The hour has come ... IN and OUT
Another transfer window has closed and Rovers had quite a quiet day. It was good-bye to Jonathan Douglas (to Leeds United) and Welcome to Shabani Nonda - but much of the other speculation was just that. Former Rovers did dominate the days news - with ANDY COLE off to Portsmouth, and strike partner DWIGHT YORKE coming back from Sydney to England to play at Sunderland (on a free). Blackpool signed big BEN BURGESS from Hull earlier in the day. And Rochdale signed Rovers teenager Keith Barker on loan until the end of January.
So for Rovers - THIS window has seen ...
IN: Jason Brown, Jason Roberts, Beni McCarthy, Francis Jeffers, Andre Ooijer and Shabani Nonda
OUT: Paul Dickov, Craig Bellamy, Jonathan Douglas.

Still here with new deals; Ryan Nelsen, Brett Emerton, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Steven Reid, Matty Derbyshire. Also against all the newspaper odds Lucas Neill and Andy Todd are still under contract.

RULES
BBC Sport say:- After midnight on 31 August, Premiership and SPL clubs cannot sign any players, on loan or full transfers, until one minute past midnight on 1 January. This window will stay open until midnight on 31 January.
(1st September 2006)

NONDA signs one year loan deal

As predicted earlier today Blackburn Rovers have revealed that they've now signed AS Roma striker Shabani Nonda. Rover have an option to make the move permanent when the season ends. John Williams is pictured with the players on the clubs official website. (31st August 2006)
rovers.co.uk (details) ALSO SEE Profile - read his full profile

Douglas crosses Pennines

Leeds United Mad report that Leeds have signed Rovers midfielder Jonathan Douglas on a three-year-deal. Duggy leaves Blackburn where he's been since the age of 16, for an undisclosed fee. Now 24-year he made his debut in the Football League of Ireland for Monaghan United eight years ago. He joined Blackburn after having been on trial at Celtic and made his debut against West Ham in the Worthington Cup in October 2000. A cruciate ligament injury in 2001 hampered his progress, and he was out of action for some time and in March 2003 was loaned out to Chesterfield for six weeks, where he played seven matches. Then he joined Blackpool for three months, also on loan, where he played in 16 league games, scoring 3 goals. (31st August 2006)
GOOD LUCK JONATHAN ....

AS Roma striker set for Rovers move ...

Fans FC report that The DR Congo international Shabina Nonda is set for a loan move to Blackburn for the rest of the season. They say the clubs have agreed the deal and that the 29-year-old has previously played in France with AS Monaco and Switzerland. (31st August 2006)
Profile - read his full profile

D-Day ... all bets off at midnight ...

August 31st sees the closure of the transfer window 'till the new year. Rovers have completed the signing of a host of new players and new contracts for some of their favorites. Lucas Neill and Andy Todd seem to be the only two names still not settled, but the lawyers will have to work hard to complete anything in the next few hours. Liverpool might still better their £2 million bid rejected yesterday for Neill, and reports say that Bolton are now keen to be reunited with Todd - unhappy about spending Sunday on the bench against Chelsea. .... Watch this space ....
ALSO - news just in ..
Clubcall say Kevin Blackwell is hoping to seal the signing of Rovers midfielder Jonathon Douglas before the transfer window close. (31st August 2006)
bbc.co.uk (sports transfer tracker)

No repeat of last year - Blackburn 0 - Chelsea 2
Disputed penalty breaks deadlock "We were Mugged"
Judging the match on the first half alone - Rovers were in control and probably the better team - certainly looked the most likely to score. But just after the break, new signing Andre Ooijier was adjudged to have brought down a Chelsea player in the box, and Frank Lampard converted the penalty to give the Champions the lead. With ten minutes left - sub Didier Drogba made it two and sealed Rovers fate.
Mark Hughes speaking on RADIO ROVERS was unhappy about the penalty & Felt his team deserved one at the other end. "From my point of view I thought we totally dominated the game. We've all been in the dressing room and we all feel like we've been mugged today. Certainly by the decision for the penalty, John Terry has thrown himself to the ground and the referee has unfortunately thought it was a penalty. We've had a similar shirt-pulling incident at the other end and he doesn't give that. The decisions have to be right for both sides and today they weren't."
On the positive side - Brett Emerton continued with his new Right Back roll and collected the Rovers man of the Match award. Sadly Blackburn go into the Internationals break at the foot of the table - with just 1 point from the first 3 games. (27th August 2006)
goals0607(goals) AND t&t0607 (starts) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report) ALSO bbc.co.uk (full report)

UEFA Cup first round draw
Rovers travel to Austria to launch campaign.
The draw was made this lunchtime for the first round of the UEFA cup, and for Blackburn Rovers a trip to Austrian to play FC Salzburg. They're a club managed by former Italian boss Giovanni Trapattoni. Salzburg are currently top of their league - unbeaten after six games, with four wins and two draw.
The away leg should be played on 14th September - and at Ewood on 28th September 2006
The complete draw for British sides are:-
Levadia Tallinn v NEWCASTLE
Molde FK v RANGERS
DERRY CITY v Paris St Germain
Sparta Prague v HEARTS
FC Salzburg v BLACKBURN
WEST HAM v Palermo Slavia
Prague v TOTTENHAM
(25th August 2006)
rovers.co.uk (more) AND bbc.co.uk (full story)

That's better - Blackburn Rovers 1 - Everton 1
McCarthy on target for debut at Ewood Park
It all started so well, two great chances for new boy Jason Roberts within the first quarter hour - then David Bentley and Benni McCarthy had a go, but all failed to find the back of Tim Howard's net. Despite 0-0 at the break - Rovers were on top and it was no surprise when 4 minutes into the second half Benni McCarthy scored his first Premiership goal. That's where things started to go wrong, from dominance, Blackburn seemed to become disjointed, and Everton started to apply the pressure. Several Subs later, and with 7 minutes to go Tim Cahil came off the bench to score the equalizer. Despite some late attempts from Rovers, it remained 1-1 and the teams shared the spoils.
Mark Hughes told RADIO ROVERS that he felt it was a much improved performance after the defeat at Portsmouth. "Overall it was a much better performance from Saturday and we take some credit for that. We'll look at the performance and we'll look at the positives, but there was a lot of very good stuff played. We had the vast majority of the game, obviously in the last ten-fifteen minutes they tried to put the pressure on and they got their reward for that. But up to that point I never felt we were any danger, we got our noses in front and were playing some good stuff."
goals0607(goals) AND t&t0607 (starts) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report) ALSO bbc.co.uk (full report)

SUMMER SIGNINGS
Andre Ooijer - signs two year deal
Rovers have once again got their man ... and this time it's Dutch International defender Andre Ooijer. The news broke mid afternoon at Ewood as preparations continued for the nights Premiership game. Talking on RADIO ROVERS Andre said "I'm very happy to be here, I'm looking forward to playing, to see the stadium and everything. I wanted to move on and further my career and I think it is a good step for me to be here."
He's signed up for two years, with an option for a third. "When I club like Blackburn comes in for you, it was a simple choice for me, I heard a lot from other players that Blackburn was a warm club, it sounded like my former club PSV."
Fans had chance to meet their new signing when he came on the pitch just ahead of the Everton Game, and received a massive warm welcome.(23rd August 2006)
rovers.co.uk (Full Story)

SUMMER SIGNINGS
Andre Ooijer - PSV accept Rovers offer.
BBC Sports report that Rovers have moved closer to signing Andre Ooijer when PSV Eindhoven accepted their bid for the Dutch defender. Talking to Roversworld this morning Mark Hughes was still hopeful of completing the signing of the 32 year old in time for Sundays home tie with Chelsea. Details are still sketchy - but a deal in time for tomorrow's game with Everton looks unlikely. BBC Sport say a fee of over £2 million could be possible. (22nd August 2006)
bbc.co.uk (full story)

Todd RED overturned
Just the news Mark Hughes was waiting for - Blackburn Rovers appeal against the RED card handed out to ANDY TODD on Saturday was this afternoon overturned. It had looked as if Todd and Neill (two yellow cards) would both miss out on the first home game v Everton this Wednesday. But Mark Hughes seemed confident at the weekend that pictures showed the defender had made contact with the ball before the foul was adjudged to have been committed. "I think he's certainly got a touch on the ball before the guy has gone over his legs". Hughes told reporters at the time (19th August 2006).
Rovers still have defensive problems with Ryan Nelson sidelined for a few more weeks - but the reintroduction of the Captain is a big boost. (22nd August 2006).


bbc.co.uk (full report) AND rovers.co.uk (TODD)

TIME TO TUNE IN ..

THIS WEDNESDAY RADIO ROVERS RETURNS FOR THE NEW SEASON WITH A FULL 7 HOUR BROADCAST 'LIVE' FROM EWOOD PARK. GERALD JACKSON IS YOUR STUDIO HOST WITH NEIL YARDLEY, GRAHAM LIVER AND WENDY HOWARD OFFERING COMMENT AND COMMENTARY.
TUNE IN FROM 16:00 BST ON 1404 AM + ROVERS.CO.UK AROUND THE WORLD VIA 'ROVERSWORLD'.


Radio Rovers is available around Blackburn via Medium Wave/AM Radio - but everywhere via the club website .... The annual subscription service offers full 90 minutes of all away games and 7 hours live from Ewood for every home match.


Visit rovers.co.uk and then go to ROVERSWORLD to tune in - or register for the months ahead following your team.

To get you in the mood click here - to hear what you've been missing!

Poor start at Fratton Park - Portsmouth 3 - Blackburn 0
Not the start to the season that Rovers would have wanted - down to 10 men in the second half and goals against in each half away at Portsmouth. The home side took the lead after 25 minutes through Todorov, after a Lucas Neill mistake. The defender also got booked early in the piece, and didn't look at his best. Rovers failed to make much progress before the break, and Brad Friedel made a fantastic save to deny Sol Cambell. After the interval, Blackburn seemed to have most of the possession, and looked the better side ... but just after the hour, Kanu found the back of the net for Portsmouth's second. Within minutes a second yellow for Neill saw Rovers down to 10 men To rub salt into the wounds, with just 6 minutes to go, Kanu beat Brad again - two goals on his debut coming on as a second half sub. Then just when it looked things couldn't get worse - Andy Todd was sent off after fouling Kanu in the box - but the player then failed to convert the penalty kick - Rovers finish with 9 men.
It all brought back memories of the start to last season when Paul Dickov saw red and Rovers lost 3-1 at West Ham. The rest of season seemed to tell a different story - so perhaps you need an early wake up call? (19th August 2006)

Mark Hughes told reporters after the match that he'd seen the video of the Todd sending off and there is a chance of the ref reviewing it. Hughes is quoted on rovers.co.uk "I think he has made a real attempt to get the ball and I think he's certainly got a touch on the ball before the guy has gone over his legs. We've spoken to the referee and he is going to take a look at it, and in fairness to him if he feels that Andy has got a touch on the ball - which I think he'll find he has - then he'll inform the FA accordingly. So we are hopeful in that respect." (19th August 2006)
goals 0607 (all the goals, all season) AND bbc.co.uk (full report) AND rovers.co.uk (TODD)

LOG on and LISTEN
It's time to log on to roversworld and follow Blackburn to their first game of the new season ...
The annual subscription service offers full 90 minutes of all away games and 7 hours live from Ewood for every home match (from RADIO ROVERS). Visit rovers.co.uk and then go to ROVERSWORLD to tune in - or register for the months ahead following your team.
Match Preview - PORTSMOUTH v BLACKBURN - bbc.co.uk (click here)

Good Luck Rovers.

SUMMER SIGNINGS
TWO new Deals - for two established players - NELSEN & EMERTON
Not sure what we were worried about! It seems that Ryan Nelesn was ALWAYS going to stay at Ewood
"I never once thought it was time for a change, for me it is all about ambition and success and where the club wants to be. With the manager committing himself, and the new signings that have coming and everything, it was all positive news coming from the club and as a player that is what you want to hear." He told rover.oc.uk - and promptly signed a new four year deal ...
THEN - just in time for the launch of the new season - Brett Emerton did the right thing too - and signed up four more years. Mark Hughes told bbc.co.uk "He's a player who gives me a lot of options. He can carry the ball from one end of the field to the other. That's why teams have coveted him this summer."
SO - Emerton's joins Nelsen, Reid, Gray, Pedersen and Tugay in showing their commitment to Blackburn Rovers. So that would just leave Lucas Neill then?!?!?! (watch this space) (18th July 2006)
rovers.co.uk (NELSEN) AND rovers.co.uk (EMERTON) + bbc.co.uk (EMERTON)

PRE-SEASON: Blackburn Rovers 5 - New Zealand 0
Home debut goals for McCarthy & Roberts
There'll be those who'll tell you that a pre-season friendly against the New Zealand all whites (playing in All Black) isn't that much of a test - but then ask the fans who were at Ewood for the season curtain raiser if it was a good moral booster and I guess we'd all say YES! To see both Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts find the target made it all well worth while. In fact Roberts netted four times - but had two disallowed. His pre-season tally is 4 - two on tour and two at home. Benni McCarthy picked up 'man of the match' and this announcer has never seen a Rovers player react with so much pleasure when he heard me shout out his name at the end of the game!! Steven Reid was also on the scoresheet slotting home his debut goal for the new season at Ewood. Mark Hughes was delighted with his sides performance and told BLACKBURN ROVERS TV "I think the people here will have been excited by what they have seen today, Benni is a different type of player than what fans have seen before, he offers us something different up front. I though Benni and Jay (Roberts) played very well together today."
"It was a good exercise for us, we wanted to bring the team on and we did that today. I mentioned to the players before the game to maintain a high tempo throughout and we did just that. We wouldn't have beaten them 5-0 otherwise."
Hughes had almost as many men on the bench as in the starting eleven, and the last half hour saw a host of substitutions that guaranteed a run out for many of the new season's potential stars.

ROVERS (4-4-2): Friedel, Mokoena, Todd (c) (sub Gallagher 46 mins), Neill, Gray (sub McEveley 71 mins), Reid, Savage (sub Douglas 80 mins), Bentley (sub Jeffers 60 mins), Gamst (sub Peter 71 mins), Roberts, McCarthy (sub Kuqi 80 mins). Subs not used: Brown, Derbyshire, Taylor.

NOW OFF TO PORTSMOUTH - FOR THE REAL THING NEXT WEEKEND

pre0607 (preseason news page) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report)

Blackburn Rovers v New Zealand
Rovers complete their pre-season games at home to New Zealand THIS Saturday afternoon at 15:00 BST.
There's a special broadcast from 13:00 on RADIO ROVERS - 1404 kHz am and rovers.co.uk.

Tickets will be on sale up until kickoff for the season curtain raiser. Prices are just £10 for Adults and £5 for Seniors, Young Adult Season Tickets and Juniors under 15s.

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
Andre Ooijer waits for his dream
Andre Ooijer has been talking to SKY SPORTS about his wish to move to Blackburn, The defender believes that his current club (PSV) might be standing in the way of the move and his wishes. ""I have made up my mind that I would like to join Blackburn Rovers and I am excited by the prospect of playing under Mark Hughes," he said "Unfortunately, the obstacle in the way is PSV Eindhoven. They are asking for quite a considerable sum from Blackburn Rovers and after eight and a half years loyal service, I am disappointed that they are standing in the way of a dream transfer. Sounding desperate to make the move Andre told SKY "I only have one-year left on my contract and last summer the club were happy to negotiate my transfer to Schalke for a fee of just 1.5 million euros" (12th July 2006)
teamtalk.com (more)

PRE-SEASON: Sparta Rotterdam 1- Blackburn Rovers 0
Narrow defeat - Jason Brown debut
ROVERS.CO.UK report:-
THE Dutch leg of Rovers' pre-season preparations came to an end this evening with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sparta Rotterdam. The only goal of the game came seven minutes into the second half when Yuri Rose took advantage of some slack marking from a quick free-kick to beat Brown with a low drive Jason Brown, making his first start in a Rovers shirt had to deal with a couple of headers from Sparta captain Yannis Anastasiou, but they hardly troubled the former Gillingham stopper. Brown gets the rovers.co.uk man of the match award. Now it's to Ewood for New Zealand on Saturday at 15:00hrs.
ROVERS: Brown, Mokoena, Matteo (sub McEveley 46 mins), Todd (c), Neill, Douglas (sub Reid 60 mins), Gallagher (sub Bentley 46 mins), Acuna (sub Savage 84 mins), Kuqi (sub Roberts 70 mins), McCarthy, Peter (sub Gamst 60 mins). Subs not used: Friedel, Gray (9th August 2006)
pre0607 (preseason news page) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report)

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
Andre Ooijer on the way ???
Rovers are strongly linked with PSV Eindhoven central defender Andre Ooijer. He's only a year left on his current contract, and is believed to have rejected a new deal in Holland. SKY SPORTS report the player saying "I understand that the chance of a big transfer is over when you are 32 years old. I just have to wait and see if Blackburn and PSV can reach an agreement." And SKY say that technical manager Stan Valckx is resigned to seeing Ooijer leave the Philips Stadium. "It looked as if we were ready to sign a new two-year deal with Ooijer, until the summer of 2009, but that looks to be over now."
Vitalfootball.co.uk say that fee of around £1 million would be sufficient to capture the defender who would sign on a two-year deal. And with doubts about the future of both Ryan Nelsen and Lucas Neill continuing - another duality man at the back must be on Mark Hughes mind. (8th August 2006)
vitalfootball.co.uk (more) ALSO skysports.com (story) ALSO theindependent.co.uk (all the background)

PRE-SEASON: Alemannia Aachen 2 - Blackburn Rovers 3
McCarthy on target - on debut
ROVERS.CO.UK report:-
BENNI McCarthy made a goalscoring start to his Blackburn career as Rovers defeated Bundesliga new-boys Alemannia Aachen 3-2 at the Tivoli Stadium.
McCarthy then turned provider for Jason Roberts to score Rover second, and the third cam courtesy of a cross from sub Paul Gallagher to Morten Gamst to fire home.

ROVERS: Friedel, Mokoena, Neill (sub Douglas 60 mins), Khizanishvili (sub Matteo 68 mins), Gray (sub McEveley 82 mins), Reid, Bentley (sub Tugay 71 mins), Savage (sub Peter 60 mins), Pedersen, McCarthy (sub Gallagher 65 mins), Roberts (sub Kuqi 77 mins.) (5th August 2006)
pre0607 (preseason news page) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report)

McCarthy eyes top four finish
Rovers latest signing Benni McCarthy has been talking to BBC Radio Lancashire about his move from Porto.
He's really enthusiastic about coming to Blackburn and pleased that the club kept pursuing him as a target.
He says he's less than enthusiastic about his old club - and full of praise for Rovers.
Reporter Andy Bayes also asks about the new season and Benni has his eyes on a top four finish ... and he has loads of former team mates now playing in England (3rd August 2006)
LISTEN HERE TO THE INTERVIEW VIA BBC.CO.UK/LANCASHIRE (realmedia 13'33)

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
Rovers Huth interest
A number of websites report Rovers interest in German international Robert Huth. The Chelsea 21 year old defender had been thought to be heading for Middlesbrough in early June, but the deal seems to have fallen down on medical grounds. Then last week Middlesbrough's chief executive Keith Lamb said the move was back on. But now Rovers have been linked with a late move for the youngster. After the 5-0 defeat to Olympiakos, a 6'2" big defender could be very useful!
Meanwhile another name in the frame for Blackburn is the 24-year-old Scottish International Andy Websters, who's agent claims the Hearts defender is interesting the club.
A fee of £200,000 could make him a bargain buy .... watch this space ! (1st August 2006)
vitalfootball.co.uk (more) ALSO 4thgame.com (Robert Huth Profile) ALSO fansefc.com (more)

PRE-SEASON: Olympiakos 5 - Blackburn Rovers 0
ROVERS.CO.UK report:-
The Greek side of Olympiakos certainly didn't bear any gifts as they inflicted a heavy pre-season defeat on Rovers. Olympiakos were Greek champions and cup winners last season and it showed as they gave a masterclass in attacking football against Mark Hughes' side. Two goals in the first half and a further three in the second meant Rovers never looked like getting anything from this game except a thorough workout.
ROVERS lined up : Friedel, Agathe (sub Gallagher 63 mins), Khizanishvili, Matteo (sub Todd 46 mins), Gray (sub McEveley 46 mins), Savage (c) (sub Bentley 46 mins, sub Tugay 66 mins), Mokoena (sub Douglas 46 mins), Reid, Peter (sub Gamst 46 mins), Kuqi (sub Roberts 63 mins), Jeffers (sub Derbyshire 63 mins).
pre0607 (preseason news page) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report)

SUMMER SIGNINGS
BENNI IS THE BOY!
Blackburn Rovers have now completed the signing of BENNI MCCARTY from Porto. He's come on a four year deal which marks the end of a long on going attempt top bring him to Ewood Park. John Williams told ROVERS.CO.UK "We tried to sign Benni 12 months ago and we have been tracking the situation since then. We are delighted that we have managed to bring him to Rovers."
Blackburn have paid an undisclosed fee - but BBC SPORT say about £2/5 million for the 28 year old South African International. He started his career at feeder club Ajax Cape Town, won 47 caps for South Africa, and scored 21 goals.
Rovers play their next pre-season game tonight before the team return to Blackburn for a few days and then go away again to complete their tour. (28th July 2006)
rovers.co.uk (full story) AND bbc.co.uk (more) PLUS roversworld (full interview in video) subscription service

What's in a name ...
If you buy a new Rovers top for the forthcoming season, and decide to add a certain Norwegian's name it will be a simply GAMST - no longer Pedersen!
MGP has now been given permission to revert to his Mothers maiden name (Gamst), the one he already has on his International strip. Pedersen is his Fathers name - a former player and regular listener to Radio Rovers!
He's already signed a new four year deal (click here for June story) (27th June 2006)

rovers.co.uk (more)

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
Almost there ...
The Lancashire Telegraph have the latest .....
BENNI McCarthy is poised to become a Blackburn player later this week. I can reveal the club have now reached an agreement with both Porto AND the player, so his long awaited transfer is expected to go through before the weekend is out. Rovers agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £2.5 million, with Porto earlier this week. (27th June 2006)

lancashire telegraph (full story)

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
McCarthy deal close
Latest news from South Africa seems to confirm that Benni is on his way to Ewood Park ...
SASOPCCER365.COM report: FC Porto President Jorge Pinto da Costa has confirmed that South African striker Benni McCarthy is close to a move to English Premiership side Blackburn Rovers. "Everything is practically closed, Benni has always wanted to play in England and this is the right time for both parties."
Speaking to the Jornal de Noticias newspaper in Lisbon, McCarthy said "I'm sad because I'm leaving many friends behind at FC Porto. Real brothers," he said. "It was at FC Porto that I experienced success and some of my happiest moments. But going to England is a dream." (25th July 2006)
sasoccer365.com (latest story)

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
McCarthy three year deal???
Rewports from Portugal suggest that Rovers are on the verge of signing Benni McCarthy on a tyhree year deal. Blackburn have chased the striker fro some time, but now it seems that a deal could be on the cards.
PORTUGOAL.NET say: Porto striker Benni McCarthy seems set to complete his long desired move to the Premiership, with the Portuguese press suggesting his transfer to Blackburn Rovers could be tied up today. The English club spoke to McCarthy in Holland where he is currently undergoing pre-season training with Porto, and the player was impressed with what they had to say. Portuguese Sport daily O Jogo reported that McCarthy will sign a 3-year contract with Blackburn, with Porto president Pinto da Costa having sanctioned the transfer. An official announcement is expected today or early this week. (24th July 2006)

PRE-SEASON: Hamberger SV 1 - Blackburn Robvers 1
ROVERS.CO.UK report:-
Rovers took a first half lead through Morten Gamst Pedersen,A ball played up to Jason Roberts was nodded down into Pedersen's path who took a right-footed shot from the edge of the area .. into the top corner of the net.
It had been thought that Roberts would miss out after picking up an injury at Accrington Stanley. Hamberger got their equaliser in the 56th minute when Berisher scored from a header.
Next game on Friday.
ROVERS lined up : Friedel, Agathe, Todd (c), Khizanishvili, Gray, Savage, Bentley, Reid, Pedersen, Gallagher, Roberts. Subs: Enckelman, Matteo, McEveley, Taylor, Kane, Nolan, Douglas, Tugay, Peter, Treacy, Kuqi, Jeffers, Derbyshire. (23rd July 2006)
pre0607 (preseason news page) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report)

PRE-SEASON: Starts with a 3-0 win at Accrington Stanley

ROVERS.CO.UK report:-
"IT was a night for debut goals as both summer striker signings found the back of the net in a comfortable victory over Accrington Stanley.

Jason Roberts and Francis Jeffers both scored on their debuts in Rovers' first pre-season game of the summer, but it was a night of mixed fortunes for the former Wigan man, as he left the pitch nursing a suspected groin injury just fifteen minutes after opening the goalscoring in the first half.

Matty Derbyshire was rewarded minutes after coming on as a second half sub - scoring Rovers 3rd.

Strong team out - good crowd. Rovers move on to Hamburg to continue their pre-season." (19th July 2006)
pre0607 (preseason news page) ALSO SEE rovers.co.uk (full report) AND roversworld (video - subscription service)

Bad news .. from Down Under ...
News sources in Australia and New Zealand suggest that Rovers could loose two key defenders. There's been plenty of speculation about Lucas Neill's future since his World Cup exploits, and now Ryan Nelsen also looks destined to move on to pastures new.
On Nelson stuff.co.nz say "Sunday News can reveal rival premiership side Portsmouth are preparing to swoop on Nelsen in a $12 million raid. A source close to Nelsen's agent Lyle York told Sunday News last night that Nelsen is keen to link up with Harry Redknapp's cash-rich Pompey side." they go on to say "Privately, Nelsen has questioned Rovers' ambition after Hughes sold striker Craig Bellamy to Liverpool last month. Nelsen is worried Rovers will be unable to mount a serious challenge for the UEFA Cup - the European competition they qualified for by finishing sixth in the league last term. "
Meanwhile clubcall.com suggest that Lucas Neill has rejected a new Blackburn contract - they say "Neill has just 12 months left on his current deal with Rovers, and they have offered him a new deal on improved terms. However, sources close to the player have revealed he has rejected that offer, and will now look to join a club with a higher profile." It's thought that the 28-year-old is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan. (17th July 2006)
stuff.co.nz say (RYAN NELSEN) ALSO SEE clubcall.com (LUCAS NEILL)

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
Mido deal back on???
The latest news from Italy suggests that Egyptian International Mido might now be considering a move to Blackburn SKY SPORTS "Mido could be close to reaching an agreement with Blackburn Rovers. ... Mido has already turned down Rovers once, but is reportedly in talks with the Uefa Cup qualifiers in a bid to negotiate a more favourable deal this time around with a four-year contract at £1.2 million a season apparently on offer".
In his latest on-line interview (rovers.co.uk) Mark Hughes admits that some negotiations are going on longer than he wished. He said he'd have liked to have all his boys back together for the start of season training - but the soceroos are still down under - and other signings (possibly MIDO?) are still on going. (14th July 2006)
SKYSPORTS.com (full story)

Emerton says, he stays!
There has been plenty of speculation about the future of both Rovers Australian starts - but now reports from down under seem to clear up one players future plans. Australian media quote Brett Emerton at a fans day in Sydney:- "I'm looking forward to going back [to Blackburn] for hopefully another good season. It's been reported that there has been interest from several other clubs, but as far as discussions go, to be honest, I'm a Blackburn player."
Lucas Neill has been tipped to be the next Socceroos captain. Asked whether he felt Neill would make a good skipper, Emerton played a bat so straight it would have done Rahul Dravid proud."I think he's a good candidate, but I think there are a few other experienced players who'd be in there as well. But obviously it's not my decision - the next manager who comes in will make his pick."
Speculation continues about Neill's future - but Rovers have new improved contracts waiting in Blackburn for when both players return. Mark Hughes remains confident that he can keep his men. (14th July 2006)
sydneymorningherald.com.au (fullstory)

Flitty hangs up his boots
Blackburn Rovers former Captain, and long term servant Garry Flitcroft has announced his retirement from football. The former Man City Man moved to Sheffield United last January, and made 6 appearances for the Blades - now promoted to the Premiership. But injury has forced the Lancastrian to hang up his boots. Teamtalk.com quote Neil Warnock:- "Garry had always maintained we would see the best of him in August after a full pre-season programme, so this is a blow because Garry's Premiership experience would have been invaluable to us next season."
Flitty started his career in 1991 at Man City, ad had five years at Maine Road. He made 142 appearances in which he also captained the side. It was in 1996 that the move came to Rovers, who paid £3.5million for his services. Despite being sent off four minutes into his debut, Garry went on to play around 300 matches for Rovers, took on the captaincy and had a much publicised fall out with former boss Graeme Souness. The outcome saw the loss of the Captains armband, and with a change of Manager, few opportunities to play for the first team - only one Premiership start last season.
Back in January, Mark Hughes told rovers.co.uk "Garry has been an excellent servant of the club, a great captain and a great leader on and off the pitch. It has been unfortunate ... that he's not been able to get into the first team as regularly as he would have liked this season. I played alongside him for Rovers and he was a great team-mate. We wish him all the best for the future."
I'm sure all Rovers fans will want to wish him a happy retirement. (8th July 2006)
teamtalk.com (full story) ALSO SEE JANUARY ARCHIVE rrovers-news-january0506.htm

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
No go for Mido
Rovers bid for Egyptian International Mido seems to reached the end of the road. According to BBC Sport although Blackburn had a £3m bid accepted, the player opted to stay with the Serie A club. They quote Mido as saying "I am not interested in Blackburn. I want to remain at Roma and prove that I can help this team go on to achieve success."
Meanwhile another Rovers potential target has agreed to move to Wigan. All summer Emile Heskey had been linked with a possible move to the North west, but he won't b coming this far up the M6! Wigan tabled a £5.5m bid for the player, and have now had it accepted. (6th July 2006)
bbc.co.uk (full story)

ROBBIE - SHEFKIE

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
NO MOVE - POSSIBLE MOVE
Some good news about midfield man Robbie Savage - the target of a Wigan Bid. According to Latics website, to quote an old song " lets call the whole thing off!"
Paul Jewell told the site"We did ask Blackburn about Robbie through the correct channels because he's a player I thought would be a good addition to our squad, but Blackburn said he was not for sale.”
However eatsleepsport say that striker Shefki Kuqi could be leaving the club after just a season with Rovers ... the site say:- "Rovers' Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi has been linked with a summer switch to Coventry City. The former Stockport County, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday hitman has been linked several times in the past but it looks as though a move could finally be on the cards. Mark Hughes' recent swoop for strike duo Francis Jeffers and Jason Roberts has led to renewed speculation he could be on his way to the Ricoh Arena. Kuqi could now follow fellow strikers Craig Bellamy and Paul Dickov out of the exit door." (6th July 2006)
fansfc.com (Savage story) ALSO SEE eastsleepsport.com (Kuqi story)

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
More on Mido
say that Blackburn Rovers may not have finished in their quest for new strikers. SKY say that reports from Italy claim Mido has reopened talks over a possible transfer to Ewood Park.
The Egyptian international, returned to Roma this summer following an 18-month loan spell at Spurs. After a successful season there, where he scored 11 goals in 27 appearances SKY say " "Mido was considering remaining at the Stadio Olimpico in order to fight for his first team place. However, Roma have made it clear they are keen to offload Mido and have reportedly accepted a Rovers bid in the region of €5 million (£3.5 million), with the player's agent Mino Raiola continuing to conduct negotiations."
(5th July 2006)
skysports.com (full story)

SUMMER SIGNINGS
And another one! Jason Roberts moves from Wigan in 'Dream Move'
Francis Jeffers after breakfast - THEN Jason Roberts before tea! Blackburn Rovers continued the summer signings with another striker - Wigan's top goal scorer last season 28 year old Jason Roberts on a four year deal. He turned down a new contract at the JJB and had NO doubts about the move across the County. Jason told rovers.co.uk "The stature of the club, UEFA Cup football, coming sixth in the league last season, the manager, the players - I've played against Rovers twice last year and they were fantastic - they are all reasons why I have signed. I always thought this was a dream move for me"
The striker moved to Wigan in 2004 from West Brom for £1.4 million and comes to Ewood for an undisclosed fee. (3rd July 2006)
rovers.co.uk (full story) ALSO SEE bbc.co.uk

SUMMER SIGNINGS
As predicted - Jeffers signs on
All the speculation at the weekend was bang on, and the weeks starts with the signing of the former Charlton front man Francis Jeffers on a two year contract at Ewood Park. Rovers have an option on a third year. The 25 year old told rovers.co.uk "I spoke to a number of clubs but once I spoke to manager Mark Hughes my mind was made up. These are exciting times for me. I've had a couple of difficult years but I've no doubt that I can still do it."
A nice statistic pulled from the Blackburn Rovers archives ... Jeffers shares the record for the most goals scored at England under 21 level with another former Ewood striker Alan Shearer, both netted 13 times for their country.
Jeffers comes on a free (3rd July 2006)
rovers.co.uk (full story) PLUS rovers.co.uk (ROVERSWORLD interview - SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE) ALSO SEE bbc.co.uk

SUMMER SIGNINGS ???
Jeffers for Rovers?
According to a number of news sources - Rovers have targeted the former Arsenal, Everton and Charlton striker Francis Jeffers. The 25 year old was released by Charlton in May, and had been expected to join Championship side Coventry City. John Williams confirmed Rovers interest to BBC Radio Lancashire, and it's expected that the club will pursue their target over the next few days.(30th June 2006)
teamtalk.com

'ANDS OFF!
Blackburn Rovers have rejected an offer from Wigan for midfield star Robbie Savage. SKY Sports say that it's believed latics wanted to include a player and cash in the deal .. but Rovers have NO interest in selling.
With Bellamy and Dickov gone, Blackburn want to hold on to what they've got .. only yesterday John Williams confirmed their wish to KEEP Lucas Neill - despite his headline grabbing performances in the world cup. (30th June 2006)
SKYSPORTS.com (full story)

SUMMER SIGNINGS
As expected - Brown first new face
As widely expected last week 24 year old, Jason Brown is Rovers first new signing of the Summer. The former Gillingham player Brown recently made his senior debut for Wales in their friendly against Trinidad & Tobago. He told rovers.co.uk "Just a month ago I was waiting on a contract offer from Gillingham, then last week I looked to be on my way to Swansea before I spoke to Eddie Niedzwiecki and he asked me to give them some time. It hasn't sunk in yet, I imagine it will do in the next few days. I can't wait to get started working with the coaches and players here." (27th June 2006)
rovers.co.uk (full story) ALSO SEE officialplayersites.com (Jason Brown site)

Rovers target Brown??
BBC Sport report that Rovers could be on the verge of signing 24 year old out of contract Gillingham keeper Jason Brown. According to their story, Brown was thought to be signing for Swansea, but City now say:- "Overnight, Blackburn Rovers came into the equation with a counter-offer. After sleeping on the two deals, Brown decided it was in his best interests to join the Premiership side."
The Welsh international failed to agree terms with Gillingham and told BBC Radio Kent "Unless something happens in the next three or four days I might be signing at another club .." So Ewood Park could be on the cards. (23rd June 2006)
bbc.co.uk (full story) ALSO SEE officialplayersites.com (Jason Brown site)

BYE BYE BELL
Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool FC confirmed the transfer and four year contract for Craig Bellamy. Bellamy told the Reds website: "The fact that it was Liverpool made it impossible for me to turn them down. As I'm a fan, it doesn't matter what club I was at. I could never turn Liverpool down."
So the worst kept secret at Ewood was proved right. According to BBC SPORT his contract was thought to include a clause (only active until June 30) that allowed him to speak to any club offering £6m.
As Blackburn's top scorer last season, he's credited with 17 goals in 26 league and cup starts. There's no doubt he'll be a tough act to follow.
Craig told rovers.co.uk "I am very sad to be leaving Blackburn. My time at Ewood Park was among the happiest of my career and I have a lot to thank the club for. It's a great club, a really well-run club with some great people and I loved my time there. The fans were great to me from day one and to get the player-of-the-year award in my first season was a true honour."
History can be cruel ... on May 16th Mark Hughes told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph "We're a top-six side and looking to kick on. I'm more than confident that Craig will be here next season." (22nd June 2006)
bbc.co.uk (full story)

- THURSDAY 22nd JUNE 2006
The fixtures for the new season will be published this Thursday, and BBC Sport will have all the details. For copyright reasons this site is unable to reproduce the list in full - so simply click on the BBC logo to check out all the details. ALSO as always full information will be published on rovers.co.uk

The season starts away at Portsmouth [19th August] and ends at home to new boys Reading ... Christmas will be fun - Arsenal away on 23rd December, and Liverpool at Ewood on Boxing Day!

ROVERS AGREE TO LIVERPOOL TALKS WITH BELLAMY
rovers.co.uk confirm this morning that Blackburn HAVE received an offer for Craig Bellamy from Liverpool, and for 'contractual' reasons, they've had to agree to allowing the player to talk to the club. Chairman John Williams told the site:- "We have made it crystal clear to Craig and his advisors that we want him at Ewood Park. We made him an improved offer before Liverpool declared their interest, an offer that was consistent with our ambition and determination to build on last season's success."


£65K to stay ...
THE TELEGRAPH report that Rovers are so keen to keep Craig Bellamy, they're prepared to up his salary to a record £65,000 per week!
The KOPTALK website say:- "According to reports late this evening, Rovers boss Mark Hughes is desperately trying to arrange a meeting with the player who is currently honeymooning. If Bellamy accepted the offer - which he isn't going to do while Liverpool are in for him - he would become Blackburn's highest-paid player in their history"
Also following the story, THE INDEPENDENT have another interesting angle, they say:- "However, the only sticking point is whether Bellamy can prove to Benitez that he will not be a problem to work with. The Wales striker is on his honeymoon at the moment but the Liverpool manager has requested a meeting with him upon his return so that he can assess his character." (20th June 2006)
telegraph.co.uk ALSO see independent.co.uk AND koptalk.com


Bellamy for Anfield?
Reports from Liverpool suggest that the Red side of the City have launched a formal bid for Rovers striker Craig Bellamy. According an EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe in the Liverpool Echo:- "LIVERPOOL have made a formal £6m bid for Blackburn striker Craig Bellamy. Rafa Benitez has ended speculation surrounding his much publicised search for a top striker by testing the validity of claims Bellamy has an exit clause in his contract. With Bellamy desperate for a transfer to Anfield, Liverpool now expect to be given permission to talk to the Welsh striker."
It's believed that a £6million break clause can only be activated until the end of June. Rovers will be gutted to loose the Welshman, as the much improved player was last seasons top scorer, and strike partner Paul Dickov has already left Ewood for Man City. (19th June 2006)
icLiverpool.co.uk (full story) ALSO SEE givemefootball.com

SUMMER SIGNINGS
Four more years - Steven Reid
Blackburn Rovers are delighted to quash another rumour and retain the services of 25 year old Steven Reid. Rovers.co.uk quote John Williams:-"He made a major impact last term and it is very good news indeed that he is happy to sign a new deal. I am sure it will be warmly welcomed by all Rovers fans."
Reedy had been strongly linked with a move back to London, with Tottenham reported to be interested in signing him.
Steven joined Rovers from Millwall for £2.5m in 2003. (19th June 2006)
rovers.co.uk (ROVERSWORLD) ALSO bbc.co.uk (full report)

Emerton for Everton?
News from down under suggests that Rovers Australian International, currently on World Cup duty with Lucas Neill, COULD be on his way out of Ewood. The Sydney Morning Herald say "Although Emerton has two years remaining on his contract with Blackburn Rovers, he spent large periods of last season on the bench, losing his spot to David Bentley as Rovers completed one of their most successful seasons in a decade."
At Everton, Brett would be joining fellow SOCCEROO Tim Cahill. Other reports emanating from Australia claim he wants away from Rovers, and Everton boss David Moyes is said to be keeping tabs on his situation. (16t June 2006)
smh.com.au (full story)

SUMMER SIGNINGS
Four more years - for MGP
Despite all speculation to the contrary, Morten Gamst Pedersen has signed a new four year contract to keep him at Ewood Park 'till 2010. John Williams told roveres.co.uk "We are absolutely delighted that Morten has extended his deal with the club. He has made a major impact here and it is very good news that he is happy to sign a new deal. Morten has become a big player for us and I am sure this news will be warmly welcomed by all Rovers fans."
The Gamst joined Rovers from Norwegian side Tromso in 2004 for just £1.5 million, and had had reportedly been targeted by Manchester United and Tottenham.
GOALS Season 2005-6 - Morten Gamst Pedersen - League 9, League Cup 1 (9th June 2006)
rovers.co.uk (ROVERSWORLD)

SUMMER SIGNINGS
Matty signs new deal
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that 20 year old Matt Derbyshire has signed a new two year deal to keep him at Ewood Park 'till 2008.
Rovers.co.uk say he made his senior debut against Fulham at the end of the 2004/5 season and started last season on loan at Plymouth, then a further loan at Wrexham scoring twice on his debut, "he followed that up with another brace four days later, before ending the season with 10 goals for Mark Hughes' home-town club." (7th June 2006)
rovers.co.uk (ROVERSWORLD)