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RADIO
ROVERS RETURNS
Back for the new season ... |
Saturday
sees the start of the 2009-2010 Premier League season
- and with it also back is Blackburn Rovers unique match
day radio service RADIO ROVERS. Opened on October 30th
1993 - we've covered every game at Ewood Park 'live' ever
since. Each match day programme runs for 7 hours - starting
4 hours prior to kick off. Hear the build up with expert
analysis, interviews and comment, then full 90 minutes
commentary followed by YOUR thoughts and post match reaction.
This year if you listen on the web via rovers.co.uk you
will hear the programmes for the first time in full digital
'NEAR DAB' quality. For £3.99 per month the new
subscription ROVERS PLAYER will relay the full broadcast
from the Ewood Park studio. And ROVERS PLAYER is also
the portal to all the scores and stats from around the
Country - plus much much more. Still also of course on
1404 kHz AM (medium Wave) join GERALD JACKSON, WENDY HOWARD
and NEIL YARDLEY + studio guests and your calls, Texts
and emails. On-Air from 11:00 to 18:00 BST. (13th August
2009)
CLICK
HERE FOR ROVERS PLAYER. |
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CARLING
CUP ROUND 2 DRAW
Blackburn Rovers will be away
Blackburn Rovers were one of the seeded teams
in tonight's Carling Cup draw. That meant that the decision
of home or away was made ahead of the full draw and when the
name Gillingham count out of the bowl it was Rovers who will
have to travel. With Preston, Blackpool and Accrington Stanley
still amongst the 2nd round sides - a great local derby could
have been on the cards. However the Priestfield Stadium will
stage the tie with the League One side who got off to a good
start with a 2-1 win last weekend at home to Plymouth.
(12th
August 2009)
The
full draw is: - .gif)
West Brom v Rotherham
Norwich City v Sunderland
Tranmere Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Queens Park Rangers v Accrington
Stanley
Bristol City v Carlisle United
Leyton Orient v Stoke City
Port Vale v Sheffield Wednesday
Hull City v Southend United
Leeds United v Watford
Cardiff City v Bristol Rovers
Portsmouth v Hereford United
Crystal Palace v Manchester
CIty
Wolverhampton Wanderers v
Swindon Town
Gillingham v Blackburn
Rovers
Blackpool v Wigan Athletic
Southampton v Birmingham City
Preston North End v Leicester
City
Newcastle United v Huddersfield
Town
West Ham United v Millwall
Hartlepool United v Burnley
Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough
Reading v Barnsley
Swansea v Scunthorpe United
Doncaster Rovers v Tottenham
Hotspur
Peterborough United v Ipswich
Town
The
ties to be played the week commencing August 24th
rovers.co.uk
(full details) ALSO
carling910
|
MORTEN
GAMST PEDERSEN |
GREAT
DOUBLE FROM MGP
Norway thrash Scotland
It wasn't a good night for our
friends from the North of the border - their International defeat
saw them loose to Norway 4-0! But on the bright side - Blackburn
Rovers Morten Gamst Pedersen used the occasion to stamp his
authority ahead of the new season! One minute into first half
injury time and two minutes in to the 90 - he was on target
for his National side. Both goals were crackers ... the first
a true strikers volley which gave the Norwegians a 2-0 advantage
at the break. His second was Norway's 4th and was a lovely curled
in free kick from the edge of the area. Bearing in mind that
Morten only managed one goal last season for Rovers - his warm
up brace must be good news for Big Sam. (12th August 2009)
bbc.co.uk
(full report)
|
MICHEL
SALGADO |
REAL
RIGHT BACK ??
Rovers linked with legend
As Big Sam considers a season
start with a defensive crisis - IF Ryan Nelsen and Chris Samba
are long term worries - The Mirror report that Spanish legend
Michel Salgado arrived in Lancashire for talks on Monday. The
paper say: "Salgado was in for
talks with Rovers officials along with his solicitor and will
have a brief 'test' before finding out what is on offer - with
Allardyce keen on cheap and quality recruits. .... The tough
33-year-old right back was capped 53 times by his country."
Sam already has Lars Jacobsen
on board - but if true Salgado might be a 'special one' for
Rovers. (10th August 2009)
mirrorfootball.co.uk
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NIKOLA
KALINIC |
KALINIC
CAN COME ..
Rovers get work permit for striker
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed
that their target of Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic has been
granted a work permit to play his football in England. The way
now seems open for the club to add Hajduk Split 21 year old
to the squad for an expected £6 million. Other reports
say that he's agreed a 4 year deal with Rovers. (10th August
2009)
rovers.co.uk
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ZURAB
KHIZANISHVILLI |
ONE
TO FORGET UP NORTH
Dundee Utd. 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
The final pre
season friendly is one that Rovers might want to forget - and
not just because of the scoreline. The match saw early departures
through injury for captain Ryan Nelsen and then Chris Samba.
Zuarb Khizanishvilli might wish he'd been able to stay on the
bench - as he helped with both goals for the home side. Andis
Shala made it 1-0 in the 27th minute and United added their
second in the 71st when Zurab 'diverted' a cross into his own
net! To be fair to Blackburn - team selection saw a host of
changes from the 11 who drew at home last Wednesday. Sam was
keen to rest many of the Internationals who go away this week.
Paul Robinson saved a United penalty. The game gave the Rovers
boss a chance to give a run out to a a group of fringe players
- but he'll probably wonder why they made the trip as he considers
injury worries ahead of the BIG kick off next Saturday. (8th
August 2009)
FULL REPORT rovers.co.uk
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FRANCO
DI SANTO |
GOOD
WARM UP ON A WARM NIGHT
Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Hibernian
The plaudits probably go to new loan player 21
year old FRANCO DI SANTO who looked lively from the off and
had a cracking close ranger header blocked by the Hibbs keeper.
Morten Gamst Pedersen almost scored from an early free kick,
Jason Roberts shot wide (a few times) Paul Gallagher came close
... and, you're getting the picture. Big Chris Samba tried to
recapture last seasons striker
roll & also came close and with four second half substitutions,
'Junior' Hoilett came on and almost had a home debut goal. A
good crowd of well over 5000 had chance to see many of this
summer signings in action, and would have been frustrated NOT
to see any goals from Rovers. They created nearly all the chances
and Big Sam told RADIO ROVERS "The
only thing that was missing was the finishing touch in front
of goal, everything else is moving along quite nicely. Plenty
of chances created but unfortunately none taken." Dundee
on Saturday completes the pre-season friendlies. (5th August
2009)
FULL REPORT rovers.co.uk
ALSO
pre0910
- all Rovers pre-season games
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WILLIAMS
& di SANTO
|
NOW
IT'S A PAIR
Rovers double deal for strikers
As
reported yesterday - Blackburn Rovers looked likely to claim
the signature of Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic. Well tonight
BBC Sport report that Hajduk Split say Rovers have now agreed
a deal for the International. AND the big news is that long
time target Chelsea's Franco di Santo is to come on loan 'till
January. John Williams is seen with di Santo on the clubs official
website who also say Blackburn
will have first option on extending the Argentinean's loan 'till
the end of the season - if Chelsea don't recall him. No confirmation
on the site about the Kalnic signature, but plenty of web sites
say the £6 million deal is all but done. However, ITV
sport claim that the 21-year-old could cost Rovers up to £12million!
Quite clearly it's hotting up at last at Ewood Park ... (3rd
August 2009)
rovers.co.uk
ALSO bbc.co.uk
AND itv.com
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NIKOLA
KALINIC |
COULD
IT BE A CROATIAN?
Nikola Kalinic linked with rovers
A number of sources have Blackburn
Rovers linked with 21 years old Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic
in a potential £6 million move to Ewood Park. The International
currently plays his football at Hajduk Split and was linked
with a move to Portsmoth. But now SKY SPORTS quote Sam Allardyce
talking about the move in the Sunday Mirror:
"We are trying really hard. It's not just him. We hope
to get another one in if we can." And
it appears that Nikola's agent Tomislav Erceg has confirmed
the Portsmouth deal seems dead. He said: "When we
arrived in Portsmouth on Tuesday, they told us to wait until
Friday morning. We didn't want them to play games with us so
we decided to leave straight away for London. In the meantime,
we received a concrete offer from Blackburn, who were since
the beginning interested. So we immediately left London for
Blackburn."
So perhaps Rovers summer striker
search has at last found their man. And - who's "the other
one" ??(2nd august 2009)
skysports.com
(full story) ALSO wikipedia
(profile)
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RYAN
NELSEN
|
ROVERS
GIVE AWAY 2 GOAL LEAD
Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Blackburn Rovers
It started so well at Hillsborough
with the man who scored his first ever goal for Blackburn last
term opening the scoring. Ryan Nelsen gave the visitors the
lead after six minutes from close range. Blackburn made it 0-2
on twenty one minutes
when Jason Roberts linking up with El-Hadji Diouf with a good
strike. However it was the Owls who scored next thanks to Sodje
just two minutes later. Rovers could have been two ahead again
when from the penalty spot, but Diouf’s weak shot was saved.
So 1-2 at the break, Marcus Tudgay made it 2-2 and in a less
than exciting display Jason Roberts had his second ruled out
for off side on 77 minutes. So an honourable draw and the pre
season continues at Ewood on Wednesday night. (1st August 2009)
FULL REPORT rovers.co.uk
ALSO pre0910
- all Rovers pre-season games
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PAUL
GALLAGHER |
GALLY
GOALS GALORE
Accrington Stanley 0-3 Blackburn Rovers (reserves)
A Hat Trick for Paul Gallagher
playing for the Rovers reserves as Accrington Stanley were well
beaten at the Crown Ground. And Blackburn fans will be delighted
to note that Stanley had MUCH more success when playing Premier
League new boys Burnley on Tuesday a 2-2 draw! According to
the Lancashire Telegraph Rovers dominated and should have scored
more. Gally scored his first after 10 minutes, and his third
in the 52nd. And the papers say: "He
was inches away from making it four five minutes later, drilling
just wide of the far post after a driving run and precise pass
from Aaron Doran."
That gives the local lad 5 goals in
the warm up for the new season.
Rovers full senior side continue their travels on Saturday with
a trip to Sheffield Wednesday, then its Hibernian at Ewood Park
on Wednesday (5th August) before the final pre-season trip to
Dundee United next weekend.
You can hear the build up and full match commentary from Ewood
Park on Wednesday evening from 6:30 on RADIO ROVERS - as we
warm up the transmitter! Tune in on 1404 kHz AM or try the all
new Rovers Player at rovers.co.uk for DAB style sound. (July
31st 2009)
lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
(match report)
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ROVERS
- PLAYER
|
NEW
SITES & SOUNDS FROM EWOOD
New player ready for the start of the season
And this has nothing to do
with football players (as such) but the change from 'Rovers
World' to 'Rovers Player' and a brand new interactive video
and audio service. The new look section of rovers.co.uk was
rolled out today, and it seems to offer loads of new features
and MUCH improved audio and video quality. RADIO ROVERS fans
will be pleased to learn that the matchday experience next
season if you listen on-line will be 'almost like being there!'
They promise near DAB quality sound - a vast improvement on
standard AM radio reception and of course anywhere in the
world.
The club say it will cost from £3.99 per month and the
video goes to full widescreen with 1MB flash stream. There's
even a new Archive section to come starting next month. For
all the details CLICK
HERE for ROVERS PLAYER (July 30th 2009)
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RUMOURS
?? |
BRAZIL
NEXT CALL
The 17-year-old in sites
SKY SPORTS report that next up
on the Blackburn Rovers shopping list could be a deal for MFK
Kosice youngster Dionatan Nascimento. He's just 17 and plays
in central defense. Apparently he trained at Newcastle United
in January (no deal) and has since trained with Rovers and Birmingham
City. SKY say: "They are believed
to be in talks with MFK and have offered the player a three-year
deal" (July 29th 2009)
skysports.com
(full story)
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RUMOURS ?? |
TWO
PLAYERS LINKED TO ROVERS MOVE
Sekou Baradji and Kamel Ghilas possibles
A number of sites and papers
are reporting Blackburn Rovers interest in a couple of players
- with just a couple of weeks left before the start of the
new season.
SKY SPORTS say that Big Sam is keen to add 25 year old midfielder
Sekou Baradji (contracted to Portuguese side Naval) after
the player spent time training with Rovers. They quote the
£400K player as saying "I believe
that I could do well for this team but the decision rests
with the coach and the two clubs striking a deal." There
could be a midfield glut!
On the striker front it's the Daily Mail who name Algerian
international Kamel Ghilas as a target from Celta Vigo. The
paper say that although both Hull City and Portsmouth have
shown interest "Sam Allardyce
has stepped in and is looking to conclude a deal for around
£2m."
The 25 year old scored 13 goals in Spain's Segunda Liga last
season. (July 28th 2009)
THAT'S OFF THEN
Yesterday the papers (and websites) quoting each other were
confident that Blackburn would sign Kamel
Ghilas (see above) ... but now the Lancashire Telegraph (who
had gone with the story) now say it's off! Their website briefly
says: "after intensive testing
at Brockhall, the Rovers boss has decided to look elsewhere."
... NEXT (July 29th 2009)
SKY
SPORTS (Baradji) AND dailymail.co.uk
(Ghilas) ALSO lancashiretelgraph.co.uk
(Ghilas)
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PAUL
GALLAGHER |
ROVERS
COME FROM BEHIND
Leeds United 1-1 Blackburn Rovers
The
traveling faithful had to be very patient to see Blackburn get
something from this afternoons friendly - 91 minutes!
Rovers started slowly at
Elland Road, and by all accounts Leeds had the better of the
first half with few chances for either side. They went in at
the break 0-0. It only took five minutes for Leeds United to
take the lead with Jermaine Beckford scoring for the Tykes from
close range. Rovers made a number of changes including bringing
on Paul Gallagher for Jason Roberts ... also a chance in part
two for David Dunn. Sadly the subs ... plenty of them ... made
little impact for Rovers. Blackburn seemed to be due a penalty
- but the ref declined! With 90 minutes up Blackburn managed
to salvage a late draw when Olsson was brought down in the box
and this time the penalty call was given .. and PAUL GALLAGER
scored from the spot to claim the equaliser. A useful warm up
on a sunny Saturday - little sign of much quality! (July 25th
2009)
FULL REPORT rovers.co.uk
SEE Zimbio.com
- Pictures ALSO
pre0910 - all Rovers pre-season games
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MAN
CITY MAKES IT 16 GAMES
As Rovers add an extra match for £150
Blackburn Rovers have announced
that they will hand over the whole of the Darwen End to Manchester
City fans on the first day of the new season. That could have
been bad news for the new season ticket holders who've bought
the £150 deal that DID offer 15 games at a very special
price. But now they'll also get Manchester City FREE and be
seated elsewhere in the ground. Not a bad way to start - and
fans will no doubt be delighted to get the extra game as an
effective 'present' from the club. A full explanation can be
seen at rovers.co.uk It's also reported that season ticket sales
in general have been going very well .. with 17,500 tickets
already sold. The Lancashire Telegraph report that sales are
up 3,500 from last year, and the highest since the 1995/96 season,
when it was around 19,000 as Premier League champions! John
Williams told The Telegraph "17,500
is a very good return and of course we are happy with the response
the supporters have given it. But in my mind I was targeting
between 18,000 and 20,000 and I really believe that is more
than possible now after the initial response". (July
24th 2009)
rovers.co.uk
(Man City Tickets) ALSO lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
(ticket sales)
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KEITH
TREACY |
BLADES
BORROW TREACY
Rovers loan out midfielder
Young Irishman Keith Treacy is going out on a half season loan
to Sheffield United to get "vital match experience".
A product of the Rovers academy, Keith tends to play on the
left wing and is an under
21 Irish International.
He made 9 starts in 20 appearances last season, playing for
both Paul Ince and Sam Allardyce. (July 24th 2009)
rovers.co.uk
|
KEITH
ANDREWS |
IRISH
EYES ARE SMILING
International makes Rovers commitment
Blackburn Rovers have announces that 28
year old KEITH ANDREWS has signed a new deal to keep him at
the club for a further four years. Keith was a Paul Ince player
from MK Dons and the jury was out on the big step up that he
had to make to claim a place as a Premier League player. But
the midfielder - who also played a defensive roll last term
- has converted many of the doubters. He told ROVERSWORLD that
Chairman John Williams had been true to his word - having promised
that if the Irish man could prove his ability he would be rewarded.
Keith says. "Last season went reasonably well from a
personal point of view. I was delighted to make so many appearances
first and foremost. I had things to prove to myself and I think
I did that last year. At the highest level of football, and
on the international stage as well. I've thoroughly enjoyed
my time here so far ...I really want to stay here and crack
on."
Keith also scored four goals last
season and as a result helped Rovers avoid relegation. You can
read the full report at rovers.co.uk and see him on ROVERSWOLD.
(July 22nd 2009)
rovers.co.uk
AND roversworld
(subscription service)
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CHRISTIAN
VIERI |
NO
SHOW FOR 'POTENTIAL' STRIKER
Christian
Vieri 'on holiday in Sardinia'
There's been plenty of speculation
about veteran Italian strike Christian Vieri joining Blackburn
Rovers next season to revive his career - and add some sparkle
for the Lancashire Club. There were reports last week that his
trail with Rovers had been extended - and he was expected to
play a part in last nights 45 minute matches in Split ... But
according to Channel 4 Sport, the player was a 'no show'. Instead
they say he's on his holidays in Sardinia. It would appear that
he's got other ideas about his future. Big Sam had been impressed
with the striker, and thought that even at 36 there was potential
to play him in the Premier League. However according to Channel
4 - this sort of thing isn't unusual for the man who has at
least 15 past clubs to his credit! They say:-
" This is not entirely new behaviour for Vieri, who
signed for Sampdoria last summer and then terminated the contract
without taking part in a single training session. He joined
Atalanta instead, but rescinded that contract two months early
following a row with the fans."
So perhaps it's been a great escape and Rovers striker search
will continue ... (July 19th 2009)
Vieri still possible
As reported above - a deal for
Italian veteran Christian Vieri looked to be over and done with
... but today the Lancashire Telegraph quote Sam Allardyce on
the latest state of play and it appears there is still interest:
“When we assessed Christian from the
Austrian trip, he was not in the right condition to consider
games. We will weigh that up when we get back and if he wants
to come and we feel it is right for the club then he could still
join us for the last month. We will see what he wants to do
and whether we think we can get him to the level to make a stab
at it in the Premier League. "If he can, then brilliant, if
not then it was always a long shot.” (July
20th 2009)
channel4.com
(full story) UPDATE lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
|
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MIXED
FORTUNES IN CROATIA
One draw, One loss
in friendlies
Blackburn Rovers played two
45 minute games in Split this evening - with mixed results...
Against CD Nacional
Funchal they drew 0-0 ... but in the second game they conceded
after 12 minutes to the home side Hajduk Split. And that's the
end of the overseas tour! Next Saturday (25th July) Blackburn
travel to Elland Road for the first of two Yorkshire friendlies
- Leeds United and then on August 1st at Sheffield Wednesday.
(July 18th 2009)
FULL REPORTS rovers.co.uk
ALSO
pre0910 - all Rovers pre-season games
|
PAUL
GALLAGHER
|
ROVERS
COME FROM BEHIND AT ROMA
AS Roma 2-2 Blackburn Rovers (3-2
on Pens)
Blackburn Rovers traveled to Marco Druso stadium for their second
pre-season friendly, and a much tougher test than the opener
at Cambridge. They were a goal down after 24 minutes when Rodrigo
Taddei took advantage of a Steven NZonzi's error to give the
home side the lead. John Arne Riise made it two 12 minutes later
with a well taken free kick. But the good news for Rovers fans
started with a fight back just before the break when PAUL GALLAGHER
linked up with JASON ROBERTS to make it 2-1 at the interval.
Rovers also had a KEITH ANDREWS goal ruled out in the first.
Seven minutes into the second half youngster AARON DORAN claimed
his first Rovers goal and the equaliser to make it 2-2. Sadly
the game went on to be decided on penalties and ALAN JUDGE missed
his spot kick to give the home side a 3-2 win on pens. According
to the Lancashire Telegraph report, Christian Vieri did not
play any part in the game. (July 16th 2009)
FULL REPORT rovers.co.uk
ALSO lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
ALSO
pre0910 - all Rovers pre-season games
|
JASON
ROBERTS |
SIMPLE
START FOR PRE-SEASON
Cambridge United 0-4 Blackburn Rovers
Almost a month to the day to the start of the new season, Blackburn
Rovers opened their pre-season fixtures down at Cambridge United
... And the glory of their very first goal goes to ... KEITH
ANDREWS from a free kick. It took just under half an hour for
Rovers to take the lead and then just another 8 minutes before
EL HADJI DIOF made it 0-2. And that was the score at the break
when Rovers made a raft of changes bringing on another eleven!
Two more goals were to come and both from JASON ROBERTS in the
57th and 78th minute at close range. Rover continued last season's
'experiment' of playing defenders up front when JASON BROWN
came on for injured KEITH TREACY and provided some unexpected
extra entertainment. An easy win for Blackburn at the Abbey
Stadium with 144 fans traveling in support of the team. Next
stop AS Roma. (July 14th 2009)
FULL REPORT rovers.co.uk
ALSO pre0910 - all Rovers pre-season games
|
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ALL
CHANGE - IN THE BACKROOM
Karl Robinson & Bobby Downs move on
Paul Ince took over back at MK Dons and immediately announced
his wish to bring back Karl Robinson - Rovers first team coach.
Today he got his man with Blackburn Rovers announcing that Big
Sam is now looking for a replacement. At the same time long
term Academy manager Bobby Downs is also to leave Ewood. The
club say 'by mutual consent' after almost 12 years with Rovers.
He's seen a rich vein of young talent progress through the academy,
and he'll no doubt be missed. (July 14th 2009)
rovers.co.uk
(Karl Robinson) AND rovers.co.uk
(Bobby Downs)
|
BENJANI
|
Benjani
a possibility?
City man might switch
It makes a change to read about
a Mark Hughes player not moving to Manchester City ... reports
suggest that Benjani Mwaruwari might be in Big Sam's sights
for a move the other way! The Zimbabwe striker joined City last
season from Portsmouth - after being reported as 'not leaving'
the club. Now the Lancashire Telegraph is amongst many sources
that believe that Blackburn have interest in the 30 year old.
The paper says:- "The Lancashire
Telegraph now understands that Rovers are keeping a close eye
on developments at Manchester City, where more than one striker
of interest to Allardyce may become available as Mark Hughes
bids to improve his squad with star signings." He
scored 12 league goals for Pompey ahead of a near £4 million
move to the City of Manchester stadium. He managed 4 goals for
City after a lengthy thigh injury. The Telegraph also report
that Rovers are set to extend Christian Vieri’s trial with the
club. He's been with them on their pre-season trip to Austria.
(July 12th 2009)
lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
Full
story
|
DENISE
HENDRY |
DENISE
HENDRY LOSES LONG FIGHT
Rovers legend Colin 'devastated'
Former
Blackburn Rovers star Colin Hendry was widowed today when his
wife Denise died in a North West Hospital, she was 42. The BBC
report that she had been seriously ill in Salford Royal for
the past 11 weeks, and her family were by her bedside. In 2002
Denise suffered serious organ failure following a liposuction
procedure. She was later to receive a 'six figure sum' for damages,
and campaigned to warn people about the dangers of cosmetic
surgery. After 'corrective surgery' attempts in Preston, the
family decided to try further treatment in Salford. However,
she was admitted to Salford in May with a meningitis-type infection
, and Colin has been by her side for the past few months. At
the time he told the Manchester Evening News "I spend
every day at her bedside and it's encouraging to see the progress
she is making, although there is still a long way to go."
Sadly it was a fight that his brave wife was to lose, and
she passed away on Friday morning.
Blackburn Rovers fans have been keen to pass on their condolences
to the family - Colin has four children - they live in Lytham.
Speaking for Blackburn Rovers managing director Tom Finn said
"It is tragic that someone so young should be taken
from us in this way."
We send our most sincere thought and good wishes to the
whole family, and hope that they will recover from this personal
tragedy (July 10th 2009)
bbc.co.uk
ALSO rovers.co.uk
|
AND
|
ROVERS
ON SKY
Burnley moved to Sunday on SKY
It's probably no surprise that SKY have
picked up the option to televise Rovers first premier League
encounter with newly promoted Burnley. The eagerly awaited fixture
- will have to wait a further 24 hours as the broadcaster has
chosen to show it live on Sunday October 18th at 13:00.
It's one of five Blackburn games to get the tele treatment ...
the first is the trip to Arsenal, now on Sunday October 4th
at 13:30 on SKY .. then it's a change of channel to ESPN (who
picked up the Setanta games) who will show Rovers away at Chelsea
and Manchester United as 17:15 Saturday matches on their original
scheduled dates.
Last on the initial list is the derby at Bolton - now to be
seen on SKY on Sunday November 22nd at 13:30.
AND don't forget, you can hear EVERY home and away Blackburn
game via RoversWorld (subscription)
& Radio Rovers starting with
the home friendly on August 5th
You can see a full list of all next seasons games at rovers.co.uk
AND bbc.co.uk
(July 9th 2009)
|
 |
INCE
RETURNS .... TO THE DONS
MK get their man back
Blackburn Rovers may not have had much
luck last season with Paul Ince - but the former Manager certainly
was a hit at MK Dons. And news tonight confirms that Ince is
to return to the club and have a second spell as their manager
of the league one outfit. Paul brought Keith Andrews to Blackburn,
but despite his success at the lower level, wasn't able to convert
that to the top tier. The Don's Chairman Pete Winkelman told
the club's website "He enjoyed incredible success
during his first spell with us and showed himself more than
worthy of a shot at the Premier League. His achievements and
the manner in which he left meant we had to see him before we
even considered anyone else and it was obvious straight away
that the chemistry was still there. He remains one of the most
talented young managers in this country and I'm enormously excited
about what he can help us achieve."
ALSO IN THE NEWS TONIGHT
Rovers had been linked with a possible move for ex Newcastle
striker Michael Owen, but Big Sam said he had far too many injuries
... However following mass press speculation last night, the
29 year old ex Liverpool player has agreed terms with Manchester
United! The BBC Sports website Says he was surprised to be asked:-
"I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue
Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have
breakfast with him next morning during which he told me that
he wanted to sign me. I agreed without a moment's thought. This
is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with
both hands."
MEANWHILE AT ROVERS
There's further speculation that Sam might be trying to attract
the once £30 million man Christian Vieri. He's now 35,
but was "rated as the world’s
best striker, coveted by all the big clubs in world football,
and his international record for Italy stands up to most with
23 goals in 43 games" It's a funny old game!
(July 3rd 2009)
bbc.co.uk
(Paul Ince) ALSO bbc.co.uk
(Michael Owen) AND sport.co.uk
(Vieri)
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STEVEN
N'ZONZI |
FOUR
YEARS FOR Z'ZONZI
French Star is number four
As suggested on Monday - Backburn have now completed the
signing of the youngster dubbed 'The new Viera'. Steven
N'Zonzi has joined Rovers for an undisclosed fee and was
with relegated French side Amiens last season. Big Sam
had promised to find replacements for many of the key
players who departed at the end of last season - and with
the 20 year old midfielder, another slot could have been
filled. He'll still need to find a striker to replace
Roque - but it's still 6 weeks 'till the new season starts,
despite the fact that this week sees teams return for
pre-season training.
Rovers.co.uk say that roversworld will have an exclusive
interview with the new boy on the website very soon. Welcome!
(June 20th 2009)
rovers.co.uk
(full story) AND bbc.co.uk
|
 |
|
LARS
JACOBSEN |
FROM
EVERTON TO EWOOD
Danish Defender latest signing
Blackburn Rovers have announced their latest signing - 29 year
old Lars Jacobsen from Everton. He's the third player to join
the team this summer, with news last week that Gael Givet had
made his loan permanent and Elrio
van Heerden back at the start of June. Lars is the first choice
right full back for the Danish national side, and spent last
season with Everton where he had a one year deal. However he
seems to have been beset with injury and failed to play until
the final few months. He's joined Rovers on a two year deal
and the BBC say he'll 'fill the gap
left by the departure of Andre Ooijer '
Jacobsen already has 22 international
caps, and the Rovers website say that if he has a good season
with Rovers he should be able to look forward to a place with
Denmark at next years World Cup. Welcome (June 29th 2009)
rovers.co.uk
AND bbc.co.uk
|
STEVEN
N'ZONZI |
NEW
VIERA ON HIS WAY TO EWOOD
French midfielder Steven N'Zonzi
SKY Sports reports that Big Sam
looks to have beaten other Premier League clubs to doing a deal
with Amiens to bring Steven N'Zonzi to Blackburn this Summer.
According to SKY, the 20 year old midfielder has already been
labeled as the next Patrick Vieira! They say Rovers had been
linked with the youngster earlier in the month. The Daily Mail
say he's likely to cost around 500,000 Euros. Portsmouth Were
also keen of the player, but Rovers seem to have won the chase
with Sam Allardyce agreeing personal terms with N'Zonzi. (June
29th 2009)
skysports.com
(full story)
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RUUD
WAN
NISTELRO0Y |
RUUD
BOY FOR ROVERS??
Ruud van Nistelrooy amazing link
Various papers and websites have
got hold of the story linking former Manchester United star
Ruud van Nistelrooy with a move to Blackburn Rovers. And before
you think - 'that's man! Big Sam is quoted on BBC Sport:-
"Who'd have thought Bolton would get Anelka? Nobody. It would
be a major coup if I could pull it off." It
certainly would, and BBC Sport suggests that if Real Madrid
could be persuaded to part with the striker, the transfer fee
could be as little as £1.5million .. but with a hefty wages
bill!! Sam says:- "The sort of salary he would be
on at Real Madrid may be beyond us. But maybe he wants to come
and play in England again and take less of a salary - then we'd
be interested."
The Rovers manager also discounts thought
of a move for Michael Owen from Newcastle saying "I
need a striker that's going to be available for 30 games next
season. That's not happened for Michael over the last four years."
(June 27th 2009)
bbc.co.uk
(full story)
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GAEL
GIVET |
GIVET
NOW A ROVERS PLAYER
Gael signs four year deal
Gael Givet came from Marseille on loan
to Rovers last season, and today the club completed the signing
of the defender for a reported £3.5 million. He arrived
at Ewood in the January window and went on to make 16 appearances,
and many admirers. Sam Allardyce told BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE:-
"It is a critical signing and there is more to come from
him. No-one really knew who he was when I brought him in - but
I did. He came in and made a massive contribution".
The signing looked likely some weeks
ago, but now some players have left the Manager is in a position
to spend some of the money. However Big Sam admitted:-
"Some of the money that has been created has gone to the
bank and what money is left will come in for new players. You
don't need to be a football manager to know what we need first
and that is a striker. But we do need to strengthen in other
areas too, including the young professionals - 21 players have
left since I've been here including Aaron Mokoena, Danny Simpson,
Carlos Villanueva, Tugay and Roque Santa Cruz."
You can read more of Sam's thoughts
on the clubs official website (link below) (June 26th 2009)
bbc.co.uk/lancashire
ALSO rovers.o.uk
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PETER
CROUCH |
COULD
CROUCH COME?
Rovers linked with Portsmouth Striker
The Daily Star believes that
Blackburn could be willing to pay up to £10 million to
bring Peter Crouch to Ewood Park. Pompey paid Liverpool £11
million to take the big boy South ... The thoughts of him along
side Chris Samba would frighten more than a few defenses!! Needless
to say, with the departure of Roque and Derbs - the papers will
try very hard to spend Rovers money for them!
Meanwhile SKY SPORTS say that Mattias Bjarsmyr could leave IFK
Gothenburg in favour of Blackburn. With little else to go on
SKY say "Previously the likes
of Birmingham, Blackburn, Celtic and Club Brugge have also been
linked" It's been a hot Mid Summers day ...
and the rumours continue to heat up! (June 24th 2009)
|
FRANCO
DI SANTO |
LOAN
LOOKS LIKELY
Season-long loan deal for Di Santo
The Independent reports that
Blackburn Rovers look close to doing a deal that would bring
20 year old Argentine striker Franco Di Santo to Ewood next
season. The paper says that new Chelsea Manager Carlo Ancelotti,
will agree to the release on loan for a season. The London club
seem keen to give the youngster a chance to get some serious
Premier League Experience. The paper say that a deal was all
but secured before Guus Hiddink's departure ... and that it
should be in place before Rovers kick off their campaign against
Manchester City. (June 24th 2009)
theindependent.co.uk
|
MATT
DERBYSHIRE |
MATT
MOVES OUT
Olympiakos sign Derbs
The official Blackburn Rovers
website have confirmed that Rovers favourite Matt Derbyshire
has completed his move back to Greece where he had a great loan
spell last season. Matt has signed a four year deal with the
Champions - and it's a great chance for him and his young family.
He's been at Rovers since 2003 (see below) when he signed aged
just 17 from Great Harwood Town. We wish him every success for
the future. (June 23rd 2009)
|
ROQUE
SANTA CRUZ |
SANTA
SIGNS FOR CITY
Four year deal for Rovers striker
As expected Manchester City have
completed the signing of Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers.
He's signed a 4 year deal reuniting him with Mark Hughes who
brought him to Rovers from Germany. In his two years at Ewood
the Paraguayan scored 29 goals from 70 appearances. His Rovers
contract would have run 'till 2012, but he made it clear last
season that his heart was away from Blackburn. Big Sam was less
than impressed with some comments attributed to Roque in the
media - reproduced in the UK. Santa Cruz came to the club for
£3.5 million, and leaves for a figure close to £18
million. Roque's younger brother Julio remains at Blackburn.
The player told the official Man City website:- "I'm
very happy to have signed for City - it's been close to happening
for a while, and now I can just focus on football and concentrate
on doing my best for the club. I know the kind of football Mark
Hughes wants to play and the kind of character he is - he's
a winner, he wants to make things happen and be successful.
Those are always my thoughts as well, so knowing what he wants
was a big factor in coming here, because I know the club is
going in the right direction."
The legacy for Blackburn is
a transfer kitty that allows Sam to make some big summer signings.
Goodbye RSC! (June 22nd 2009)
rovers.co.uk
ALSO mcfc.co.uk
|
KEVIN
DAVIES |
COULD
KEVIN RETURN?
Bolton star linked with Blackburn return
A number of sources suggest that
Big Sam might fancy being re-united with Bolton striker Kevin
Davies. Hull City have also expressed an interest - but Rovers
might seem a fascinating option for the 32 year old. Last time
he was at Ewood, the big money move from Southampton didn't
work out. Illness plagued much of his time at the club, and
he only managed 1 goal in 24 appearances! To rub salt into the
wounds - Rovers lost James Beatie in the move AND were relegated
at the end of the season! He returned to Southampton and Rovers
did much better business bringing in Egil Østenstad. Kevin's
Bolton career has been far more successful, and vitalfootball.co.uk
point out that Roques move and cash would give Sam the resources
to do the deal.
ALSO in the Sundays, suggestions that another former Bolton
boy - now at Newcastle - Kevin Nolan could also be making a
move back to his old boss at Blackburn (June 21st 2009)
vitalfotball.co.uk
AND soccervoice.com
|
ROQUE
SANTA CRUZ |
ROQUE
ROAD TO EASTLANDS
£18 Million for want away striker??
The mail-online reports this
morning that Manchester City have agreed a fee with Blackburn
Rovers for Roque Santa Cruz. And according to the website, Rovers
could be £18 million better off if the deal goes through.
The report say the transfer fee would only be £15 million,
but the rest would depend on appearances and City's success.
The story could still run and run, with Mark Hughes keen to
build big at the Blue side of Manchester.
Sparky signed Roque for Blackburn from Bayern Munich for under
£4 million in 2007. He had a great first season, scoring
23 goals for Rovers. (June 19th 2009)
UPDATE 1
Rovers agre fee with City
(June 19th 2009)
UPDATE 2
Roque due for Medical at Manchester City Today - Monday 22nd
June ... SETANTA say "If he completes
his medical then it is believed the 27-year-old will move for
a fee of £18 million, reflecting his prolific debut season in
England when he scored 19 league goals in the 2007-2008 campaign."
dailymail.co.uk
ALSO setanta.com
|
MATT
DERBYSHIRE |
DERBS
TO DEPART
Olympiakos to be new home for Matt
Many fans will be sad to read
the Rovers seem to have agreed a fee with Greek side Olympiakos
which will allow Matt Derbyshire to leave the club. Always a
firm favourite, the local lad spent half of last season on loan
in Greece, and when it became clear that they would rather like
to make the deal permanent, Matt said so did he. Now BBC Sport
report that Blackburn have agreed a fee thought to be in the
region of £3 million for the striker. And rovers.co.uk
in a very brief statement confirms that Derbs has been given
permission to talk to the Greek side.
Matt was born in Blackburn in 1986, and came to Rovers from
Great Harwood Town in 2003. He became a father of last year
and took his wife and young family out to Greece for his loan
spell. (June 18th 2009)
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Another
Matt in the camp ... And this ones a true local lad! Rovers
website confirms the signing of the 17 year old striker
Matt Derbyshire from Great Harwood Town. Matt went to
the same school as Paul Gallgher. Rovers have now also
agreed to play a pre-season friendly at the showground
next year. (27th Nov 03) FULL
Story rovers.co.uk |
|
 |
HOME
AT LAST ...
Rovers to start with a North West derby at Ewood
So the new fixtures are out,
and for the first time in a long time Blackburn will start their
season at home .. and it will be against former Rovers Manager
Mark Hughes! He might even bring back Roque if his move to Eastlands
goes ahead ... Last year Rovers started away with a 3-2 win
at Everton, and the year before with a 2-1 win at Middlesbro'.
The game will be played on Saturday August 15th, and then we
should be away before West Ham and new boys Wolves visit Ewood
Park. The BIG one ... Burnley ... is at the moment scheduled
for Saturday October 17th ... but like all initial fixtures,
is subject to change. It's away at Wigan on Boxing Day and at
home to Sunderland on December 28th. The Season ends earlier
with the 2010 World Cup next summer - so Rovers will be away
on May 9th at Aston Villa, and will play Arsenal as their final
home game of the campaign on May 1st.
You can see a full list of all the fixtures via bbc.co.uk
and at rovers.co.uk
(click the links) (June 17th 2009)
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 |
NEW
SEASON - NEW FIXTURES
Wednesday 17th June 2009
The new fixtures for next season are released on Wednesday June
17th at 10:00. They will of course provide news of Rovers first
top flight encounters with Burnley ... not to mention a load
of other North West derby games. Your can see the list for yourself
by CLICKING
THIS LINK to the Blackburn Rovers fixtures page at bbc.co.uk.
Already listed are the confirmed pre-season friendlies, including
Hibernian at Ewood on August 5th. (June 16th 2009)
bbc.co.uk
(full Rovers Fixtures season 2009-2010)
|
ROQUE
SANTA CRUZ |
MEDICAL
FOR ROQUE ??
City could make their move
According to "The news of
the world" Mark Hughes hope to be re-united with Roque
Santa Cruz this week at Manchester City. However the £15
million move might have a stumbling block ... the report
goes on to say IF he passes a medical. Roque had problems before
he came to Ewood - going back to Bayern Munich. And of course
the striker has not played since the beginning of March. If
Rovers do accept the offer - it would fall well short of the
£18 million they rejected in January ... and the £20
million thought to be needed to trigger an exit clause.
It could be an important week for Blackburn - certainly the
money would be welcomed by Big Sam as he hopes to bring in new
talent on a limited budget. (June 14th 2009)
newsoftheworld.co.uk
(full story)
|
KENNY
& RAY |
Some
summer sunshine - Rovers title winners 1994-95
From the archives - a few memories
to share
and faces to remember
(CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)
|
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YOUNG
KEEPER SIGNS
Nikos
Giannakopoulos from Asteras Tripolis
Various sources report that Rovers
have signed the services of 16 year old Greek keeper Nikos Giannakopoulos
fro just £52K with a 30% sell on clause for Asteras Tripolis.
SKY sports say that the youngster came on trail at Blackburn
a few weeks ago. He certainly seems full of confidence with
SKY quoting the teenager saying "I
know that my life will change. I feel ready to realise my dream
playing for Rovers. I will try my best to show my quality and
stay many years in England. The people of Blackburn showed me
how much they trust me and they told me that I have the credentials
to succeed. They told me that with hard work I will have the
chance to play at the first team very soon. I know the English
language so I think it's not going to be so difficult for me
to adjust to the English way of life."
Which isn't bad for such a young talent ... (June 9th 2009)
skyports.com
|
ROQUE
SANTA CRUZ |
REDKNAPP
FOR ROQUE
Could Spurs get a bargain buy?
Many sites and papers report
that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is keen to snap up Rovers
striker Roque Santa Cruz for a cut price £10 million.
ClubCall.com quote the Spurs boss as saying:- "If
I can get the players I want we'll have a terrific team. I
reckon it will take £30m to get them but I'll have to balance
the books by selling." But
he also admits that he'll have to sell before he can buy.
Meanwhile the News of the World say Roque Santa Cruz
is "top of Harry Redknapp's summer shopping list." When
Manchester City showed keen interest in Santa Cruz - the Summer
sale price started at £20 million! They seem to have
cooled on the buy.
Other striker news in the Sundays
suggests that Stoke City, Sunderland and Blackburn are all
now keen on Alan Smith. The paper says "Smith,
28, is paid about £60,000 a week at St. James Park and Toon
owner Mike Ashley will listen to offers." (June
7th 2009)
clubcall.com
ALSO mirror.co.uk
|
MATT
DERBYSHIRE |
STRIKERS
UPDATE
Derbs and Smith speculation
The Daily Mail report that Big
Sam is keen to capture Alan Smith from relegated Newcastle United
- and at the same time has rejected an offer for Matt Derbyshire.
There are mixed messages as the paper also says that Sam sees
Smith as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, who has also been
quoted in other media as 'going nowhere' at present. The Mail
says that Sam hopes to bring the Newcastle man to Ewood with
a £2.5 million bid, and that he's rejected a £2m offer
from Olympiakos for Derbs. The papers and websites are full
of summer speculation ... much of it just that! (June 4th 2009)
dailymail.co.uk
(full story)
|
ELRIO
van HEERDEN |
ROVERS
FIRST SUMMER SIGNING
South African Star signs for Sam
Blackburn Rovers have announced
the first summer signing, Cape Town born Elrio van Heerden.
The tip off came from the same agent who looks after Aaron and
Benni - and with the former departing at the end of the season
finding another talented South African could be good business.
Not only that, but the youngster who is 26 next month can be
quite a versatile midfielder. Talking to the Rovers official
website, Big Sam says he's delighted with his capture:-
"He was here on Monday and flew through our Premier League
standard tests ... We've signed a very talented young man, I
think it is a great addition".
The youngster has signed a two year
deal and comes on a free transfer from Belgian side Club Brugge
- having spent the last three years there. He started his senior
playing days at FC Copenhagen in Denmark. Sam expects his new
boy to take a while to get up to Premier League speed, but is
optimistic that he will be a valuable player and will make an
impact as the season develops. It's understood that he'll be
playing for South Africa this summer in the Confederations Cup.
(June 2nd 2009)
rovers.co.uk
(full story) ALSO bbc.co.uk
AND wikipedia.org
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TUGAY
|
CITY
COACHING CHALLENGE for TUGAY ??
Rovers legend heads back to the region
After a massive send off at Ewood Park - Tugay returned to Turkey
where we presumed he would start his retirement. But apparently
not! According to the Lancashire Telegraph he already has plans
to return next season to team up with his former Manager Mark
Hughes at Manchester City. There was always speculation that
Tugay would return to Ewood after hanging up his boots - but
that was when Sparky was in charge. Big Sam pointed out some
weeks ago that with no coaching credentials opportunities were
limited for that option. The paper quote NTV and the Turk back
home saying: "I made an agreement with
Manchester City and will work as a coach. To work there will
be a huge step for me. When I feel strong enough, then I will
begin to work as a technical director."
There's no confirmation from Eastlands. (June 2nd
2009)
lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
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