[Archived] MATCH PREVIEW: Rovers vs Wolves

[Clitherover]

All my optimism came crashing back down to earth after their first goal.

To say the defending was woeful would be a underestimation.

I think we got a good glimpse of what life would be like without Samba today.

[thenodrog]

Yes I remember that game very well, a freak of a game. Wolves dominated and somehow we won.

I recall walking away from that match furious with Allardyce and his limits, and how they had infected my team.

I shudder when I think of that game. GOOD, GOOD RIDDANCE!

Obviously what you know about football can be written on the back of a postage stamp with a paint brush. By that post you must be so happy after what you saw today. Ecstatic even.

First off I went today cos somebody else couldn't make it through work and gave me their ticket. Next time they pull that stunt I'm having none of it! It was bloody awful as a spectacle. Secondly I was sat on the godawful Blackburn End which just reinforced my views that if you want to watch a football match 'proper' you must sit in the middle of the JW or the Riverside. All I can say is that it's no wonder people who sit there come on here and talk shyte about what they have seen is it? What they have seen amounts to about 60% of the match at best.

Moving on... Mr Kean needs to understand that before you can win any game you must endeavour not to lose it. Tough that we have a few injuries but today we had just 3 players who can make a decent tackle namely Hanley, N'Zonzi and Salgado. Hanley is raw, N'Zonzi was out of his position and obviously his comfort zone too and salgado had a shocker. Midfield consisting of Dunne, MGP, Emerton and Hoilett quite simply do not have a tackle between them. Up top Formica despite a few nice touches looks too lightweight for the Premier League (more than a passing resemblence in appearence and ability to Kalinic btw) and then there's JasonBloody Roberts up top! Nuff said really. Everybody and their mother know that someone who scores more with his shins than his feet and head put together is not a Premier league centre forward.

We ended up with a team of 2 centre halves, 7 inside forwards and JasonBloody. A rabble that was beaten by a poor Wolves side who simply had to keep their shape and their discipline to play as a team to triumph over us.

OK so we all know now that the Venkeys are base liars and have lied to the fans on a regular basis since November but the biggest lie of all must be that Kean is a manager. Today everything he did showed him to be totally clueless. Any coaching qualifications he possesses can only be to drive a PSV. imo under any normal ownership he is already dead in the water but under this clueless shower in Pune I simply can't say.

I'm saddened at what we've allowed to be thrown away and what I fear the future has in store rather than disappointed this evening.

[Muddboy]

Went today and while a loss is a very disappointing way to start the season, I'm not about to jump in front of the first train.

We basically handed the game to Wolves because we didn't have a recognised/central defensive partnership and playing N'Zonzi in there meant that we didn't have a capable defensive midfielder on the pitch.

If we'd had one of Samba, Givet or Nelsen in the centre of defence and N'Zonzi in the middle of the pitch, it would have been a different game. No doubt.

I was very encouraged by what we had going forward – Formica was excellent – but our balance was largely wrong because we had too many attacking-minded players in the 11.

With a strong spine running through the team, we would have dealt with Wolves today.

So, in short, fingers crossed that we get at least one central defender back for the next game and that Petrovic makes his debut sooner rather than later so that he or N'Zonzi can give us a bit of much-needed defensive guile in the centre of the park – something that wasn't there today.

My glass is definitely half full.

[magicalmortensleftpeg]

I wish some fans would take off their rose tinted blue and white halved glasses and see where the club is headed under this idiot abroad we have as manager!!

Urgh, do you not understand?? Its more than just Kean. Kean is just the manager, if the only problems we have relate to tactics and formations then I wouldnt be half as frustrated.

The problem is that the squad isn't good enough regardless of who the manager is. We need better players and money to be spent. That's Venky's issue. They need to buy new players, better players and quickly.

Blaming Kean for everything is very narrow minded. The problems with the team go beyond the dressing room. I know its hard to take, but Kean isn't the only one making mistakes.

[modes98]

Blaming Kean for everything is very narrow minded.

I don't disagree with you but it would be a great start to get rid of Kean and bring in someone who can actually manage and stand up for himself.

[Kelbo]

Went today and while a loss is a very disappointing way to start the season, I'm not about to jump in front of the first train.

We basically handed the game to Wolves because we didn't have a recognised/central defensive partnership and playing N'Zonzi in there meant that we didn't have a capable defensive midfielder on the pitch.

If we'd had one of Samba, Givet or Nelsen in the centre of defence and N'Zonzi in the middle of the pitch, it would have been a different game. No doubt.

I was very encouraged by what we had going forward – Formica was excellent – but our balance was largely wrong because we had too many attacking-minded players in the 11.

With a strong spine running through the team, we would have dealt with Wolves today.

So, in short, fingers crossed that we get at least one central defender back for the next game and that Petrovic makes his debut sooner rather than later so that he or N'Zonzi can give us a bit of much-needed defensive guile in the centre of the park – something that wasn't there today.

My glass is definitely half full.

But, we are light at Centre Back and sell Gunning who has played over 20 first team games in the Scottish prem and we sign Myles bloody Anderson with 5 minutes in the Scottish prem and nothing else, thats down to Kean, a defender is a defender and until we replace we dont sell, if he hasnt the bottle to tell the owners that, its proof of the pudding he is not up to the job and a yes man to boot!

[magicalmortensleftpeg]

I don't disagree with you but it would be a great start to get rid of Kean and bring in someone who can actually manage and stand up for himself.

Kean isnt the right man for the job, I dont think anyone seriously thinks that he is, but the fundamental problem with the team is that the players aren't good enough. That is why blaming Kean for a defeat like today misses the point.

Our first XI, fully fit, can stay up. One or two injuries, as displayed today, and we're left with nothing. Even with a fully fit squad we're short of a top striker.

Today's result in itself isn't worth panicking about. Its the fact that the squad couldn't cope with 3 injuries to the first team thats the concern. Forget Kean, its all about Venky's getting the cheque book out now. If they dont spend decent money then they'll have played as bigger role in our potential relegation as Kean will.

[Muddboy]

But, we are light at Centre Back and sell Gunning who has played over 20 first team games in the Scottish prem and we sign Myles bloody Anderson with 5 minutes in the Scottish prem and nothing else, thats down to Kean, a defender is a defender and until we replace we dont sell, if he hasnt the bottle to tell the owners that, its proof of the pudding he is not up to the job and a yes man to boot!

I agree that the Myles Anderson signing is more than a bit suspect, but I'd be staggered if he makes any kind of meaningful appearance this season. I think we all agree that his background doesn't point to him being a Premiership footballer.

Selling Gunning looks like a mistake after seeing the hastily-put-together central defensive partnership of N'Zonzi and Hanley in action today but I don't think anyone would have foreseen Givet going down with some kind of illness before kick off.

Don't get me wrong, we could do with much more depth to our squad – something that was clearly illustrated by the young lads that were named on the bench today – but we're today's team selection was the response to an exceptional set of circumstances.

[Kelbo]

I agree that the Myles Anderson signing is more than a bit suspect, but I'd be staggered if he makes any kind of meaningful appearance this season. I think we all agree that his background doesn't point to him being a Premiership footballer.

Selling Gunning looks like a mistake after seeing the hastily-put-together central defensive partnership of N'Zonzi and Hanley in action today but I don't think anyone would have foreseen Givet going down with some kind of illness before kick off.

Don't get me wrong, we could do with much more depth to our squad – something that was clearly illustrated by the young lads that were named on the bench today – but we're today's team selection was the response to an exceptional set of circumstances.

Bolton won away 4 - 0 with exceptional circumstances!!

[PAFELL]

Urgh, do you not understand?? Its more than just Kean. Kean is just the manager, if the only problems we have relate to tactics and formations then I wouldnt be half as frustrated.

The problem is that the squad isn't good enough regardless of who the manager is. We need better players and money to be spent. That's Venky's issue. They need to buy new players, better players and quickly.

Blaming Kean for everything is very narrow minded. The problems with the team go beyond the dressing room. I know its hard to take, but Kean isn't the only one making mistakes.

No you are right Kean is not the ONLY one to blame. Kean should NEVER have been appointed as a manager in the first place - that was down to Venkys and probable Kentario. Well if it is true and Kentario are no longer involved with the club. Then it is down to Venkys to get rid of Kean as well. It appears that Kentario and Kean were a package, they came together, so throw them out together.

I believe Kean is out of his depth. It would be wrong to say Kean is not fit to be a manager of another club - but he is not ready for the Premier league. He showed that last season and it continues today. Ok Kean is not completely responsible for the result today because of the injuries. But he must have played a role in getting rid of players before signing replacements.

[Josh]

We need to sign a CB and put Givet back at LB asap, Olsson cannot play there, especially if the slowest player in the Premier League is playing in-front of him. I also think we're playing Hoilett out of position, he was tremendous away at Wolves last year playing just behind the striker

[Muddboy]

Bolton won away 4 - 0 with exceptional circumstances!!

Yes. But QPR are in turmoil and poo.

[Amo]

I don't like reopening the Allardyce debate anymore

Yet you do it oh so willingly.

Move on.

[broadsword]

@MarpleLeaf Michael Taylor

I was in the Premier Lounge today. The stories I heard from behind the scenes at #rovers are horrific. Venky incompetence

The mind boggles.

Feeling so down tonight. As much as I detest the Wankys, that doesn't mean I want Rovers to lose.

Off to have a chicken curry and a beer!

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

Well there ya go. Losing at home to one of the worst teams in the league spells relegation in anyones book. Looks like those who predicted doom and gloom this summer were spot on and those gullible enough to trust in Venkys/Kean have in fact been leading themselves into a dreamland.

[47er]

Yes I remember that game very well, a freak of a game. Wolves dominated and somehow we won.

I recall walking away from that match furious with Allardyce and his limits, and how they had infected my team.

I shudder when I think of that game. GOOD, GOOD RIDDANCE!

EHHHHHHH? This was the game where a 3-0 victory finished with the Ewood crowd booing at the final whistle because we hadn't won by more!

Oh for a day like that!

[arbitro]

What really perplexes me is that why have we waited until the season started before we are going to get the squad numbers to what they should be. Centre half SHOULD have been a priority after Phil Jones left. Ryan Nelsen (as good as he's been) isn't up to it due to his age and injuries taking their toll, Gael Givet is only a stand in and Grant Hanley simply isn't up to it yet. That leaves Chris Samba as the only regular and able centre back. Surely that should have been addressed.

BTW where was Grella today (or is that a silly question)? We could have done with a CM today due to the injuries and he would have been able to do a job.

[Rover & Out]

Two blatantly obvious observations after today's game:

1) We cannot sell Samba.

2) We need a goalscorer.

this defeat should really be the final wake-up call that Venky's need!!

[ABBEY]

I was disgusted at the lack of passion and I was disgusted that not one player went to the fans after the game! Don't know whether it's because they don't respect kean or venkys but they shamed our club today!

[Mattyblue]

Just a really odd atmosphere around the ground today.

[goodwillie_style]

http://themarpleleaf.blogspot.com/2011/08/chaos-behind-scenes-at-blackburn-rovers.html

[tony gale's mic]

Yet you do it oh so willingly.

Move on.

I believe someone else mentioned Allardyce. And actually I referred more to the game rather than the manager who was in charge.

Just because you dislike being reminded how consistently wrong you are about most things to do with the club, it doesn't give you a right to tell people what to post about.

[ChesterRover]

Absolutely gutted, think my heart has been ruling my head over the past few weeks and reality has finally dawned on me.

The joy of staying up followed by a summer of big signing rumours gave me hope but to start the season with just one unproven centre half just shows the state we are in.

I hope today was the hefty kick in the ass that Venky's need to finally flash the cheque book and get some quality added to a threadbare squad.

[tony gale's mic]

http://themarpleleaf.blogspot.com/2011/08/chaos-behind-scenes-at-blackburn-rovers.html

But it is also dawning on everyone at the club, and now amongst the supporters that the owners aren't as resourced or as committed as they claimed when the Walker Trust sold it to them. They just buy time with stunts like free pies at Wolves, charity sponsors and renaming the Blackburn End.

Spot on.

It saddens me to see how manhy gullible people on here saw the Prince's Trust sponsorship as some sort of grand philanthropic gesture on Venky's part, as opposed to a panic move on the back of sheer incompetence in not finding a sponsor. Which is, of course, what it was.

[Stuart]

Just a really odd atmosphere around the ground today.

I'd agree with that.

It was that familiar nervousness I think. When we scored, it was really rocking and I think people were very relieve. Then the sucker punch came and quickly. Once the second went in (in soul destroying fashion - particularly for Robbo), it reverted to the expected frustration.

There is a reason people have been cautious, worried, negative this off-season. Today was the reason.

We really need to bring in some experience and quickly, we have enough potential now - and, on the basis of our lack of depth of defence (albeit with an unprecedented 3 professional CB's out), Samba MUST be sat down and told that he is going nowhere this Summer.

The atmosphere will be even worse if things haven't improved in terms of playing staff by the 27th against Everton.