Gallacher speaks out on Rovers sinking into abyss
Kevin Gallacher was a striker with Blackburn Rovers who formed part of the Premiership winning title side and he has spoken out about his concerns about the club and his fear that it is 'going into the abyss'. He argues that Steve Kean's position as manager has become 'untenable'.
Protests against Kean as Blackburn were beaten at home by Bolton were as virulent as they have ever been, leading Everton manager David Moyes to walk out at half time in protest. The League Managers' Association has also spoken out in support of Kean, but then they are hardly likely to call for one of their own members to go.
In any event Kean has gone home for a pre-arranged break and there is no apparent sign of an imminent change of manager. It appears that the owning family is split on what they should do with the family matriarch and company chair still standing by her appointed man.
However, even if Kean goes, Venky's will remain in charge and the question is whether they know what they are doing. Gallacher argues, 'They don't understand the game and they don't understand the people of Blackburn.'
Gallacher's most interesting comment about Venky's is that 'I don't see what they're coming into it for.' It's not going to help them sell more chickens in India where football lags way behind cricket in popularity. Admittedly, football has considerable potential there and the glamour of the Premier League has certainly made its mark.
However, Formula 1, [grass] hockey and boxing also have substantial followings. Indeed, Venky's are involved in the latter sport through their Mumbai Fighters. Bouts staged in a shopping mall attracted considerable interest and this would certainly seemed a better way of raising their prestige in the domestic market rather than investing in a football club which, for all its merits, does not have a high profile globally.
It should also be noted that Venky's have a wide range of interests which include pharmaceutical and healthcare products, as well as everything related to chickens. In short they are quite a sophisticated conglomerate in some respects, but arguably family owned companies are prone to indulge whims if they have spare cash.
If Venky's saw reputational gains in India, they are in risking of losing them if they get Blackburn relegated through their perceived incomptence.
Steve Kean's record
==Defensive injuries==
Steve Kean has this morning listed injuries as the factual reason for the number of goals conceded and the run of winless games under his tenure.
So let's take a look at his record with the teams he had available shall we?
18/12/2010 - Blackburn Rovers vs West Ham United
1-1 Draw - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Givet, Nelsen, Samba (c) (sub Jones 57 mins (sub Hanley 67
mins)), Salgado, Dunn, Pedersen, Emerton, EH Diouf, MB Diouf, Roberts
(sub Benjani 10 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Olsson, Kalinic, Hoilett.
In a squad that includes 8 defenders who can play in defensive positions on the backline. One goal conceded.
Phil Jones sustains long-term injury.
26/12/2010 - Blackburn Rovers vs Stoke City
0-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS: Robinson, Hanley, Nelsen (c), Givet, Salgado, Dunn (sub Hoilett 65 mins), Emerton, Pedersen, Olsson, Kalinic, MB Diouf.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), EH Diouf, Linganzi, Doran, Benjani, Morris.
In
a squad that includes 6 1st team defenders who can play in defensive
positions on the backline. As well as 1 reserve defender. Two goals
conceded.
01/01/2011 - Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers
0-3 Defeat - 3 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Bunn, Hanley (sub Benjani 46 mins), Nelsen (c), Givet, Olsson, Hoilett
(sub Morris 78 mins), Emerton, Dunn (sub Goulon 86 mins), Pedersen, EH
Diouf, MB Diouf.
Subs not used: Fielding (GK), Linganzi, Doran, Lowe.
In
a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play in defensive
positions on the backline. As well as 1 reserve defender. 3 goals
conceded.
15/01/2011 - Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers
0-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), Nelsen, Givet, MB Diouf, Dunn (sub Lowe
24 mins), Pedersen, Olsson, Hoilett (sub Roberts 68 mins), Kalinic (sub
Santa Cruz 46 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn, EH Diouf, Benjani, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play defensive positions on the backline. 2 goals conceded
29/01/2011 - Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
1-3 Defeat - 3 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), Hanley, Olsson, Hoilett, Nzonzi, Andrews
(sub Grella 70 mins), Pedersen, Roque Santa Cruz (sub Kalinic 11 mins),
Roberts (sub Benjani 85 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Jones, EH Diouf, Lowe.
In a squad that includes 6 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 3 goals conceded.
02/02/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Tottenham Hotspur
0-1 Defeat - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), Nelsen, Olsson, J. Jones (sub Nzonzi 64
mins), Andrews, Dunn (sub Pedersen 67 mins), Hoilett, MB Diouf (sub
Benjani 82 mins), Roberts.
Subs not used: Bunn, Kalinic, Grella, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goals conceded.
05/02/2011 - Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers
3-4 Defeat - 4 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Jones (sub Nzonzi 79 mins), Olsson, Samba, Nelsen, Emerton
(sub Dunn 61 mins), Pedersen, Benjani (sub Diouf 61 mins), Hoilett,
Salgado, Roberts.
Subs: Bunn (GK), Grella, Andrews, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 4 goals conceded.
26/02/2011 - Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
1-4 Defeat - 4 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Hanley, Nelsen (c), Olsson, Emerton, Jones, Grella
(sub Roberts 63 mins), Andrews (sub Nzonzi 79 mins), Pedersen, Santa
Cruz (sub Kalinic 63 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn, Givet, Benjani, MB Diouf.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 4 goals conceded.
05/03/2011 - Fulham vs Blackburn Rovers
2-3 Defeat - 3 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado (sub Emerton 90 mins), Samba (c), Hanley, Givet (sub
Pedersen 77 mins), Hoilett (sub Rochina 82 mins), J. Jones, Nzonzi,
Olsson, Roberts, MB Diouf.
Subs not used: Bunn, Kalinic, Andrews, Santa Cruz.
In a squad that includes 6 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 3 goals conceded.
19/03/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Blackpool
2-2 Draw - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), Nelsen, Olsson, Emerton (sub P. Jones 59
mins), Nzonzi (sub Roberts 72 mins), J. Jones, Hoilett, Santa Cruz,
Diouf (sub Pedersen 79 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Kalinic, Rochina, Benjani.
In a squad that includes 6 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 2 goals conceded.
09/04/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Birmingham City
1-1 Draw - 1 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), Nelsen (sub Roberts 35 mins), Olsson,
Hoilett (sub Emerton 69 mins), J. Jones, P. Jones, Pedersen, Dunn, Santa
Cruz (sub Benjani 63 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Rochina, Hanley, Diouf.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
16/04/2011 - Everton vs Blackburn Rovers
0-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, P. Jones, Samba (c), Givet (sub Pedersen 68 mins),
Emerton, Dunn, J. Jones, Olsson, Rochina (sub Benjani 81 mins), Santa
Cruz (sub Roberts 61 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Kalinic, Hanley, Diouf.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 2 goals conceded.
25/04/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester City
0-1 Defeat - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), P. Jones, Givet (sub Diouf 85 mins),
Emerton, Dunn (sub Rochina 63 mins), J. Jones, Olsson, Benjani (sub
Kalinic 70 mins), Roberts.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Formica, Pedersen, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
07/05/2011 - West Ham United vs Blackburn Rovers
1-1 Draw - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Emerton, Samba (c), Givet, Olsson, Hoilett (sub Andrews 69
mins), Nzonzi, J, Jones, Pedersen, Diouf (sub Formica 94 mins), Roberts
(sub Santa Cruz 69 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Rochina, Benjani, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
14/05/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United
1-1 Draw - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c) (sub Andrews 78 mins), P. Jones, Givet,
Emerton, J. Jones (sub Dunn 74 mins), Nzonzi, Olsson, Hoilett (sub
Pedersen 58 mins), Roberts.
Subs: Bunn (GK), Kalinic, Santa Cruz, Benjani.
In a squad that includes 6 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
~~SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW TAKES PLACE~~~
Sales:
Zurab Khizanishvili - former 1st teamer allowed to leave on free transfer
Phil Jones - key 1st team defender allowed to depart for Manchester United
Purchases:
yles
Anderson - Footballing agent's son - played one game for Scottish SPL
team Aberdeen in his spell there - has not played for the 1st team this
season
Bruno Ribeiro - Signed on a 3 year deal - has not played for 1st team this season
Scott Dann - Main replacement for Phil Jones and most expensive signing of the summer
13/08/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
1-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson (c), Salgado, Olsson, Emerton (sub Rochina 46 mins), Dunn,
Formica (sub Blackman 84 mins), Pedersen (sub Goodwillie 72 mins),
Nzonzi, Hoilett, Roberts, Hanley.
Subs: not used Bunn (GK), Bruno, Anderson, Henley.
In a squad that includes 4 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. As well as 1 Reserve player. 2 goals conceded.
20/08/2011 - Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
1-3 Defeat - 3 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Olsson, Nelsen (c), Dunn, Pedersen (sub Petrovic 75
mins), Nzonzi, Hoilett, Goodwillie, Roberts (sub Formica 75 mins),
Hanley.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Rochina, Blackman, Ribeiro, Lowe.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. As well as 1 Reserve player. 3 goals conceded.
27/08/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Everton
0-1 Defeat - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba, Givet, Olsson, Emerton (c), Nzonzi, Dunn (sub
Formica 35 mins), Pedersen (sub Petrovic 35 mins), Hoilett, Roberts
(sub Goodwillie 72 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Rochina, Hanley, Lowe.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
~~
Please note that at this point long-standing utility player Brett
Emerton was allowed to leave the club on a free transfer. A player who
spent a large portion of his time under Mark Hughes (manager) playing at
Right Back. The player has also played at CB in occasions at the club.
No replacement was purchased for him during the summer transfer window
and his experience has been missed in the team since his departure. ~~~
11/09/2011 - Fulham vs Blackburn Rovers
1-1 Draw - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (sub Olsson 46 mins), Dann, Givet, Rochina
(sub Lowe 70 mins), Dunn (c) (sub Petrovic 52 mins), Nzonzi, Hoilett,
Formica, Goodwillie.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Yakubu, Vukcevic, Roberts.
In a squad that includes 6 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
24/09/2011 - Newcastle United vs Blackburn Rovers
1-3 Defeat - 3 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Salgado, Samba (c), Dann (sub Rochina 63 mins), Givet,
Hoilett, Lowe, Nzonzi, Olsson, Formica (sub Roberts 64 mins), Yakubu
(sub Grella 79 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Petrovic, Vukcevic, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 3 goals conceded.
01/10/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester City
0-4 Defeat - 4 goals conceded
ROVERS: Robinson, Lowe, Samba (c), Dann, Givet, Petrovic, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Hoilett, Yakubu, Goodwillie (sub Formica 61 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Slew, Rochina, Vukcevic, Roberts, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 4 goals conceded.
15/10/2011 - QPR vs Blackburn Rovers
1-1 Draw - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS: Robinson, Salgado, Olsson, Samba (c), Givet, Petrovic, Nzonzi, Dann, Hoilett, Roberts (sub Goodwillie 68 mins), Lowe.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Formica, Rochina, Yakubu, Vukcevic, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 7 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
23/10/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Tottenham Hotspur
1-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Lowe, Samba, Givet, Olsson, Vukcevic (sub Rochina 70 mins),
Pedersen, Nzonzi, Hoilett, Formica (sub Yakubu 70 mins), Roberts (sub
Goodwillie 82 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn, Petrovic, Slew, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 2 goals conceded.
29/10/2011 - Norwich vs Blackburn Rovers
ROVERS:
Robinson, Lowe, Samba (c), Givet, Olsson, Rochina (sub Dunn 70 mins),
Nzonzi, Pedersen, Hoilett (sub Petrovic 81 mins), Formica, Yakubu (sub
Goodwillie 70 mins).
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Vukcevic, Roberts, Hanley.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 3 goals conceded.
05/11/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Chelsea
0-1 Defeat - 1 goal conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Lowe, Samba (c) (sub Hanley 45 mins), Givet, Olsson, Rochina
(sub Dunn 72 mins), Nzonzi, Pedersen, Hoilett, Formica, Yakubu.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Petrovic, Blackman, Goodwillie, Vukcevic.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 1 goal conceded.
19/11/2011 - Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers
3-3 Draw - 3 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson (c), Salgado (sub Henley 46 mins), Hanley, Dann, Givet (sub
Roberts 90 mins), Rochina (sub Formica 84 mins), Nzonzi, Pedersen,
Hoilett, Dunn, Yakubu.
Subs: Bunn (GK), Petrovic, Blackman, Goodwillie.
In a squad that includes 4 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. As well as 1 Reserve defender. 3 goals conceded.
26/11/2011 - Stoke City vs Blackburn Rovers
1-3 Defeat - 3 goals conceded
ROVERS: Robinson (c), Lowe, Hanley, Dann, Givet, Rochina, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Hoilett, Formica (sub Roberts 68 mins), Yakubu.
Subs: Bunn, Petrovic, Blackman, Goodwillie, Vukcevic, Henley.
In a squad that includes 5 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. 3 goals conceded.
29/11/2011 - Cardiff City vs Blackburn Rovers
0-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Bunn, Lowe, Hanley, Dann, Givet, Petrovic (sub Rochina 71 mins), Dunn
(c), Pedersen, Formica, Blackman (sub Roberts 80 mins), Goodwillie (sub
Yakubu 80 mins).
Subs: Robinson, Vukcevic, Anderson, Henley
In
a squad that includes 4 1st team defenders who can play on the
backline. As well as 1 Reserve defender. 2 goals conceded against lower
league opposition.
11/12/2011 - Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers
1-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Lowe, Samba (c), Dann, Givet (sub Olsson 22 mins (sub Henley
46 mins)), Salgado (sub Hanley 51 mins), Dunn, Pedersen, Vukcevic,
Formica, Yakubu.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Blackman, Goodwillie, Roberts.
In the starting match day squad that includes 6 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. As well as 1 Reserve defender.
-
Please note that Gael Givet at this point was laid off for several
weeks with heart issues that requires surgery. A complaint it was
reported he was was complaining about before the match kicked off.
- Please also note that for this match Martin Olsson was returning from injury and was reported not to be fully fit.
- Please further note that Michel Salgado was withdrawn from this match at half time due to a chest injury
Regardless.
With these two players sitting out the match day squad and subsequently
recovering quicker with treatment for future matches. As well as Michel
Salgado's withdrawing at half time. 4 1st team defenders who can play
along the backline were still available for playing. As well as 1
Reserve defender. 2 goals conceded.
17/12/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs West Bromwich Albion
1-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Lowe, Samba (c), Dann, Pedersen, Rochina (Goodwillie 79),
Nzonzi, Dunn (Hanley 62), Vukcevic (Roberts 62), Formica, Yakubu.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Henley, Petrovic, Blackman.
In a squad that includes 4 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. As well as 1 Reserve defender. 2 goals conceded.
~~~
Please note that at this point Blackburn Rovers defender Michel Salgado
announced that he had been told he could find a new club in January as
the club could not afford to pay his future contract apon renewel after 9
more games. The player himself was fully match fit to take part in
matches.
Salgado has revealed:
"I want the fans to know
all I want to do is help the team and help Blackburn survive in the
Premier League, but the owners and manager aren't allowing me to do
this.
'I'm fit to play but I have been given five days off instead." ~~~
20/12/2011 - Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers
1-2 Defeat - 2 goals conceded
ROVERS:
Robinson, Lowe, Samba (c), Hanley, Pedersen, Vukcevic (Rochina 65),
Nzonzi, Dunn, Formica (Goodwillie 65), Hoilett, Yakubu.
Subs not used: Bunn (GK), Henley, Petrovic, Blackman, Roberts.
In a squad that includes 3 1st team defenders who can play on the backline. As well as 1 Reserve defender. 2 goals conceded.
---------------------------------------------------
==The 'Facts'==
On 22 December 2011, Steve Kean revealed to the press:
"We
don`t have Martin Olsson or Gael Givet or Scott Dann or Ryan Nelsen, so
we have a make shift back four and can`t manage to get a clean sheet.
"Having
said that I thought Morten Pedersen, playing just his second game at
left back, did well and battled away. Jason Lowe is a midfield player
playing at right back.
"If we had all the other lads fit they
would not be playing there but we are giving it a good go. If we can get
these lads back we will always score but we have just not had the
chance to put our attack-ing unit with our defending unit.
"I can
keep saying it as long as they are injured. It is unusual to have two
injuries that Dave Fevre, who has been a physio for 30 years, has not
seen before.
"I`ll go through this because if all my defenders
were playing and were not getting clean sheets I`d be worried. I haven`t
managed to put a back unit together.
"I don`t take it well you
saying 'how long can I keep saying this`. Because it is unusual to have
four players out in one position and that is the position we are in at
the moment.
"It`s not an excuse it is a fact."
The defiant
Kean was also adamant he would not allow fan power drive him out of
Ewood Park, despite mounting calls for him to quit.
He said:
"That is our job. When you win people will say that was amazing and when
you lose there are people not happy. I understand that and it is part
and parcel of your job.
"The strength comes from a belief that
when I get my group of players fit I can win games. If I didn`t believe
that it would be different. I honestly believe if we could get some of
the experie-nced players fit it would be very different.
"I hope I can win the fans round and you do that by winning games.' {Courtesy of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph}
==The TRUE Facts==
Please note results last season with a fully fit squad which reflect results this season even with injuries.
Steve
Kean has stated that we would be doing better with the likes of Givet,
Olsson, Dann and Nelsen match-fit. However in Premier League
performances against the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle United
this season, in which we conceded multiple goals with a near enough
fully fit squad (only Martin Olsson & Michel Salgado missing for
Manchester City game) we have shown under the current manager that we
will concede multiple goals.
Ryan Nelsen has been struggling with
a long-term injury since the begining of the season. Only in recent
games have we missed the likes of Scott Dann and Martin Olsson.
Michel
Salgado and Brett Emerton's departures from the club are a decision
that was taken with the full understanding of the manager outside
transfer windows.
I do not believe he should be allowed to use
Defensive limitations through injury as a excuse for poor results. After
all, looking at last seasons results, especially in the period from the
end of January until the end of April. The team went on a winless run
of 11 games with a full selection of defenders baring 1 or 2 injuries
which have to be taken into account during a Premier League season.
In
fact in Steve Kean's role as manager last season, during the 23 games
he managed, 35 goals were conceded, only 22 points were achieved out of a
possible total of 63 with just 5 games being won in over half a season!
This season his record has spiralled out of control.
With
avoidable injury problems most recently, the removal of players from
the team outside of the transfer window and excuses coming from the
manager that just don't add up.
Blackburn Rovers have slumped to the bottom of the Premier League table.
With difficulat away games against Liverpool and Manchester United
coming. Rovers are currently 5 points off the exit of the relegation
zone, and could potentially be 11 points off the exit of the relegation
zone in 2 games time.
The record of only one team escaping the
bottom of the relegation zone during the season having being there at
Christmas is destressing enough.
The season before last, a team
who comfortably finished 12 the season before last under Sam Allardyce
with a considerably weaker squad has slumped to the bottom of the table.
Earlier in the season Steve Kean announced that a top 10 finish
was expected. Only for the slump to worsen, resulting in the manager
sarcastically laughing off the possibility of relegation.
Now
with relegation a real certainty, and money issues threatening the very
existence of the club. What does the manager have to say?
"I hope I can win the fans round and you do that by winning games."
With
a Premier League record as manager of 38 games managed, 7 won, 11 drawn
and 20 lost. Where does he expect those wins to come from.
The
fact that no credible winning streak has ever been experienced under
this manager, is bad enough, but when you take into consideration that
this team needs at least 8 wins out of it's remaining 21 games. A figure
that is more then Kean has achieved as manager in 38 games. Maybe you
might start to wonder why Blackburn Rovers fans have been taking matters
into there own hands as far as protests are concerned.
==What fans of other clubs think==
In
the last few days i have been looking for opinions of fans of other
clubs for a impartial take on the current situation. This i have done by
viewing other messageboard's and website comment sections.
None of which i believe are better expressed as those on Teamtalk.com
rs7
(Liverpool): I really feel for your club at the moment. After the joke
of H&G at Liverpool, I hate seeing owners basically ruin clubs. It's
going to be tougher to stay up if you lose Samba in January as well.
law76
(West Ham United): I'm sorry to see what's happening to you lot, we
were given hope last Jan that O'Neill was taking over to be let down. I
pray that you do not end up getting Avram Grant if Kean goes (I don't
know with your chairmen!) I think lots of you will top yourself!! Good
Luck.
cornish nick (West Bromwich Albion): OK Guys! So it looks
like your going to be bottom at Christmas.That actually might be a good
thing for a couple of reasons.Firstly it will surely make the owners
look at getting a new manager now ASAP and secondly, this so called
curse of being bottom at Christmas equals relegation can be beaten as we
did it and its probably time for aother club to do it too.The other
thing thought is I really believe a huge part of our 'Great Escape' was
down to how the club and fans worked together.As fans we took the awful
situation on the chin and supported the team and new manager throughout
every game whatever the result.We took our full allocation of away
tickets for every game and the club and its main sponsor really got on
board with the situation, they paid for the transport to a lot of the
away games and even hired a Steve McQueen Lookalike complete with
motorbike to lead the convoy of coaches to away games...Our ground was
turned into Stalag 13 complete with prison guards (very tasty girls in
reality) and the clubs sponsors(T Mobile) even got POW ration boxes to
be handed out at games (they contained giant blow up hands and
sweets)...And come the end of the season with a game to go we were still
bottom BUT the fans stayed true to the team...that game was at Home to
Pompey and if we did win and stay up it would mean that Southampton
would get relegated.I've never ever seen a packed away end chant 'let em
score' before LOL. When we went 2 up and the other results made it look
like we were going to be safe the Pompey fans went bonkers cheering for
us as well and at the final whistle in appreciation of their support
the Albion fans to a man ran on the pitch to the Pompey end and sang
'Play up Pompey'.It turned out to be one of the greatest seasons I've
witnessed in over 30 years..I guess the moral to all this is Keep the
faith as its now they need your support the most
sess
(Sunderland): Feel for you's lads. We have had the same with SB at the
SOL and it's going to take some time to recover! What would most fans
give for the stability of Big Sam now???? All the best.
harry
(Tottenham Hotspur): I'd be surprised if any manager would come in, and
work with your owners, they decisions since they bought you, just don't
add up.
remember1972 (Stoke City): Hi lads and lasses,feel for
you lot at the mo; About a year ago ,I posted on your board my
reservations concerning your take-over by the Venkey`s. I stated that
these new foreign owners had no experience in running a football club
and more importantly no affinity with the 'English' culture,passion and
heritage surrounding one of the founder members of the league. Whilst I
wasn`t put-down, I was informed by some posters that I was wrong and
these new owners were going to take you to the next level! Well twelve
months on,and these same owners have virtually decimated a well run
stable mid-table premiership club;just like Portsmouth before you; and
probably other clubs in the future... As for Steve Kean, he won`t
resign,beacause,let`s be honest, who is going to employ him after? .He
was just a convenient yes man at the time who tried to take his
chance... Hope it works out,you never know,keep the faith,because the
core fans of clubs such as yours keep the English game as the best in
world.
colonel14' (Arsenal): Hey guys. I can't help but feel
sadened by the current state of affairs at your club. God only knows how
this muppet of a manager is still in charge. ..
liam_c
(Liverpool): Don't know how some people can judge Blackburn fans for not
supporting Kean. Any set of fans in your situation would react the same
if some clueless owners hired an equally clueless manager who will
inevitably leave the club doomed for relegation.
violentk
(Newcastle United): To LMA, Owen, Arry, AVB, Coyle, Media and many
others who do not care about Blackburn. Why not pause and think before
criticizing the Blackburn supporters. Those who protest love Blackburn
much more than you lots do. If Blackburn is not your club, then shut up
and leave it to their local community. Did the regime care or listen to
them? Protest is their only channel to communicate. Remember this was a
'challenge' from Kean himself to the 'minority', now it isn't so
minority anymore, is it? Is Kean even a blackburn fan? Why is he not
resigning? He had his chance, 37 games. He failed his own performance
indicator, 4 points from 6 winnable games, top 6, top 10, will not
relegate, last massive game. There are no more stats that favors him,
there are no more excuses. He gave the same recorded speech on post
match interviews and avoid admitting he is not good enough. The fans
don't want him. Why is he still here? Because he thinks fans are not
important at all! It is all about Venky's and himself. You can't blame
those who speculate that he is holding for the pay cheque.
==Big Support==
Even more well known representatives have come out with support in favour of Steve Kean getting the sack.
Former Rovers Striker Kevin Gallacher;
To me, it's now becoming untenable,' said the Scot.
'At
this moment in time, the club is going into the abyss. There's a fear
factor about what's going to happen to the club. I'm very worried about
it.'
{Courtesy of the Daily Mirror}
Former Rovers winger Craig Hignett;
[Kean's]
results suggest that he should be sacked. Managers have been sacked -
Steve Bruce being a prime example at Sunderland - whose records are
better than Steve Kean`s. I think he has had a full season of games so
results would say that he should expect the sack.
"If I was a
manager and results and performances had gone like that I would expect
the sack. I am sure that privately he must think it is not far away
unless he knows something we don`t know about Venky`s.'
{Courtesy of the Goal.com}
Former Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage;
Get rid of the [Blackburn] manager, simple as that,' he told BBC Radio 5 live. 'Win, lose or draw, get rid of him.
'The fans aren't enjoying watching them, it is a bad atmosphere around the club - it is not the same club.
'The guy is inexperienced at that level and Blackburn are rubbish.'
{Courtesy of the Voy.com}
Football pundit Paul Merson;
if Steve Kean loses this (Bolton Wanderers) I don't think he'll still be there on Boxing Day'
{Courtesy of the Sky Sports.com}
As
well as the above. Seeminly the Lancashire Evening Telegraph are
calling for Kean to get the sack with a issue of the paper earlier this
week calling for the manager to get the sack.
Add to this the
Soccer Saturday panel after the weekend match, presenters of Sports
Tonight Live and just about every sporting media outlet i have viewed
over the last few days.
When will it end? Will it ever end? Will we still have a football club next season, let alone a Premier League football club!?
All questions that Blackburn Rovers supporters would love the answers to?
God knows we aren't getting any intelligent communication from the club, or communication at all from India!?