Here We Go Again

[Alan75]

Like the majority of supporters, I will be expect the Rovers to challenge for honours in the league and cup, yet deep down fear that a poor run could result in a relegation dog fight.

Over the years following Rovers has been a roller coaster ride, that other clubs supporters can only dream of, play off finals, premiership championship, relegation, promotion, cup semi finals and a Worthington Cup Final win and usually done the hard way. Players and managers, great and bad have come and gone, whilst fair weather supporters have jumped ship following the glory days of Kenny Dalglish.

Next Saturday Rovers kick off another season in the top flight and back in Europe hoping to resurrect those glory days under the guidance of Mark Hughes, who so far has emulated the early years of Dalglish’s reign. Whilst Dalglish took the club to promotion and premiership challenges, Hughes has taken Rovers from relegation fodder under Souness, to Cup Semi finalists and European qualifiers in his short reign. All this on limited funds, in complete contrast to his predecessors who had unlimited funds to play with in the transfer market.

The loss of Bellamy, similar to the loss of Duff, was a massive blow, however on this occasion, unlike Souness after the sale of Duff, Hughes appears on first impressions to have found a replacement in a twin strickforce of Porto’s Benni McCarthy and Wigan’s Jason Roberts, plus a replacement for Dickov in Jeffers.

Despite the loss of Bellamy, there has been some good news with Reid, Pedersen and Nelsen all committing themselves to another four years to the club, which establishes a consistency. With Nelsen having committed himself to the club today, Rovers will now be working on securing Lucas Neill and Emertons signatures on new contracts, to avoid loosing them on free transfers at the end of the season.

So what does this season hold. Realistically the club should avoid a relegation dog fight, to finish above mid table. Without analysing all other clubs Rovers are one of the few who have retained some sort of consistency in retaining staff and have strengthen the squad, with 3 strikers, something that was lacking last season, having to rely heavily on Bellamy to get the goals.

Rovers on paper should be chasing the leading pack of Chelsea, United, Liverpool and Arsenal to hopefully finish again in at least 6th spot. That said it would be great to qualify for Europe with a Cup Final win in Cardiff and who knows for once we may get past the first rounds in Europe. OK that is pushing it.

So lets get behind Mark Hughes and the team, hoping for another nine month roller coaster ride in the premiership and the return of more glory days to Ewood.

Predictions CLICK HERE