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| ARCHIVE (click here) 2003 |
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| ALL THE LATEST FROM BBCi SPORT 'LIVE' 24/7 |
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Your
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Tugay
to-go (2)??
SKY Sports report that Tugay may be thibnking of a return to Galatasaray. News a couple of weeks ago (click here) suggested that there might be problems with the new contract deal at Ewood. Now SKY quote coach Gheorghe Hagi as saying "We've spoken to Tugay... We know him well and he knows us, if the conditions are correct we will get him." They also quote TUGAY as saying "Blackburn have offered me a contract but we put that on hold that when Galatasaray made an offer. I'm very settled in England but playing for Galatasaray in their centenary year sounds appealing to me. If I return to Galatasaray I will retire there." (31st May 04) FULL Story SKY Sports.com |
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Wise
move for Todd ??
There's news in The People (online) of a possible move by Dannis Wise for Andy Todd, who the site say can leave Ewood for £750,000. The move would take Todd back to London and Millwall - he previously played their for Charlton. Todd was quoted at the end of the season as saying he wished to see out his Blackburn contract - despite being transfer listed by Graeme Souness. (30th may 04) FULL Story people.co.uk |
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New
deal at Leicester for Dickov??
SKY Sports report that Rovers target Paul Dickov may be staying with the Foxes. SKY quote Micky Adams on the clubs website as saying ''We are doing everything possible to keep Paul here at The Walkers Stadium.'' However it emerges that a clause in Dickov's contract allows him to move for just £75,000. Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion and Everton are also keen to sign the Leicester striker (29th may 04) FULL Story SKY sports.com |
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Radim
Kucera - possible link ??
Gambrinus Liga side Sigma Olomouc say that Blackburn Rovers are interested in their defender Radim Kucera. Teamtalk.com quote his clubs director of sport Jiri Kubicek saying: "The negotiations with Blackburn will not start any sooner than two weeks from now. We have a deal with Kucera that we will agree to let him move abroad in the case of a good offer." Kucera is 30 and has been at the club for 6 years.(29th May 04) FULL Story teamtalk.com |
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Dickov
chase ON - PedersenTalks.
Blackburn Rovers are in the race (and queue) for both Paul Dickov and Morten Pedersen. BBC Sport quote Rovers on the Norwegian target saying "We've held preliminary talks and expect to meet again in the next few days." Meanwhile teamtalk.com say that despite competition from a growing number of clubs chief executive John Williams says the club is poised to make an offer Leicester striker Dickov. They say that Mr. Williams met the Scotland international and his representatives for talks in Manchester on Wednesday (27th May 04) FULL Story 'Pedersen' BBC Sport AND ''Dickov' teamtalk.com |
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Blackburn
Weather not good enough for Larson!
Rovers have revealed that a bid to bring Henrik Larsson to Ewood has failed with the player saying after 7 years at Celtic - he'd prefer a move to warmer climes! SKY Sports quote Graeme Souness as admitting "It would have been a fantastic signing for us, but he told me he wanted to go somewhere sunny." Larsson had been strongly linked with a switch to Spain, but says "What will be will be. If nothing comes up for me than I'll just hang up my boots."I He's not the first player to find Blackburn less than attractive - others in the past have suggested that it's not the best place to live! (Check out the Ribble Valley?) (24th May 04) FULL Story SKY Sports and BBC Sports |
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Pedersen
bid denied in Norway ...
Reports of Rovers £1.5 million bid for Tromso star Morten Pedersen are being denied by his club. SKY quote the clubs chairman Trygve Myrvang as having received no bid for the player. "I'm the chairman here and I'm not aware that there have been any offers, I should be the first one to know." Meanwhile the player has been talking about a possible move to Ewood Park. "Well, they play in the Premier League,but I haven't heard a word about any bids so far. "So I will not stress out about it. I relate myself to my contract here." (24th May 04) FULL Story SKY planet football |
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Megson
new deal and swoop for Cole ???
Newly promoted West Brom look likely to offer Garry Megson a new three year contraccts this week, and then the Manager could be out to aim high with Summer signings. Teamtalk.com say thet both Andy Cole and Ray Parlour are targets. Cole refused to make a firm commitment to Eweood at the end of the season (click here) and the website say he might be looking for a move and guaranteed first team football next term. (23rd May 04) FULL Story teamtalk.com  Andy Cole |
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Dickov
Rovers target ???
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Tugay
- to go ??
The Sunday Mail have a short story about current contract negotiations with Turkish International Tugay. They quote John Williams as admitting that with a one year extension on the table for the 33 year old - there could be problems. Williams says 'We have a dilemma with Tugay, the deal is slightly problematic. 'There is water between us but I think the gap can be narrowed. 'We hope he will be here next season but I can't guarantee it.' (23rd May 04) FULL Story sundaymail.co.uk |
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North
East future for Danns ???
On loan midfield player Neil Danns has been talking to the Hartlepool Mail about his future in the town. Now 23, Neil is due back at Ewood to consider his future. He told the paper "I'm still a Blackburn Rovers player at the moment and nothing has been said about the future. I am going back to Blackburn but we will see what happens in the summer. (23rd May 04) FULL Story teamtalk.com |
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£1.5
for Pedersen target .. and Yorke latest
Blackburn Rovers have admitted that they are progressing with their bid to bring Norwegian winger Morten Pedersen from Tromso to Ewood Park. John Williams is quoted in the LET as saying "We've not made a written offer as yet but we are in discussions with his club." Teamtalk.com confirm that despite interest from several other Premiership clubs - the Rovers bid is an early one. There's also a further quote from Willaims on the future of Dwight Yorke - he says "I met Dwight's agent and we agreed that Dwight can leave the club if an offer comes in but until then he's still a Blackburn player," (21st May 04) FULL Story teamtalk.com |
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Rovers
line up Summer Friendly
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed a mid summer friendly with Preston North End ...Graeme Souness will take a team to Deepdale on Saturday 31 July, just a week before the start of the new Nationwide League season. (18th May 04) FULL Story teamtalk.com |
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Let
the spending spree start
Blackburn Rovers Chief executive John Williams has confirmed that the club hope to make offers on at least two players in the next few days. Morten Gamst Pedersen remains top of the list - but as reported last week (click here) other clubs including Manchester United are also interested. Williams told the LET "We'll probably be moving to make an offer on our preferred choice and if we can't get him then we'll move to a second choice for that area. Of the other positions, Greame has said he would like a couple of midfielders, a defender and a striker and we'll be making an offer for one of those other three positions." Mr Williams added "If we are able to complete those two pieces of business then I think it will be a case of trading after that if, indeed, we are going to bring four new faces in." (18th may 04) |
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   THE END OF THE SEASON JUST 'CLICK' A PICTUIRE FOR LARGER IMAGE |
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Not
to go ... Jansen still in the plans.. teamtalk.com quote and article in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on the future of Rovers favourite Matt Jansen. Graeme Souness tells the paper that "Matt is part of the plans and he'll still be here [next season]. He's got another year on his contract. He has made a big, big difference for us in games in the past." (18th May 04) FULL Story teamtalk.com |
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First
to go .. and more to come?? Blackburn have announced the departure of loan signing Marcus Babbel and Martin Andresen. The Manager told rovers.co.uk have returned to their clubs after loan spells at Ewood Park. “Markus and Martin have both done their bit for us in what’s been a very difficult season and I would like to go on record thanking them for that and wish them all the very best for the future." It;s understood that Markus will return to Anfield and Martin to Norway and FC Stabaek. (18th May 04) Meanwhile teamtalk.com discuss the future for Andy Cole, suggesting that after a season of tension between the Manager and player, the striker might be thinking of moving away from Ewood. Cole is quoted as saying "That's totally out of my hands. It's been a difficult season for me. A lot of things have been said and prides have been hurt." (18th may 04) FULL Story rovers.co.uk AND teamtalk.com |
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SEASON END - 15th May 2004 |
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| 44 POINTS |
15th
place for Rovers Blackburn Rovers finished the 2003-4 campaign in 15th place with 44 points. On the last day oif the season 34 points would have been enough for survival with all three relegated teams on 33. |
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Cole
Goal not enough on his 100th Rovers Appearance Andy Cole claimed his 11th of the season (23'00) but a much disputed reply from Stern John (82'00)say Rovers and Birmingham City share the points at Ewood. Graeme Souness was convinced that the equaliser shouldn't have counted after what he believed was a clear foul. Rover went completed the season without a single penalty, and no 0-0 results. 26,000 made it a great atmosphere at Ewood, and the players saluted them at the close with a brief lap of honour. Andy Cole was the last to leave the field - was it his last Rovers appearance? (15th May 04) FULL Story BBC Sport ALSO BBC Sport (Souness Anger) PLUS rovers.co.uk 
HEAR report from BBC 5 live |
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Norwegian
Target - Rovers v Man Utd? Various reports link Norwegian midfield star Morten Gamst Pedersen as a target for Graeme Souness this Summer - but there's also news that Sir Alex might also have his eyes on the youngster. Souness saw Pedersen in action on Monday and is quoted as saying "He was very good. He has a lot of qualities, he scored a great goal and he acted like a top player in this match.'' But SKY Sports report that Man Utd could be rival bidders for the International's talents and say " Ferguson has also been alerted by the 22-year-old's fine form and will watch him play against Molde, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's former club, before the FA Cup final with Millwall." (12th May 04) READ profile Full Story SKY Sports ALSO see teamtalk.com |
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Short
- agrees a longer stay... |
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No-way
for Andresen .. Reports tonight suggest that Norwegian International Martin Andreson will not be staying at Rovers at the end of his loan deal. SKY Sports say "He has impressed Rovers boss Graeme Souness, but it appears that he will not be making his move permanent with Stabaek chief Gaute Larsen expecting him back on July 4th" (12th May 04) FULL Story SKY Sports... ALSO see report on May 5th. |
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Pounds
make ... Players! Manager Graeme Souness has asked the board at Ewood Park for funds to bring in four new players in the Summer. Teamtalk.com quote the Manager as saying "The way to improve is to bring in new players and I hope the board give me a bundle of cash/ I have asked them for four new players and we'll see what happens. I don't expect to get a bundle of cash but that doesn't stop me asking - I would like a centre forward, two midfielders and a central defender, and we have spoken about names." He also gives a clue to the sort of player he's looking for saying "We want to get someone who is not Johnny Foreigner, just here for a jolly. We have had some of them who have come along and not given us what they should have done. It has been a frustrating season." (10th May 04) The Lancashire Evening Telegraph say that Souness could start next season with a touchline ban following his hearing this week with the FA . The paper believe his comments to Ref. Graham Poll last November could see a lengthy trip to the stand. Graeme joked at the time 'I didn't know you were a Tottenham fan' . FULL Story on new players teamtalk.com |
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No
repeat at Spurs.. Rovers failed to match last years season end performance at Spurs - losing 1-0 to a first half strike (Jermain Defoe 17'00). They had three great chances in the second half, but couldn't find the equaliser. Graeme Souness says the game summed up the season ..”It is a disappointing year for us. We thought we could go on and improve on last season and that hasn't happened" he told SKY FULL Story BBC Sport AND SKY Sport
HEAR report from Nigel Adderley on BBC Sport. |
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Short
could be back for Spurs! Craig Short hopes to be fit for this Saturdays clash in London with Tottenham. Rovers best run of clean sheets - happens to coincide with the veteran defenders appearances this season and blackburnrovers-mad say he should make this squad for the last away game of the season. (6th May 04) FULL Story blackburn-mad.co.uk |
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Keeper
will miss end of the season... Brad Friedel is set to miss the last two games (at Spurs and Ewood Park) with an injury he sustained in last weeks win over Manchester United. Brad - who kept clean sheets in the last three games now gives way to Peter Enckelman who gets his first chance to start for the first team. Friedel has amassed 80 caps for America and has notched up 197 appearances in his time at Anfield and Ewood Park. (6th May 04) FULL Story rovers.co.uk AND SKY Sports PLUS soccer365.com |
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On
Your Todd ... Andy Todd will be on his way at the end of the season. There's been much speculation over the past few weeks - but today (Thursday) Rovers confirmed that the defender won't be back at Ewood next season. (6th May 04) FULL Story BBC Sport |
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Gally
told to watch is hat size! Paul Gallagher could be 'technically' a better player than Jonathan Stead - and that's according to his Manager. But the Rovers compliments come with a warning - don't get big headed. Breakingnews.ie quote an interview with Souness in The LET "He’s not as physically strong as Jon and there’s a slight question mark over whether he’ll get the big head on. But if he doesn’t get the big head on then what a wonderful partnership him and Jon could be." Graeme also says “The hardest place to play football is up front, and the hardest thing to do is score goals but Jon’s doing that in the highest league,” said Souness. (5th May 04) FULL Story breakingnews.ie |
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No
Scottish return (yet) for Ferguson Despite good progress in Barry Ferguson's return to fitness, the news that the Scot now needs extra surgery has also hit Scotland's plans. World Soccer report Berti Vogts as confirming no early return for their influential player "I spoke to Graeme Souness yesterday and he told me that Barry needs another small operation so he will not be back in full training by the end of May." He said "However, I am confident that Barry will be with us for the game against Hungary in August and our opening World Cup qualifier in September against Slovenia." That should be good news for Rovers fans, who hope to see Barry back to full strength for the new season. (5th May 04) FULL Story World Soccer News.com |
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| £?£?£ | How
much can we have? BBCi Sport and The Lancashire Evening Telegraph seem to disagree on just how much Graeme Souness will be able to spend this Summer on new players. The BBC believe that between £10 & £15 million might be available - but the LET say:- " I can reveal that stories emanating from the national Press about a £10-15 million transfer war-chest are grossly exaggerated". Alan Nixon confirmed in The Independent what they believed to be the sum:- "Souness will have talks with his chief executive John Williams about buying three or four new players this summer - and the signs are he will be backed to the tune of £10 to £15m." (5th May 04) FULL Stories BBCi Sport + The LET + The Independent |
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Andreson
- the future?? The Norway Post say that on loan Martin Andreson will be considering his future at the end of the season ... they quote the player as saying "I haven't discussed the future yet with Souness. The decision will be made once the league season is over." They say that Blackburn have agreed a transfer fee with Stabaek, but it's unclear whether the deal will go through.(5th May 04) FULL Story norwaypost.no |
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Monday
Morning Papers "Souness smile mirrors Ferguson's scowl" Read report on Rovers v Man Utd in 'thestar onlin' (3rd May 04) |
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Get
Well Soon - Kiddo |
 Brian Kidd - Recovering from prostate cancer |
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Rovers
1 - Manchester United 0 Stead 6 - Rovers 43 points Blackburn moved to mathematical safety with the 4th win in 4 games, berating Man Utd 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Jonathan Stead (85'00). Sub Paul Gallagher made the perfect pass for stead to hit home. Manchester United fielded and under-par squad - and Rovers lost the services of Amaruso and Short, Andy Cole had a first half goal ruled off side, with Flutcroft and Tugay both going close. FULL Story BBCi Sport AND rovers.co.uk HEAR
Stuart Hall on BBCi SportALSO SEE BBCi Sport - TORD GRIP on Stead |
 43 points and still 6 to play for! Rovers in 13th place and Premiership football again next season. |
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