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A game of two halves and 1 point - Rovers 1 - Southampton 1
Rovers conceded to Saints after just 4'26 at Ewood, and looked well under par in the first half. A different team spirit and two subs changed things in the second as Andy Cole scored to level things. But Rovers failed to find another goal and had to settle for the draw.. Once again Rovers were denied a 'cast iron' penalty claim with the Manager saying "we don't get penalties". Paul Gallagher went off with a strain, and Martin Andreson made his debut in midfield. (28th Feb 04)
HEAR GRAEME SOUNESS on PENALTY decision (BBCi Sport)
FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk ALSO rovers.co.uk (2)

TEXT 'Rovers Radio' + Message to 88442
Over 100 of you used Radio Rovers new TEXT service to pass on your comments during the game at Ewood. You can now message the studio at every home game ... just send ROVERS RADIO and your message (plus name) to 88442. Calls cost just 25p + your network standard change.

Reid Gunning for return
Funny game football - Steven Reid last played for Rovers at Arsenal last December - now after a series of injuries - the young midfield star hopes to be back in contention for Arsenal at home! rovers.co.uk have a report on the recovery of Reid, Amoruso and Thompson. - all making goo progress (26th Feb 04)
FULL Story rovers,co.uk

Blades confirm Short interest
It was reported earlier in the month (CLICK HERE) that Neil Warnock might be interested in taking Craig Short to Sheffield. Now SKY Sports quote the Blades Managers as saying ..."I've told Craig that I'll always have him here, in fact, I've told him not to bother signing an extension at Blackburn - he'd be better off with us!"
Craig is out of contract at the end of the season - although Graeme Souness has hinted at a further extension for the veteran defender. (24th Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports

Tommo on the way back ..
BBCi report good news for David Thompson. The players been back to the states to visit to the clinic of specialist Richard Steadman in Colorado. Thompson says "The signs are really positive, I'm encouraged by what the specialist said this time."
He could be running in the next 6 weeks and start training before the new season.(24th Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport AND LET

Flitcroft and Stead - good and bad news
Rovers captain Garry Flitroft and rising star Jonathan Stead, both suffered injuries at Charlton. But there's good news on Flitcroft - he should be back at the weekend, and bad news on Stead - out for '2-3 weeks'. Rovers.co.uk report that it's still too early to say just how serious the youngsters hamstring injury is. However, the captains ' strain' is not so serious. (23rd Feb 04)
FULL Story rovers.co.uk

Rovers Belgian link ..
SKY Sports report an 'agreed partnership' with Belgian side Cercle Brugge. SKY say that the two clubs are expected to start working together in the Summer. The deal would see Blackburn send out some of their younger players to Brugge to gain valuable first team football, while Rover would have first option on any promising players at Brugge. (22nd Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports
LINKS Cercle Brugge 'shot' magazine AND erclebruggeunofficial.be 'unofficial' site

"Fantasy Football" - Friedel scores then heartbreak in injury time!
Rovers went down 3-2 at Charlton - but were already 2-0 down at the break. In a remarkable second half, Andy Cole came on to get one back and then Brad Friedel scored his first ever goal in the 88th minute to make it 2-2. The celebrations had hardly died down before Charlton got the winner deep into injury time. Graeme Souness believes that luck works both ways - and now hopes that Rovers get their share in the remaining 12 games this season. (21st Feb 04)
HEAR SIMON MANN BBC report
FULL STory BBCi Sport + BBCi Sport (2 )AND rovers.co.uk PLUS rovers.co.uk (2)

Furgusson Boost - just five weeks away.
BBCi Sport report that Barry Fergusson could be back in action by the end of March - if his recovery programme stays on track. They quote the Rovers Manager as saying "On Monday, he'll be thrown into the second phase of his rehabilitation, he's taken five days off to get some sun on his back, then he'll be involved in running and maybe kicking a ball." It has been expected that the Scottish international would be out for the rest of the season. However rovers.co.uk say that his recovery is well ahead of schedule. (20th Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk

Matt recovering from concussion.
Matt Jansen was knocked out during the Rovers reserve game against Manchester City. The player had a clash of heads and was concussed. The good news is that he's well on the way to recovery and expected to take a few days off - but won't be available for Saturday's clash with Charlton. (19th Feb 04)
FULL Story rovers.co.uk

Rovers support Arsenal in call to keep the cup.
BBCi Sport report that Blackburn Rovers agree that the gunners should keep FA Cup - should they win it for a third time. The website quote Rovers chief executive John Williams as saying : "Fifa set a precedent when they awarded Brazil the Jules Rimet trophy after three wins." Rovers did the treble between 1884 and 1886 - but weren't allowed to retain the trophy then. "If the FA feel Arsenal should be recognised in this way, why not?" he added (18th Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport

Wales crush Scotland 4-0 - but Gally gets a game.
Rovers young striker Paul Gallagher came off the bench to make his first senior appearance, but even with his fire power, Scotland were well beaten by an inform Welsh team.
Also on International duty were recent signing Martin Andreson (for Norway), and Vratislav Gresko who joined up with the Slovakian team for a training camp. (18th Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport

Stead impresses and sets up England winner!
Hull City's KC Stadium played host to England v Holland under 21's, and Jonathan Stead continued his meteoric rise to fame with an excellent performance and a tight cross that went to Darren Bent for the winner. Stead was praised for his over all performance, and his play was an essential part of England's success. David Platt included him in a new look squad and the Rovers star must now figure in his future plans. (17th Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport

Short list for Sheffield United
SKY Sport that The Blades are thinking about a move for the Rovers veteran defender - as his contract runs out at Ewood. Earlier in the season Graeme Souness hinted at an extension to his present contract - possibly for another season. Rovers best defensive performances have been when Craig has been available for selection - he missed three months through injury. But SKY suggest that high flying United might want the player to join them before the end of this season. (15th Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports

Keeping the dream alive!
Young Rovers star Jonathan Stead can now add an international cap to his recent credits. The recent signing with 20 goals this season (at Rovers and Huddersfield) has received his call up to the England Under 21 squad. rovers.co.uk reflect on his amazing fortnight in the top flight and BBCi Sport report on his call to face Holland on Tuesday. They quote the player as saying "All the lads are pleased for me. I'm having a good season and you always live in the hope of these things. Obviously moving to Blackburn and the Premiership, plus getting a couple of goals, has helped enormously." (14th Feb 04)
FULL Story rovers.co.uk AND BBCi Sport

Babbel back to Germany??
SKY Sports report confirmation from Germany that Schalke are interested in the Rovers on loan defender Markus Babbel. General Manager Rudi Assauer told SKY "I have spoken to him (Markus) and asked if he's fit, he's an interesting man as he'd be available for nothing."
Babbel, who's been a regular in the first team this season told SKY "At the beginning of the season I had also be in touch with Hamburg, but I had just agreed to move to Blackburn. Both clubs are interesting, because they have tradition and are ambitious, but right now I haven't made up my mind." (12th Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports

Gally Scotland call ...
Paul Gallagher is confirmed in the players called up for the Scotland - Wales game in Cardiff next Wednesday. The young Rovers striker is included as a senior for the first time - rovers.co.uk report that the Scotland Manager has been seen at Ewood several times and quote Gallagher as saying "It's a fantastic feeling", SKY Sports say "Striker Gallagher has been a shining light in Rovers' disappointing season as he has managed to force his way in ahead of the likes of established performers such as Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Matt Jansen."
The full squad is:- Neil Alexander (Cardiff), Rab Douglas (Celtic), Paul Gallacher (Dundee Utd), Gary Caldwell (Hibernian), Steve Caldwell (Newcastle), Christian Dailly (West Ham), Jackie McNamara (Celtic), Paul Ritchie (Walsall), Graeme Murty (Reading), Stephen Pressley (Hearts), Andy Webster (Hearts), Colin Cameron (Wolves), Darren Fletcher (Man Utd), Tommy Miller (Ipswich), Gary Naysmith (Everton), Stephen Pearson (Celtic), Gary Teale (Wigan), Stevie Crawford (Dunfermline), Paul Dickov (Leicester), Paul Gallagher (Blackburn), Kevin Kyle (Sunderland), James McFadden (Everton), Kenny Miller (Wolves) (12th Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports AND rovers.co.uk

Ready STEAD-y GOAL (again)... Blackburn 1 - Newcastle 1
Two games - two goals - as the young starlet Jonathan Stead scores his home debut goal to secure an invaluable goal for Rovers at Ewood Park. The home side dominated the first half, and should have had a hat full. Then Craig Bellamy gave Newcastle the lead on 51 minutes as the Tyne siders started to take control. It took until the 85th minute for the man described by Graeme Souness as "Shearer Like" JONATHAN STEAD to hit the back of the net and secure the point for his new team. No it isn't a dream - and it felt like Rovers had won the cup final! (11th Feb 04)
FULL Story rovers.co.uk AND BBCi Sport PLUS SKY SPORTS

Cole commitment - and fighting for his place
Andy Cole watched Jonathan Stead score the winner at Boro but now tells SKY sports "At the end of the day, everyone has got their own opinion and the manager is entitled to his...If he feels Jon Stead can do a job for him then fair enough. But I'm still confident in my own ability.I'm the second leading goalscorer in Premiership history and I don't feel as though I need to prove myself." Andy also want to say big thank you to the fans for their support and says he wants to stay at Ewood and see out his contract. The striker is named in the squad to face Newcastle this Wednesday
SQUAD: Friedel, Enckelman, Neill, Gray, Short, Johansson, Gallagher, Andresen, Todd, Babbel, Tugay, Flitcroft, Douglas, Emerton, Cole, Yorke, Jansen, Stead, Gresko. (10th Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sport AND team news rovers.co.uk

100 for Souness ... 0-1 to Rovers - Stead debut winner!!!
A dream week for young star signing Jonathan Stead was capped with a start at Boro' AND the winning goal after 39'00. The back four and Brad Friedal had a busy second half - but Rovers hung on to move up to 14th place on Gaeame Sounes's 100th Premiership game in charge, Stead and Gallagher played up front with youngster Jonathan Douglas in mid field. The new look squad with Craig Short back in defence did the trick and rewarded the Manager on HIS Premiership century at Ewood, (7th Feb 04)
HEAR BBCi report FULL report BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk ()with 'photo)

Captain call for Unity ..
SKY Sports report Rovers captain Garry Flitcroft as saying that some players have not been giving their all to the Manager at Ewood. SKY suggest that Dwight Yorke has been unhappy and Andy Cole was rumoured to possibly move on. But the skipper insisted "Everyone here has to be behind the manager in our situation, even if they are not, then they have to give their best for the club." Flitcroft score two in two prior to today's win at Middlesborough said "Blackburn have put players on good contracts and, as for their own pride as well, I don't think any of the lads want to go down. We just won't let that happen." (7th Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports

Jay Jay - our way?
More speculation that Bolton's star striker Jay-Jay Okocha could be lined up for a move up the M61 at the end of the season.. SKY Sports News say "Trotters chief Sam Allardyce has gone on record as saying he fears his star could be lured to pastures new and reports are suggesting he could make the short hop across Lancashire to Blackburn. It is being suggested that Rovers are putting together a major package to lure the Nigerian to Ewood Park, but it remains to be seen if Okocha would fancy turning out for Blackburn. " (6th Feb 04)
Full Story SKY Sports

Jay could be out for the rest of the season ..
SKY sports and The Lancashire Evening Telegraph report that young starlet James McEveley could now miss months after an operation on his dislocated knee. The 18 year old picked up the injury on loan to Burnley and told the Telegraph "The specialists are saying it could be another two to three months and then I've got to get match-fit after that, so it looks like I won't play again this season."
Alan Mahon agrees move to Wigan ..
Meanwhile SKY also report that Alan Mahon has agreed his move to Wigan Athletic. They say "Mahon has concurred on a contract with The Latics and has also passed a medical, with the move set to be rubber-stamped on Friday." (5th Feb 04)
UPDATE "Mahon signs up 'till 2007" (6th Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports AND thisislancashire co.uk UPDATE BBCi Sports AND rovers.co.uk

Andreson already on the scoresheet ...
Rovers reserves beat Birmingham City reserves at St. Andrews 4-0 .. with a debut goal from new midfield Norwegian signing Martin Andreson. Fans will also be delighted to know that Matt Jansen ALMOST made it 5 with a 50 yard chip. (4th Jan 04)
FULL report rovers.co.uk

Souness and Taylor - parted on good terms
BBCi Sport quote a BBC Radio Lancashire interview with former Rovers defender Martin Taylor. 'Tiny' came through the academy to play in the first team, and there had been suggestions that Graeme Souness had fallen out with the youngster. But the site quote Taylor as saying"The manager changed the team around a lot, with us looking for a result every game, but I've got no problems with that,... There was no falling out and I left on good terms. I just needed a change." (4th Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport

Mahon Wigan target
Sky Sports quote a MEN article suggesting that Wigan Athletic would like to take Alan Mahon to the JJB. The winger was brought back early to Ewood from his last loan spell, and given another chance in the first team (3rd Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sport

The Transfer window is now closed 'till the Summer.
Rovers have parted with three and brought in four new players.
After the defeat against Chelsea, it's now all hand to the pump to retain Premiership status. Middlesborough next Saturday will be another tough test - then it's Newcastle at home on Feb 11th.

Goodbye Martin - and good luck ..
Rovers have said goodbye to Martin Taylor - 'Tiny' agreed his move to Birmingham City, just ahead of the transfer deadline. The deal nets Rovers £1.25 million, and keeps Taylor in the midlands for the next three-and-a half years.Steve Bruce told BBCi sports "I'm delighted to have got Martin and it would have been nice if Butt came to the club now as well,"
Graeme Souness has always described Tiny as 'son in law material' and is sure he's be a great success for City. Also out - CICCIO GRABBI, DINO BADGIO (2nd Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport

Striker Stead just makes it through the 'window'
rovers.co.uk announce that Huddersfield striker Jonathan Stead has joined Rovers in a four and half year deal and clost "more than £1 million". The player told Rovers World “I just can’t believe what’s happening to me, I’m a little bit lost for words, but I can’t wait to get involved as it’s a fantastic opportunity.” BBCi Sport say that Rovers made a fourth offer to secure the deal.
Jonathan had been at the Yorkshire club since the age of 10 - but says he's now "living the dream"
The transfer window closed at 17:00 hrs this afternoon - So Rovers have added PETER ENCKELMAN, MARTIN ANDRESON, MICHAEL GRAY and STEAD. (2nd Feb 04)
SEE the whole Jonathan Stead interview on Rovers World [a subscription service)
FULL story also on BBCI Sport

Former Rovers winger dies at 72
There's sad news today that the Former Aberdeen and Scotland manager, and Rovers winger Ally MacLeod has passed away after a long illness.

Ally MacLeod played fro Rovers in the 1960 cup final against Wolves at the Wembley Stadium and was a contemporary of Rovers legends Brian Douglas and Ronnie Clayton. He turned down the chance to be the clubs Manager after Jim Illey's departure. MacLeod was Johnny Carey's most expensive signing in 1956 when he came from St. Mirren. Born in Glasgow in February 1931, Ally was a Scottish schoolboy International. Rovers fans used to call him "Noddy", because of the way his head moved when he was running. Ally scored 51 gaols for Rovers in 281 (all competition) appearances.
He'll probably be best remembered for his time as Scotland Manager. He took them to the 1978 World Cup final. (1st Feb 04)
MORE details BBCi Sports Scotland

In-Stead??
SKY Sport report that Rovers continue to have hopes of signing Huddersfield's Jonathan Stead. They quote Rovers as saying"We are talking to his people about a move and we will just have to wait and see," said Souness. "Obviously it is up to the two clubs to agree a deal." (1st Feb 04)
FULL Story SKY Sports

And everything was going so well - Rovers 2 Chelsea 3
Rovers took the lead after just 2'34 when Garry Flitcroft scored his second in two games. But Frank Lampard equalised after 24'07 and then gave the vistors the lead ten minutes later. When Paul Gallagher came on for Dwight Yorke he had a goal dissalowed - but on 86'20 put Rovers level. Howvere, before the celebrations had time to diw down, a defesnive error gave Glen Jiohnson the chanmce to score the winner for Chelsea - with only 3 minutes left in the game. (1st Feb 04)
FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk

Andreson signs for the rest of the season
Norwegian Mid field player Martin Andreson is to join Rovers on loan for the rest of the season. Last years Norwegian player of the year agreed to come to Ewood today, and is expected to join the squad this week. (1st Feb 04)
FULL Story rovers.co.uk ALSO SKY Sport

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