LETS GO DUTCH
Rovers share spoils with NAC Breda
Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 NAC Breda
Rovers final pre-season game brought Dutch outfit NAC Breda to Ewood Park. On a wet afternoon, the conditions didn't help - but Blackburn still managed to have the upper hand in the first half - until the 45th minute! Just before the whistle went Csaba Feher beat Paul Robinson to make it 1-0 to the visitors. But not daunted, Rovers returned for the second half determined to level the score. And it took under 10 minutes for Keith Treacy to provide Jason Roberts with the perfect cross for the striker to find the back of the net. 1-1 and honours even ... and despite all Blackburn efforts, and four subs, that's how things remained. Roque was still out injured, Ryan Nelsen in Beijing with New Zealand, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Brett Emerton were observers for the afternoon. The match did provide Ewood debuts for Paul Robinson and Danny Simpson, with Robbie Fowler Aaron Doran, Tugay and Alan Judge all coming off the bench to play their part. So Paul Ince told RADIO ROVERS he was very happy with the work out. Now the challenge is to select the 11 who'll start the season next Saturday away at Everton with 3 points. (9th August 2008)
rovers.co.uk (Full Report) ALSO pre0809 (pre-season)

MACEO HEADS ACROSS THE PENNINES
Rigters joins Barnsey on loan
There's a strange irony, in that the day before Rovers play Breda, the player who joined Blackburn from that club last season is leaving Ewood on a season long loan! Maceo Rigters is to join Barnsley from the Championship. Towards the end of last term he joined Norwich City - but his loan was cut short by injury. (8th August 2008)

RADIO ROVERS RETURNS
Tune in THIS Saturday from 13:00
Blackburn Rovers unique matchday radio service returns to the airwaves this Saturday afternoon, as Rovers play their final pre-season friendly against NAC Breda at Ewood. It's a 15:00 kick off ... and the Radio station will broadcast a shortened programme as a curtain raiser ahead of the first home game on August 23rd (v Hull City). You can tune in to RADIO ROVERS if you live in Blackburn on 1404 am - or listen anywhere in the world on-line via rovers.co.uk from 13:00 BST. Gerald Jackson (that's me ed.) will be behind the mic. (6th August 2008)

WHAT A NICE PARE
Santa Cruz no.2 joins Rovers!!
Roque Santa Cruz made a fantastic impact last season, and now his 18 year old younger brother Julio is set to join him at Blackburn. The club confirmed today that after a period on trail, the youngster has signed his first professional contract. They need international clearance for him, and he's then expected to join the reserves for his first season. It's understood that he's signed a three year deal. He's also played for Paraguay national junior teams, just like his two other brothers Roque and Diego. (6th August 2008)

rovers.co.uk (full story)

SIMPSON CONFIRMED
Danny becomes 3rd Summer Signing
Blackburn Rovers have now confirmed that they've signed 21 year old Danny Simpson on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United. Danny was born in Salford and plays at Right back. He's preciously been out on loan at Royal Antwerp, Sunderland and Ipswitch Town where he made 8 appearances last season. (5th August 2008)
rovers.co.uk (full story)

MIMMS RETURNS TO EWOOD
Legend returns home .....
Last weekend Bobby Mimms was coaching fro the opposition side - when Rovers lost 4-2 to Wolves. But now the former Rovers keeper - who helped win the title - is back at Brockhall as Blackburn's keeper coach. Mimms has been with Wolves since 2001 - but found the chance to return to one of his former clubs "took great to resist". He told rovers.co.uk "I had some great times there and still have friends in the area and there are also people at the club that I know - both newly appointed, and those who have been there since my playing days with them. That will hopefully make the move a smooth one."
Welcome back Mr. Mimms - RADIO ROVERS will be looking for your "Rhythms of the Blues"! (4th August 2008)

rovers.co.uk (full story)

RED FOR BLUES?
Man Utd Danny Simpson loan deal
It seems that Paul Ince has found one of his new signings at one of his former clubs. MANUTDYOUTH report that Reds right-back Danny Simpson is set for a move to Ewood Park on a season-long loan deal "in the next 24 hours." And they point out that "Sir Alex wouldn’t sanction the move if he didn’t think the player would be able to get regular football. " (4th August 2008)
manutdyouth.com (full story)

CARLOS ON BOARD -2
One year loan with an option to buy
It's been a few weeks since BBC Sport claimed that Chilean midfielder Carlos Villanueva had agreed to join Rovers from Audax Italiano, and now the deal IS done! He's just 22 and Chile's current player of the year with 12 international caps.
Paul Ince told rovers.co.uk "It is an exciting signing. He is a talented kid, he's a skilful player and I am sure he will excite the fans." He joins on an initial one year loan, with an agreed fee if Rovers decide to buy. (2nd August 2008)
bbc.co.uk (full story) PLUS wikipedia.org (Carlos) ALSO rovers.co.uk

POOR PRE-SEASON AT MOLINEUX
Wolves 4 -2 Blackburn Rovers
Matt Derbyshire and Roque Santa Cruz both found the target in the first half, but Wolves - who've just signed former Rover Michael Gray - found two more in the second half for the home win. And to add to Blackburn's woes, just after he scored, Roque went off injured. Also hobbling off was David Dunn, who asked for the change with ten minutes left in the match.
It was Wolves who opened the scoring after 9 minutes when Paul Robinson initially made a good save, but George Elokobi headed home from the corner. But Rovers were quick to respond, and Matt Derbyshire made it 1-1 connecting with a headed down ball from Pedersen. Keogh gave the home side the lead again in the 23rd minute - only to concede an equaliser from Blackburn when Roque slots home in the 24th. Roque pulled up after the goal and had to be taken off for treatment. 2-2 at the break and the second 45 looked promising. But sadly for the 300 traveling faithful the half offered little. Dunny gave away a penalty just before the hour, Iweluma converted from the spot to make it 3-2. Matt Jarvis came on as a Wolves sub, and scored their 4th in the 74th minute.
So despite the delights of a hot sunny day in the midlands - the fans brought back little more than a suntan from the penultimate warm up game of the Summer.

UPDATE Roque OK
Paul Ince quoted on SKY News - and says: "Roque's fine. He got a knock on his Achilles. I had my heart in my mouth for a minute sat up there in the directors' box. I've had a chat with the physio and it's going to be two or three days, but he'll be ready come the start of the campaign." (2nd August 2008)
rovers.co.uk (min-by-min) ALSO pre0809 (pre-season) ALSO skysports.com (Roque)

BENTLEY SIGNS FOR SPURS
£15-17 Million for want away star
BBC Sport report that David Bentley has as expected signed for Tottenham this morning. In a statement the London club said:- "Tottenham Hotspur plc is pleased to announce that agreement has been reached with Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of the registration of the England international midfielder, David Bentley, age 23 years, to Tottenham Hotspur FC for a total consideration of £15m and up to an additional £2m payable upon future performances. The player's contract is for a period of up to six years."
Rovers Chairman John Williams was not prepared to discuss the sell on clause (mentioned below) which it is thought will see a large amount of the transfer fee paid to Arsenal.
At a press conference to introduce him this morning David told reporters:- "Making the move here was an easy decision to make to be honest. I've been trying my hardest to come here and be part of this. All my friends are season ticket holders. All I want to do is just get out there. ... It means the world to join Tottenham. I grew up through the Arsenal youth team but it's not a problem for me, all my heart is at Tottenham." "
(31st July 2008)

bbc.co.uk/sport (full story) ALSO bbc.co.uk (VIDEO interview)

IT'LL COST US ... BENTLEY
Arsenal sell on will cost Rovers
When David Bentley - and it now does like when rather than IF - makes his move to Spurs (possibly tomorrow) the sell on clause that came with the former Arsenal man is set to cost Rovers. THE MIRROR predict that if the transfer fee is £17 million - £7 million will go back to the Gunners. So the Ewood coffers won't be that swollen when he moves on.
Bents spent the 2004-5 season on loan from Arsenal at Norwich City, before coming to Blackburn (also on loan) in 2005, and then signing terms in 2006.
In his first game as a full Rovers player, Bentley made some football history - scoring a hat trick against Manchester United! (see archive below)
But according to the LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH - the Blackburn board are determined not to loose any of their other star players. The paper says:- "The futures of Stephen Warnock and Roque Santa Cruz remain the subject of intense speculation. However, the Rovers board are adamant neither will be leaving." (30th July 2008)

lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

ROVERS RETURN FOR DUFF -2 ??
MORE SPECULATION ON DUFFA
Back in May the speculation was that Damien Duff was no longer wanted at St. James Park - and had already put his home up for sale. Well now Monday's Independent claim that the former Ewood favourite could be part of the deal to secure a move to Newcastle for Stephen Warnock. The paper say:- "Newcastle offered £2m a fortnight ago for Warnock and raised that by approximately £1m last week, and Duff has been included in negotiations. A straight swap is a possibility. "
So - is the popular player heading back to Lancashire? As much as fan's would be unhappy with a move out for Warnock - I suspect that Damien would be make a very welcome return to his old home - where he grew up as a man and footballer (28th June 2008)
telegraph.co.uk (full stroy) ALSO See earlier story rrovers-news

NO BACK TO BACK WIN ..
Guadia Cup
Sporting 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
PLUS Sporting 5-4 Blackburn, in penalty shoot out.

Rovers continued their pre-season campaign in the Guadia Cup at the Villa Real St. Antonio Stadium with Sporting as their latest test.
Another hot night for late night football - and this time it was Rovers who claimed the first goal after just 20 minutes. Benni McCarthy takes a sport kick and makes no mistake. But within a minute Sporting were level courtesy of Pedro Silva, and it was still 1-1 at the break. Half way through the second half and Sporting played the ball across the box where Tonel was waiting to make it 2-1. Rovers didn't look as together as in the previous match against Benfica with plenty of changes - but this seems to have been a much tougher test and the games ended with Rovers losing this one 2-1 to Sporting.
But like last night it wasn't all over without a penalty shoot out. Sadly for Rovers there was no glory moment this time, with Chris Samba and Sergio Peter both missing the target, and then at the death Keith Treacy having his shot saved.
So this part of the tour is over and it's back to England and away at Wolves next Saturday, before the last pre-season game at home on August 9th.
(26th July 2008)
.
rovers.co.uk (min-by-min) ALSO pre0809 (pre-season)

BYE BYE BRAD - 2 ....
Aston Villa complete signing of Friedel
BBC Sport confirm that Brad Friedel is now an Aston Villa player. Brad's quoted as saying "I've really got the feeling this club is going places and that's the main reason why I'm here . I know there was a lot going on in the press about Manchester City but from day one it was always Aston Villa."
Friedel only signed his new contract in February - and now says: "I'd been at Blackburn eight years and this was going to be my ninth season. The fans and everyone at the club have been terrific with me."
The fee has not been disclosed - but thought to be around £2 million (26th July 2008)
bbc.co.uk/sport

MUCH BETTER BLACKBURN ...
Guadia Cup
Benfica 2- 3 Blackburn Rovers
PLUS Benfical 6-7 Blackburn, in penalty shoot out.
If Monday nights defeat was 'a good workout' - then tonight's Guadiana Cup game was a great one ... A very warm night for a full strength Rovers squad. But it only took 7 minutes for Benfica to open the scoring .. Uretta Viscaya on hand to put away a ball initially pushed clear by Brown. But on the half hour Morten Gamst Pedersen took a 30 yard free kick - curling the ball into the net 1-1. Only 4 minutes later, a long Rovers throw from Reid found Jason Roberts who made it 1-2. And that was the score at half time - Rovers looking good value for their lead. Five minutes into the second half Pedersen looked like claiming his second - but at close range he was denied. Moments later - Pederens cross and a rare diving header from Brett Emerton gave Rovers their 3rd! But Benfica were still very much in the contest, and with 66 minutes gone, Jason Brown made another good save - but this time Makukula is there for the follow up and makes it 2-3.
Undoubtedly Rovers have to do some serious defending. Meanwhile, Robbie Fowler replaced Jason Roberts and the game moved from end to end. Rovers made a few more changes - and continued to look for more goals but the match ended with Rovers 3-2 winners. HOWEVER - that wasn't the end of the action - after a short break, fans were treated to a penalty shoot out! With 5 taken by each side - it was all square at 5-5 ... but then Rovers scored their 6th and 7th - with a first ever goal for Ryan Nelsen. But Benfica had their 7th saved by Jason Brown to give Rovers their second win on the night 6-7!
Despite the heat, Paul Ince watched most of the match enthusiastically on the touchline and seemed to be enjoying the whole contest.

ROVERS: Brown, Reid, Ooijer, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Mokoena, Tugay, Pedersen, Roberts, Santa Cruz.
Subs: Fielding, Treacy, Judge, Fowler, Olsson, Hodge, Kane. (25th July 2008)
.
rovers.co.uk (min-by-min) ALSO pre0809 (pre-season)

ROBINSON OF THE ROVERS?
Paul Robinson now a Blackburn player
BBC Sport report that Paul Robinson has joined Blackburn Rovers from Tottenham on a 5 year deal for £3.5 million. At the same time Aston Villa were 'officially' given permission to talk to Brad Friedel - who's it's understood flew back to England from Rovers pre- season tour. Jason Brown is in goal for the match tonight against Benfica.
At 28, Robinson is 9 years Friedels junior - but at 37 the Big American has been a brilliant player for Blackburn over the past 8 years.
The BBC message board includes these comments about the news:- "Ok Friedel was excellent last season but face it, how much did he have left in the tank? If you sell Friedel for 2m and get Robson for 3.5m you've done pretty well!" ALSO "As a Spurs fan I'm disappointed. at that price its a great deal for Paul and Rovers. I believe very soon Englands No 1 will be your keeper thru selection. he was one of my favourite Spurs players - look after him please!" (25th July 2008)
bbc.co.uk/sport (full story

ROBINSON FOR ROVERS?
Spurs keeper could be Brads replacement
The Mailonline say that Paul Robinson could be heading to Ewood Park to replace Brad Friedel. The paper and website claim that he's agreed a £3.5 million deal to leave Spurs for Blackburn, and they say that the Aston Villa deal to grab Brad will net Rovers £2.75 million. Robinson is 28 and came through the youth system at Leeds United - where he played from 1997 to 2004. He was born in East Yorkshire and attended Beverley Grammar School. He started his England career in 2003 and played in the 2004 Euro squad. Paul moved to Spurs from Leeds in 2004 for £1.5 million. Juande Ramos dropped him last season after a number of 'errors' for 10 games. Now a move to Ewood might well give him the chance to rebuild his International career and pull on the England jersey again.
The mail say: "Robinson's move from north London to Lancashire is not believed to be linked in any way to David Bentley's proposed switch in the opposite direction, although Spurs are still confident of agreeing a deal for the England midfielder" (23rd July 2008)
mailonline.co.uk (full story)

BYE BYE BRAD ....
Rovers accept a 'conditional' bid for keeper
BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE Sport report this quote from Chairman John Williams "We have accepted a bid for Brad Friedel, but the deal is conditional on a replacement being brought in first." It's thought that Aston Villa have tendered a £2 million offer for the big American.
It was only in February that Brad signed a new deal and said: "I am delighted to have extended the agreement. "It was not a difficult decision to make. Blackburn Rovers is home to me. This is my club and I have a special affinity with it.".
How times have changed! More details to come ... (23rd July 2008)
bbc.co.uk/sport

NOT SO FRIENDLY ...
Rovers loose their first pre-season tour match
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 3 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
The Press Association report that Blackburn crashed to a 3-1 defeat to Bundesliga newcomers TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in their friendly in Austria. "After a goalless first half, which saw Morten Gamst Pedersen pick up an injury, Rovers boss Paul Ince made a host of substitutions with Robbie Fowler coming on for his Rovers debut. And it was Hoffenheim who took the lead six minutes into the second half when Christoph Janker followed up after Jason Brown saved a header. Benni McCarthy's 63rd-minute volley drew Rovers level but two minutes later Matthias Jaissle's header just squeezed beyond Brown to give the Germans the lead again. And in the final minute Janker grabbed his second to ensure victory for Hoffenheim."
So like last Monday at Macclesfield, Ince took the opportunity to see a host of players over the 90 minutes, Brad Friedel playing for the first 45, Jason Brown after the break. It was good too to see Roque Santa Cruz, Andre Ooijer, Brett Emerton, Tugay and Aaron Mokoena back in action after they joined up with the rest of the lads on Sunday.
ROVERS 1st half: Friedel, Reid, Ooijer, Nelsen, Warnock, Derbyshire, Emerton, Pedersen (sub Judge 34 mins), Treacy, Roberts, Santa Cruz.
ROVERS 2nd half: Brown, Kane, Nelsen, Warnock, Olsson, Judge (sub Hodge 75 mins), Tugay, Mokoena, Gallagher (sub Peter 75 mins), Fowler, McCarthy. (21st July 2008)
rovers.co.uk (report) ALSO pre0809 (pre-season)

BRETT NEW DEAL
Emerton on contract 'till 2012
Blackburn Rovers have announced that after 200 first team appearances, Brett Emerton has signed a new contract that should keep him at Ewood for four more years. Chairman John Williams described the deal as "... Great news for the club". Brett joined the club in 2003 - initially signing from Feyenoord for four years.
OTHER NEWS
The Times claim that Rovers have put an £18 million price tag on want-away David Bentley. The paper say that it's believed that Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have both had £15million bids rejected. Bents is currently missing from the pre-season tour with a hamstring injury. (21st July 2008)
timesonline.co.uk (Bentley) ALSO rovers.co.uk (Emerton)

CARLOS ON BOARD
Rovers agree terms for Villanueva PLUS Segunda Castillo
BBC Sport report that Chilean attacking midfielder Carlos Villanueva playing with Audax Italiano, has agreed a deal - subject to contract. He'll become Paul Ince's first signing for Blackburn. Born in 1986 - the 22 year old is Chile's current player of the year with 12 international caps. Also news this afternoon that Segunda Castillo will join up with Rover ahead of the next pre-season game with Hoffenheim in Germany on Monday. The Red Star Belgrade midfielder was born in 1982 - and the BBC say he's set to complete his move to Ewood Park in time for the start of the season. (18th July 2008)
bbc.co.uk (full story) PLUS wikipedia.org (Carlos) ALSO wikipedia.org (Segunday)

BRAD WANTS OUT ...
Freidel tells Rovers he wants to leave
Sad news reported by the lancashiretelegraph - that whatever we as fans might think Brad has decided his Rovers days are over. Brad only singed a new 2 years deal in February - that would have kept him here 'till 2010. He also said that he'd like to finish his playing days at Blackburn - but now all that seems to have changed. The Telegraph say that the club have already rejected bids from Aston Villa and Manchester City ... but when a player wants to go - life gets very difficult. John Williams says the request to leave is a 'bolt out of the blue' "We have told Brad that, in any event, we cannot even consider a move for him, unless we can satisfy both our football and commercial requirements. "
So it looks like Brads days as Rovers no.1 are now numbered.
The Telegraph also report that John Williams confirmed: “We’ve had bids from two clubs for David Bentley; one when Mark Hughes was manager, and the other very recently. They have both been rejected.” (18th July 2008)
lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

FIRST INCE WIN!
Old Boys do the business for Rovers
Macclesfield 1 - 2 Blackburn Rovers
Paul Ince took Rovers away for their first pre-season friendly at Macclefield, and the Manager recorded a 2-1 win over his former club with goals either side of the break. David Dunn was on target in the 42 minute and Tony Kane provided Paul Gallagher with the perfect cross to head home less than a minute after the interval. The Silkmen beat Brad Friedel three minutes later through Francis Green - but a pretty young Rovers squad looked the more likely to score in the remainder of the game. No David Bentley (calf strain) Roque, Andre, Brett and Aaron all still on holiday. But the squad still included Friedel, Reid, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Derbyshire, Dunn, Vogel, Pedersen, Roberts, McCarthy for the first half, and Brown, Kane, Winnard, Khizanishvili, Olsson, Doran (sub Clarke), Judge, Hodge, Treacy, Gallagher, Rigters in the second. (14th july 2008)
rovers.co.uk (Full Report) ALSO pre0809 (pre-season)

FRIEDEL FRIGHT!
Could Brad be tempted away?
Plenty of rumours over the past few days about Rovers No.1 - the wonderful Brad Friedel. Only last season signing on to extend his contract to 2010 and a full 10 years with Blackburn - but now could he be heading out? Headlines range from "Rovers vow to keep Friedel" to "Williams confirms other club interest". EastSleepSport.com claim that Mark Hughes has been told "he will not be able to tempt Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel to Eastlands this summer" And they quote John Williams with the simple message "There is some interest but Paul Ince's wish is to start the season with Brad Friedel."
OTHER NEWS:
BRFC.co.uk announce that Paul Ince has added further to the backroom team
Barry Whitbread has become Chief Scout, replacing Mike Rigg who left for Man City.
They say "Barry was the Singapore Manager from 1996 until 1998 and won the Tiger Cup with them. His son is a defender for Milwall." (13th July 2008)
eastsleepsport.com ALSO trialbalfootball.com

FOUR FOR TV
First televised games announced
Rovers.co.uk have published the first four matches that will get live TV coverage before Christmas ... and they are split between Setanta and SKY.
Home games against Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Chelsea will all be screened, plus the away match at Tottenham Hotspur.
The TV games will be:-
Manchester United (home) 17:30 Saturday 4th October - SETANTA
Middlesbrough (home) 17:30 Saturday 25th October- SETANTA
Chelsea (home) 13:30 Sunday 9th November - SKY
Tottenham Hotspur (away) 13:30 Sunday 23rd November - SKY (11th July 2008)

ROBBIE OF THE ROVERS?
Fowler could join up with former team mate at Ewood
Reports this morning say that Ex England striker - Robbie Flower - is to make a shock move to join up with his former team mate Paul Ince at Blackburn Rovers. The BBC say "The 33-year-old was expected sign a new one-year deal at Cardiff City, but told the club on Thursday he would be joining Rovers." He's expected to join up with Rovers for their pre-season tour to Germany.
He made his Liverpool debut in 1993, scoring 171 goals in 330 games before joining Leeds United in 2001 and then Manchester City in 2003.
And rovers.co.uk confirm that Fowler will be with Rovers for pre-season - but fall short of confirming any permanent move to the club. (11th July 2008)
bbc.co.uk (Full story) ALSO rovers.co.uk

DB - STILL A ROVER
Nelsen talks about want away Bentley
The high summer speculation about the future of Rovers star midfield man David Bentley continues to dominate the websites and papers. But with the return to Brockhall for pre-season, captain Ryan Nelsen has been talking to BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE about the England star. He told the station:- "For us he's a team-mate and will be until the club decide otherwise. We understand where he's coming from and we understand he might stay at the club as well. There's no animosity towards him or anything like that, it's his decision and you can't hold that against any person. Hopefully the fans will understand as well but he's done really good service for Blackburn. If he does decide to leave I think the club will be compensated very well so it's a win-win situation."
Meanwhile talking to the LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH, Manager Paul Ince says:- "He came back for training on Monday and was smiling, and his attitude has been excellent ever since. Obviously, it looks as though we are going to have to deal with lots of speculation, because you can’t pick up a paper at the moment without seeing David linked with one club or another. But I can deal with that, the chairman can deal with that, and, by the looks of things, David Bentley can deal with that too. To be honest, I’m already fed up talking about it because David is only one player in our squad.”
... so as they often say "watch this space" (10th July 2008)
bbc.co.uk/lancashire (hear Nelsen interview) ALSO lancashiretelegraph.co.uk (Ince)

INCE'S FIRST BIG SIGNING
Archie Knox to be first-team coach.
The Lancashire Telegraph report that Blackburn Rovers have agreed terms with Archie Knox to become First Team Coach under Paul Ince at Ewood Park. The former Scotland and Manchester United coach first made his name as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two at Aberdeen. He's 61 and spent last season at the Reebock helping keep Bolton wanderers in the Premier League.
John Williams told the Telegraph:- “We are delighted to welcome Archie on board. Paul made it clear from the outset he wanted an experienced coach to work alongside him, and there aren’t many people out there with a better CV than Archie’s. He’s worked at the top level for most of his career, and we believe we now have the perfect blend of youth and experience within our new-look managerial team.” (July 4th 2008)
lancashiretelegraph.co.uk (story) ALSO wikipedia.org (biog)

GREAT TO BE HERE
Paul Ince is not scared of many things!
The new Blackburn Manager met the press at Ewood Park - and told the fans just what they wanted to hear. "I want to excite and entertain the fans and if they have seen my teams and how I like to play, I hope they will be excited by the prospects for us." And John Williams said of Ince's lack of UEFA Pro License:-"On behalf of the Premier League I would say that they rightly made us work very hard to get Paul and we had to give certain undertakings because quite clearly Paul didn't meet the requirements of the rule." He'll be given two years to do the necessary work to get his qualifications.
Paul will bring Ray Methias with him as assistant, from MK Dons, but is also looking at other names to establish a strong team.
Of course Paul is also the first Black English manger in the top flight: "It means a lot but it also means a lot that I am in the Premier League. I am proud of where I come from but I'm also proud to be in the Premiership."
He also echoed John Williams thoughts on keeping Rovers top players saying: "I want to keep my best players - Bentley, Santa Cruz, all of them. I will be speaking to those two players and the rest of my players and go from there." (24Tth June 2008)

See clips from the press conference free now at bbc.co.uk ALSO rovers.co.uk

INCE IS NEW ROVERS GAFFER
Paul Ince signs a three year contract
Blackburn Rovers announced the appointment of former MK Dons Manager Paul Ince as their new man in charge this afternoon (Sunday). Little information was released by the club, other than Ince will be unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday at midday. BBC Sport say he's the first black English Premier League manager - and takes over after taking the Dons to the League two title in his first season in charge. The BBC Say: - "Last week the Premier League gave Rovers dispensation over Ince's failure to hold a Uefa Pro Licence. The former West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool and England midfielder will be allowed two years to earn his licence."
Earlier I interviewed former Rovers striker Kevin Glacier about the appointment for BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE - and he told me:- "They were looking for someone young, hungry, enthusiastic and with a big pull. Paul knew that he wanted to come, he's got the hunger and desire in his belly to be a good manager. He showed that at Macclesfield by how he managed to keep them up, and he brought a couple of trophies to MK Dons. So, it's a good achievement at a low level and hopefully he can bring some of that luck with him to Blackburn."
Congratulations & the very best of luck! (22nd June 2008)
bbc.co.uk (full story + video of Ince in action) ALSO rovers.co.uk PLUS wikepdia.org (CV) AND bbc.co.uk (Ince in Photos)

INCE ALMOST THERE
As SAM and STEVE leave the race
Paul Ince is still the front runner to become new Blackburn Manager, in what now looks like a two horse race in the Ewood stakes. Earlier Sam Allardyce withdrew from the contest, and Steve McLaren made his return to football managment as he was appointed coach of FC Twente. Reports this evening say that Ince would be given two years to get his UEFA Pro License. Meanwhile Michael Laudrup is still in with a chance. SKY BET offer the following odds - Ince P 1/4 Laudrup M 11/4 Bilic S 25/1 Koeman R 50/1 Rest 66/1
John Williams had been expected to announce the new boss by the end of the week - so the longest day (today) might feel just like that. But certainly it's thought that Rovers will be appointing their new man by, or on, Monday. Williams told BBC Radio Lancashire "We are now down to a small short-list. I am delighted with how the process is going and we hope to make a decision by the weekend. "We have steadily gone about our business in the proper manner but we have not yet made an offer to anyone at this stage." (20th June 2008)

SAY IT'S INCE
To be new Blackburn Boss
Sky Sports News say that they believe the MK Dons Manager - Paul Ince - will be the next man in charge at Ewood Park. The channel say " ..Blackburn are yet to make an official approach to MK Dons over securing Ince's services, but it is thought that the League One side would not stand in his way. "
The Daily Mail also name the former Man Utd star as first choice for the job. The paper says: "Blackburn are ready to make Paul Ince the first black Briton to manage a Premier League club after asking MK Dons to name their price for the highly rated young boss. They will fight for the right to appoint Ince, 40, as Mark Hughes’s successor because he does not hold the coaching qualifications required in the top flight.
Reports say that Ince spent Wednesday in Wales watching an ‘A’ license course being run by the FA of Wales.
And to add more spice to the story - the Eatsleepsport website claim that Henk ten Cate (the former Chelsea number two) has "delayed signing a contract with Panathinaikos in the hope of being named new Blackburn manager." This ties in with the news that John Williams had flown out to interview a "mystery contender".
What we do know is that the club hope to name their man by the end of the week. (18th June 2008)
skyports (Ince) ALSO mailonsunday.co.uk (Ince) AND EatSleepSport (Henk ten Cate)

SEASON

2008-2009

FIXTURES

MONDAY - is fixtures day
Rovers first home game should be against newly promoted Hull City on August 23rd - and the season ends at home to other new boys West Brom. The big Christmas fixture is likely to be at Ewood with Mark Hughes Manchester City ... but all initial fixtures are subject to change. You can now see the full fixture list on-line at the club website rovers.co.uk and at BBC Sport (16th June 2008)

BBC.co.uk AND rovers.co.uk

BENTLEY BIG BLOW
DAVID WANTS AWAY
Whoever takes over as the new Rovers boss - will be likely to do so without the talents of David Bentley. The Ewood favourite sat down for a chat with SKY SPORTS NEWS and spelt out his future - and that's not at Blackburn:- "My situation is I want to move on, I want to be playing Champions League football, I want to be playing in Europe. I have been there for three years, I love the club and I love playing for them, but I feel like I've done everything I can and I want to move on and try and push up the ladder and be as successful as I can. And I believe that lies elsewhere. I want a new challenge and I feel I want to push on somewhere else. I hope I have repaid them with the way I have played but I need to be moving on somewhere else. We'll see what the summer brings and hopefully in this transfer window something can be sorted out."
So that's what Bents wants - but John Williams has also been quoted as saying the club plan to hold on to their prize players - and David is certainly one of those. And who knows how persuasive the next Manager might be? How many straws was that! (16th June 2008)
SKYSPORTS (full Story)

NO SHEARER WONDERLAND!
ALAN TURNS DOWN BLACKBURN CHANCE
Having been heavily tipped as the next Blackburn Manager - former Rovers Alan Shearer has revealed that he's declined the chance to be on John Williams short list for the job. Talking to Gary Lineker on 'Match of the Day' he said: "The situation is that I was very flattered to get a call off of Blackburn's chief executive John Williams. He asked me if I wanted to be included on a shortlist for the manager's job, which I politely declined." He added "I'm very flattered to have been asked and I'm thankful for that. He's made two great decision for the last two managers and I'm sure he'll go on and make a third one and I wished him good luck."
So the fans favourite is out of the race ... which seems a pity ... and stays a BBC pundit (probably safer!) (11th June 2008)
bbc.co.uk (Full story and video clip)

IS SHEARER OUR MAN?
PAPERS SAY ROVERS COULD MAKE AN APPROACH
The Times lead their back page with former Rovers star Alan Shearer - saying that he's keen on the management vacancy at Ewood Park. The Paper say: "The former England captain has told his former club that he would be interested in being interviewed for their vacancy and that he believes he has the quality and hunger to drive the club forward."
They also say that today (Monday) John Williams will be meeting with his fellow directors to have a serious look at the short list. It's thought to include: Paul Ince, Stuart Pearce, Sam Allardyce, and Steve McClaren. The Times also list Roberto Mancini, Michael Laudrup, Dick Advocaat, Avram Grant and Henk.
But of all those - the BBC pundit Alan Shearer - remains the fans favourite (9th June 2008)
timesonline.co.uk

"I had a fantastic time at Blackburn ..."
Hughes finds club to match is ambitions
Manchester City introduced their new Manager to the press today - and Rovers former boss admitted that he'd been frustrated at Blackburn by the " ...the amount of finance available." He told reporters "There was a limit to how far I could take the club and it's a case now that I'm at club that can match my ambitions. Once Manchester City made their intentions known I was very focused on getting the opportunity to come to the club ... It's been very quick and very clear to me that there is a huge project here that I want to be part of, so it was an easy decision."
So Rovers now face the challenge of finding a new manager - and backroom staff - as Hughes is expected to tale at least some of his Blackburn colleagues with him. He might also have his eye on some of Rovers top players - which Mark helped model into such a tough team over the past few years.

Meanwhile John Williams told the ROVERS.CO.UK "We have enjoyed a first class, mutually beneficial relationship with Mark. He leaves the club in a strong position with three consecutive top ten finishes and an excellent squad of players. We wish him well. We would have liked him to stay on, but he made it clear he wanted a fresh challenge. Now our focus switches to the search for a successor. We have enjoyed eight years of success and stability with Graeme Souness and Mark and now it is important that we build on our strengths. We must make sure it is three successful appointments in a row."
So - who might be the man to take over? Well sources already name Alan Shearer as a popular choice. Despite his lack of coaching experience Shearer was heavily tipped as a possible manager for Newcastle United last season ... That would be fun! (5th June 2008)
rovers.co.uk (statement) ALSO bbc.co.uk (Hughes video and interview)

THIS TIME IT'S SERIOUS ...
ROVERS GIVE HUGHES PERMISSION TO TALK TO CITY
This morning Manchester City announced that Sven had left the club 'by mutual agreement' - within minutes Blackburn Rovers had announced that they'd 'reluctantly' given the Manchester club permission to talk to Mark Hughes. While the boss is still being linked to the vacant Chelsea post - perhaps the blue side of Manchester might be a more attractive opportunity - and just on his doorstep. What now seems likely - is that Blackburn might be looking for a new man for next season. Fans will also be concerned that IF Sparky departs - he'll be going with his backroom staff and even perhaps some of his (our) best players.
Rovers have had some great times under the former Wales Manager - who's brought in some great players and helped develop the quality of the squad and the way the team play. With David Bentley and Stephen Warnock both on England duty last night - and Roque named by many as the leagues signing of the season - there's a lot to celebrate. But who will take the club forward now ...... watch this space and check ROVERS.CO.UK for the latest official news (2nd June 2008)
rovers.co.uk ALSO bbc.co.uk

NOT AGAIN !
SPARKY LINKED WITH ANOTHER TOP JOB
It should be no surprise that within hours of the departure of Avrom Grant as Chelsea boss - Mark Hughes has been linked in the papers and on sports websites as the ideal man for the job. After another great year at Ewood - the former Chelsea player - who spent three years at the club - is (at the time of writing) one of the favourites to take over as Manager. The Lancashire Telegraph say NO approach has been made to Blackburn - but the paper say Former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard is 2-1 favourite. Guus Hiddink is 5-1. Mark Hughes is 8-1 level with Sven Goran Eriksson and Phil Scolari.
It's not that long ago that the boss was heavily tipped to take over at Newcastle United - and most fans see him as a future boss at Old Trafford.
Aside from the money - why would you want to move to Chelsea ??? OK - you might! (26th May 2008)

lancashiretelegrapgh.co.uk

ROVERS RETURN FOR DUFF??
FORMER STAR COULD BE ON THE MOVE
Rovers former favourite winger - Irish International Damien Duff - could be on his way out of St. James' Park. And eatsleepsport.com claim that Rovers are one of the clubs keeping an eye on their ex player. The site say that Damein has already put his house up for sale, after learning that Kevin Keegan doesn't see him as a regular at Newcastle next term.
When big money took him away from Ewood to Chelsea, the young Irishman claimed he'd love to return one day to the club where he made his names and arguably played some of his best football. But the site say that Damien could well favour a return instead to London, and possibly Spurs.
He came through the academy, along side David Dunn and of course Matt Jansen ... watch this space (21st May 2008)
eatsleepsport.com

3 SAY GOODBYE TO ROVERS
BERNER, ENCKLEMAN & HENCHOZ
It's goodbye this summer to Stephane Henchoz who returned for a second spell at Rovers - but last year suffered injury problems. Blackburn are also parting company with keeper Peter Enckleman who was on loan to Cardiff City and played in the Cup Final at the weekend. It's thought he might make a permanent move to the Welsh side. Also leaving is former Swiss International Bruno Berner, who had just 6 appearances for Blackburn.
Good luck to them all - especially Stephane - who also played for the club a decade ago! (19th May 2008)
rovers.co.uk

ALAN SHEARER

SHEARER or ME ....
To celebrate the world premiere of the brand-new play “Shearer or Me…” by Blackburn Drama Club at the Thwaites Empire Theatre, the BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE '2026' exhibition area is proud to host a celebration of that magical season when Blackburn Rovers became Premier League champions. Relive some of the season’s highlights, browse probably the largest collection of Blackburn Rovers memorabilia ever gathered in one place and contribute your memories of those triumphant days to our football memory bank. It's free and open office hours 'till the end of the month. (12th May 2008)
rovers.co.uk (more on the play) ALSO thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk (more) AND bbc.co.uk/lancashire (Exhibition)