On the eve of the new season Blackburn Rovers have added another defender to their ranks. After a period on trail with the club, 28 year old Brazilian full back Bruno Ribeiro joins on as free signing and for an initial three year deal. The club say that Ribeiro could be in the squad to face Wolves tomorrow. (12th August 2011)

LINKS: rovers.co.uk

LINKS: football-league.co.uk (full details) ALSO carling1112 AND bbc.co.uk

LINKS: rovers.co.uk (Kalinic) ALSO rovers.co.uk (Andrews)

Blackburn Rovers & Princes Trust agree sponsorship

Blackburn Rovers have announced a new shirt sponsor - just two days ahead of the start of the new season. With the end of Crown Paints deal, the club played with owners 'Venky's' logo on their shirts in pre-season. Now they have announced that the new strip for this season will carry the logo of "The Princes Trust" - a charity headed by Prince Charles. Aston Villa were the first club to support the charity, and Simon Williams (head of commercial & marketing) now says: "The club has enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with the Prince's Trust since 2005 and this agreement takes that relationship on to another level. The exposure the Prince's Trust will obtain as our shirt partner will greatly increase the level of awareness for the charity and hopefully encourage fundraising for the fantastic work they do to with young people." Venky's Balaji Rao is quoted on the clubs official website as saying. "Helping young people is very much at the forefront of our community work in India and this partnership is a perfect way for us to support charities and worthy causes through football over here." David Dunn is pictured with the new shirt carrying the Princes Trust logo (c) BRFC (11th August 2011)

LINKS rovers.co.uk (full story) ALSO bbc.co.uk (more)

Radosav Petrovic signs four year deal with Rovers

Blackburn Rovers have added a second summer signing adding Partizan Belgrade midfielder Radosav Petrovic to their squad on a four year deal. The clubs official website report that after an appeal they now have a work permit for the Serbian, and describe the signing as a 'Major Coup'. Rovers manager Steve Kean says "Many European clubs were interested and we consider signing him a major coup. His record to date speaks for itself and he is exactly the sort of player we have been looking to recruit." Petrovic is away on international duties with a Serbian friendly match scheduled in Moscow against Russia.
The 22 year old has been with Partizan since 2008 making 70 appearances and scoring 17 goals. He's a big lad at just under 2 meters (6'4") and is described as a defensive midfielder. He's already made 19 appearances for Serbia. (9th August 2011)

LINKS: rovers.co.uk (full story) ALSO wikipedia.org (full CV)

Pre Season ends in Scotland - with a Scottish debut goal!

David Goodwillie only joined Blackburn Rovers a few days ago, but came off the bench in his native Scotland to score Rovers final pre-season goal. The home side had first blood when Gary Harkins had his shot deflected home by Grant Hanley. Moment later it wa all square with David Dunn scoring from the spot, and just a minute later Jason Roberts made it 2-1 to the visitors. Roberts claimed his second (34 mins) after a penalty was awarded after a the Kilmarnock keeper cleared a ball that hit David Dunn. Despite some good play later from the hosts - they couldn't find another goal - but Blackburn new boy - David Goodwillie enjoyed a return north of the border when he came off the bench to make it 4-1 with quarter of an hour to go.
Steve Kean told the clubs official website he was delighted with the afternoon: "It was good to end the pre-season matches with a win. You know you are going to get a good competitive match when you play a team from Scotland and I felt that was what we got. We scored some good goals, had a couple of penalties and I was delighted for David Goodwillie to score on his debut. It was a typical goal from him, his awareness to pick up the bounce of the ball, to turn inside and score, he's a natural finisher. He's got that goal out of the way now and we are all delighted for him, he hasn't even had time to train with the lads yet, so that goal will do him the world of good. We now lose some of the lads as they go off on international duty, but it is the same for all teams, we just have to get on with it and fully focus on next weekend and Wolves."
So no more pre-season freindlies - back to Premier League action at Ewood next Saturday at 15:00 BST to pick up where they left off. The season opener Rovers v Wolves .
RADIO ROVERS returns to 1404 am and EXLUSIVLY live around the world on the ROVERS PLAYER. Join us from11:00 am for the full 7 hour matchday experience! (6th August 2011)

LINKS: rovers.co.uk (match report) ALSO rovers.co.uk (reaction) PLUS pre1112 home page

David Goodwillie has at last officially signed for Blackburn Rovers, as he agreed terms to move here from Dundee United. The young Scottish striker said he was relived to have completed the move - and said that the move to Rovers offer a 'massive stage' for his career. The 22 year old believes that there's no better place to play than the Premier League in England. He told the clubs official website that he's ready to make the step and fulfil his dreams. David says he's and 'energetic and lively player' after having a great season in Scotland last term. The new boy believes it will be a good season for Blackburn and is excited about the hopes of the clubs owners.
Rovers play their last pre-season friendly at Kilmarnock at the weekend, so it will see a quick return back over the border for the Scot. You can see a full exclusive interview with David via the RoversPlayer (subscription) - see the link below. (3rd August 2011)

LINKS: rovers.co.uk (exclusive interview ) also rovers.co.uk (full story)

Sky Sports report that Dundee United manager Peter Houston now expects their star striker David Goodwillie to move South to Blackburn this Monday. After days of speculation it seems that the 22 year old will join Rovers for a fee of around £2 million - with some potential add ons later. Houston is quoted as saying: "I know I'm losing David .... I just spoke briefly to the chairman and he says it's almost there and it could happen tomorrow. It's getting there."
There's been no word in Lancashire - but fans will be keen to hear some positive transfer news. The Scott was born in Stirling and joined Dundee at 14. He turned pro in March 2005, Last season Goodwillie scored in six consecutive league games, prompting United chairman Stephen Thompson to slap a £3-4m price tag on their player. The BBC Sports website offers video profile of the youngster - available for viewing 'till the end of August (CLICK HERE) (31st July 2011)

LINKS skysports .com ALSO bbc.co.uk/sport PLUS Wikipedia (full profile)

Hot stuff from Rovers in the stifling heat as they came third in the Asia Trophy. Kitchee lost their opener to trophy winners Chelsea on the opening day 4-0 - and conceded a further three to Blackburn. Formica, Dunn and Blackman all found the back of the net as a changed Rovers side eased past the local champions. Mauro Formica was first to score after 35 minutes with his second pre-season goal. David Dunn put a beauty away from 20 yards in the 70th, and with just 7 minutes to go Nick Blackman wrapped things up from the penalty spot to make it a happy 3-0 result. And despite a slow start on a hot evening, Steve Kean told reporters:
"It was difficult conditions in the first half and I felt as though we never really penetrated enough. But in the second half I thought the lads did that and in the end we thoroughly deserved our win. (he also confirmed Chris Samba's omission). "Chris had a groin strain, he had a scan this morning and the doctor told us there was a little bit of fluid so it would have been a risk if he'd have played, he might have overstretched it." Pre-season ends next weekend in Scotland when Rovers play Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon (30th July 2011)

Rovers won't be in the final of this years Barclays Asia Trophy. With just four sides in the competition, they needed to win their opening match with Aston Villa in Hong Kong. But despite some entertaining football, and an impressive performance from Mauro Formica a goal from Darren Bent just after the break was enough to see Aston Villa through to meet Chelsea in the final. Steve Kean seemed pleased with the work out - and the 90 minutes of competitive football played out in the blazing heat.
To read the full match report please click on the link below. Blackburn now face Kitchee in the saturday on Saturday - they lost 4-0 to Chelsea in their game. (28th July 2011)

With the senior side flying of to Hong Kong - there was silver ware to be won back home today. Gary Bowyer took a young squad meet a strong Phil Brown PNE at Leyland this afternoon. After 90 minutes the scores were tied at 1-1, Jamie Maclaren opening the scoring for Rovers before Iain Hume scored the equaliser. So to the penalty shoot out with Matty Urwin between the sticks for Blackburn. He saved 2 of PNE's spot kicks with a third finding the woodwork . 3-1 on pens and Rovers lifted the County cup for the 18th time. There's a full report on the clubs official website (see link below). Meanwhile the first team should be in action in the Barclays Asia trophy on Wednesday when the play their first game against Aston Villa. Full live coverage starts at 10:30 BST on SKY SPORTS 1 (&HD1). (23rd July 2011)

Blackburn Rovers had been scheduled to fly to India this week for a one-off game was due to be played in Pune, but it's now been postponed 'till the autumn in wake of the recent explosions that ripped through Mumbai. The Daily Mail report that: "None of the players wanted to go because they were worried about their safety and who could blame them. They felt they would have been a prime target. Several members of the squad had already decided they would refuse to go."

A statement on the clubs official website says:"Safety is always our top priority and after detailed discussions with our security and legal advisors we have been left with no option other than to postpone. While everyone is obviously disappointed, we all accept the circumstances and the reasoning. We are now looking forward to the trip to India in a few weeks time."

The Mail continued: "The players were looking for guidance, and as long as everything was explained to them, they were fine as a group. The trip is not cancelled. It is postponed to another date because of the activity out there. The board had a meeting with the owners and decided we had to go through a number of different checks. That trip will now take place at the beginning of October" (19th July 2011)

LINKS: rovers.co.uk AND dailymail.co.uk

LINKS rovers.co.uk (Junior) PLUS rovers.co.uk (Accy game) ALSO rovers.co.uk (Morecambe match) AND pre1112 home page

After more than a decade at Ewood Park former Rovers Chairman John Williams has a new roll down the road at big spending Manchester City . Following the Venky's takeover of Blackburn and the departure of Sam Allardyce, Mr. Williams parted company with Rovers in February after 14 years at the club. His appointment dated back to the Jack Walker days, and he then told the clubs official website: "There is a new order, a new way of doing things and I believe the time is right for me now to move on." Now the vastly experienced businessman takes up a roll in Manchester City's football operations department. City chief executive Garry Cook is quoted in the Manchester Evening News as saying "John Williams is a hugely respected figure in the football world and I admire him greatly. Unsurprisingly, a number of organisations were keen to work with him and I was therefore delighted when he accepted my offer to join us." (25th June 2011)

LINK: menmedia.co.uk (full story)

Zimbabwe striker to stay at Ewood

Striker Benjani has been quoted in the LANCASHIER TELEGRAPH saying that he's been offered another twelve months with Blackburn Rovers by Steve Kean. The former Zimbabwe International scored just three goals for Rovers last season opening his account at the end of October at Ewood against Chelsea. Now he's told the papers "Yes, I will be back at Blackburn again next season. I think the deal will be finalised in the next few days and then I can look forward to doing my best with the club. I don't know if there were other clubs who wanted me because I always wanted to come back to Blackburn. I hope that will be sorted now." There's been no confirmation so far from the Club but the Telegraph say he has been offered a new one-year deal . (22nd June 2011)

Despite plenty of paper talk - the much expected move for Phil Jones was confirmed today as the 19 year old swapped a 5 year Blackburn contract for a United one. Arsenal and Liverpool also had hopes to sign the England Under 21 - who was only 11 years old when he first came to Rovers. Jones shared his delight at the move with Twitter followers saying "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm looking forward to a new challenge ...I'd just like to say that I've loved my time at Blackburn and I will always be a huge fan." He only signed a new Blackburn contract this year - but the chance of playing Champions League football, and the size of the move was just too tempting. Blackburn Rovers confirmed the transfer on the clubs official website saying ..."Much as we would love him to stay on with us - and we made all efforts to convince him to stay - Phil has to finally follow his heart. We are extremely happy with his contribution to our team and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours." It's believed to be worth around £17 million.
A statement from Manchester United says:"The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract.The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty."
Good Luck Phil - we'll miss you! (13th June 2011)

He's the fans favourite and has a 5 year contract - but 19 year old defender Phil Jones has been at Old Trafford for a medical and a possible move worth a suggested £17 million. The BBC reported earlier that he'd already turned down offers from Arsenal and Liverpool - but a local move to Manchester might be on the cards. Jones missed a large part of last season after surgery - and the medics would have to be happy he was fully over that. He played for England Under 21's last week - and the last few matches as Rovers fought to save their Premier League status. He's been a real star at Ewood - and Steve Kean was hopeful that the club could hang on to their prized talent . But whenever any player is 'a bit special' the big boys are watching! Wayne Rooney tweeted "Phil Jones is a good young English player. One of the toughest defenders I played against last season. Can play midfield too."
The youngster will be heading off to play in the Under 21's tournament next week - so whatever happens - it'll have to be quick - or put on hold. (8th June 2011)

When Wayne Rooney scored for Man Utd at Ewood Park - the point earned was the one they needed to grab their 19th title. With a new pitch going down for next season, Eddie Maxwell got permission to see the penalty spot that Rooney scored from. His eBay auction looked to be heading for a magical million, but the website investigated some rogue bids with 170,000 views of the unique offering.

When bidding closed this evening Mr. Maxwell had raised just over £6k for for his Sunday league side - King Edward FC of Guide.
There was plenty of publicity - and the lot had been featured around the world after the story first appeared in the Lancashire Telegraph. (8th June 2011)