field a strong enough team to pick up even a point against Liverpool. The long injury list, suspension and international duties forcing Steve Kean into trusting his youngsters to come to the aid of the party. Well he and we needn't have worried! Not one of those wearing blue and white failed to give less than 100% ... with Junior Hoilett collecting the 'Man of the Match' award and plaudits a plenty of the rest of the 14 who performed. Perhaps remarkably the game also contained NO corners for Rovers (Liverpool had plenty) ... all three goals came in open play, Martin Olson was first to put one past Reina with half an hour gone, Mame Diouf providing the pin perfect cross. Then just 6 minutes later Morten Gamst Pedersen provided Benjani with another lovely cross, and the striker turned to make it 2-0 putting his shot past the Liverpool keepers head. So two up at the break, and the Blackburn fans were already in celebratory mood. Whatever Kean had to say in the break it must have been to ask for more of the same - because it took just ten minutes for Rovers third ! Junior Hoilett collecting a cross and taking the ball right down to the Liverpool goal line. Then the youngster managed to stay on his feet and side step a few defenders to provide Benjani with the ball for a simple tap in. 3-0 down and little hope for the visitors - but Steven Gerrard seemed determined to try and provide a memorable come back when he made it 3-1 and then collected a penalty when Michel Salgado brought him down. Mark Bunn prepared to try and make the save - but he needn't have bothered. Gerrard put the ball well over the bar to the delight of the Blackburn End fans. So Steve Kean collected his first home win, and Roy Hodgson had a memorable return to Ewood. Talking to RADIO ROVERS the Blackburn boss said:- "I thought the lads were outstanding in every respect. I thought we were magnificent, and it probably should have been more.The spirit, the determination, and the togetherness of the group has never been in question and it is nights like tonight when we are down to the bare bones, when there are a few injuries, a few bumps and bruises, that is team spirit that we've shown tonight. ... I thought they were very dynamic, but we can't just single them two out because it was a fantastic team performance, I thought we were excellent!" As was pointed out after the game, 'would Ronaldinho get into this team!!' The win sees Rovers move back up to 9th - level on points with Newcastle . Saturday sees a break from the league with QPR at Ewood for the FA Cup 3rd round. A memorable night with some great goals and wonderful performances. (5th January 2011)
Ronaldinho |
for Rovers ?? |
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Venky's cofirm £20m offer for AC Milan star
RONALDINHO
The rumours started with a Twitter feed that suggested that Blackburn Rovers wanted to bring world star Ronaldinho to Ewood Park - rumours that were quite quickly withdrawn . But now the BBC and SKY have both talked directly with Venky's chair Anuradha Desai who was keen to confirm that the bid was genuine. She told BBC Radio Lancashire:- "He is keen to play in the EPL [English Premier League] and I think that goes in our favour." and on the fee she confirmed "To be precise [it is] 7.6m euros (£6.5m) for the first year and about 8.5m euros (£7.2m) for the second and third years." And the big names don't stop there - David Beckham would also be made welcome in Blackburn. Also talking to SKY sports Mrs. Desai said that Damien Duff could return to his old club, and that Steve Kean would be offered a long term contract.
There might still be doubts about Venky's long term aims - but she says: "The fans have to trust us and give us some time and you will see for yourself that we are sincere people, very passionate about the football team and football club and our fans. We will not let you down"
So some potentially exciting times for Rovers fans - dreams it seems are worth having! (4th January 2011)
There might still be doubts about Venky's long term aims - but she says: "The fans have to trust us and give us some time and you will see for yourself that we are sincere people, very passionate about the football team and football club and our fans. We will not let you down"
So some potentially exciting times for Rovers fans - dreams it seems are worth having! (4th January 2011)
Sunderland 3 |
-0 Blackburn Rovers |
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3 more goals - this time against!
But there is some good news ...
CHRIS SAMBA
First the good news ... Steve Kean says that Chris Samba has told him he has never put in a transfer request - and he should be back (as captain) for the Liverpool game on Wednesday. Also there are already a couple of players identified to come IN during the early part of the transfer window & more long term injured players expected back soon
Now the bad news .... After scoring three at West Brom to finish off 2010 on a high - Rovers conceded three at Sunderland and never really troubled their keeper. Having said that the scoreline seemed to flatter the Black Cats. It was a deflected shot from Danny Welbeck that started the trouble via Ryan Nelsen - and just 8 minutes later Darren Bent made no mistake with his header to make it 2-0. Not much stand in keeper Mark Bunn could do about either but Rovers did create chances at the other end - but unlike at Albion, were unable to finish. Blackburn were more impressive in the second half but with an already makeshift back four (no Selgado or Samba) Grant Hanley was the latest casualty as he made way for Benjani at the start of the half - Emerton moving to right back. And with only minutes left to play Goulon came on to replace David Dunn who also looked to be struggling. Asamoah Gyan finished things off for the home side with their third in the 89th minute. So a deserved win for them and disappointment for the Rovers manager starting of the New Year dropping to 11th in the table. Liverpool came from behind to win at Anfield and will travel to Ewood on Wednesday with some of the pressure of Roy Hodgson. QPR lost at Norwich - they are at Ewood next Saturday in the FA Cup 3rd round.
Steve Kean told reporters:- "We are disappointed with the first goal because it takes a wicked deflection off Ryan Nelsen, the second one I think the poor part of that was that the cross came in far too easily for the header. Then we had a really good chance to make it 2-1 when El-Hadji Diouf had the chance, if that goes in then the game is different because they are on the back foot and we are in the ascendancy. When you have so many offensive players on the pitch you will create chances but it is about taking them.We have to be ruthless when we have a spell in the game, we had a good fifteen minute spell when we were on top and we were disappointed not to get a goal during that. Against West Brom we did and we were quite clinical with our finishing. Today we weren't and I think that was the difference between the two sides today." (1st January 2011)
Now the bad news .... After scoring three at West Brom to finish off 2010 on a high - Rovers conceded three at Sunderland and never really troubled their keeper. Having said that the scoreline seemed to flatter the Black Cats. It was a deflected shot from Danny Welbeck that started the trouble via Ryan Nelsen - and just 8 minutes later Darren Bent made no mistake with his header to make it 2-0. Not much stand in keeper Mark Bunn could do about either but Rovers did create chances at the other end - but unlike at Albion, were unable to finish. Blackburn were more impressive in the second half but with an already makeshift back four (no Selgado or Samba) Grant Hanley was the latest casualty as he made way for Benjani at the start of the half - Emerton moving to right back. And with only minutes left to play Goulon came on to replace David Dunn who also looked to be struggling. Asamoah Gyan finished things off for the home side with their third in the 89th minute. So a deserved win for them and disappointment for the Rovers manager starting of the New Year dropping to 11th in the table. Liverpool came from behind to win at Anfield and will travel to Ewood on Wednesday with some of the pressure of Roy Hodgson. QPR lost at Norwich - they are at Ewood next Saturday in the FA Cup 3rd round.
Steve Kean told reporters:- "We are disappointed with the first goal because it takes a wicked deflection off Ryan Nelsen, the second one I think the poor part of that was that the cross came in far too easily for the header. Then we had a really good chance to make it 2-1 when El-Hadji Diouf had the chance, if that goes in then the game is different because they are on the back foot and we are in the ascendancy. When you have so many offensive players on the pitch you will create chances but it is about taking them.We have to be ruthless when we have a spell in the game, we had a good fifteen minute spell when we were on top and we were disappointed not to get a goal during that. Against West Brom we did and we were quite clinical with our finishing. Today we weren't and I think that was the difference between the two sides today." (1st January 2011)
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(c) MMXI
(c) MMXI