[Archived] Walter Smith

[BuckyRover]

I have heard that Kean's maintained employment is in relation to him telling the owners that no amount of money will get him to sign a confidentiality agreement if fired. I've also heard that there are a number of things that the owners don't want anyone to know about.

This is rumour that I have heard and before I get spammed....I have no clue what they want to keep hidden.

I wouldn't be surprised if this is true but it just sounds too sensational.

[chaddyrovers]

If this rumour is true then I'm SURE Kean will remain in charge unless the owners can reassign him to another position!!! All depends on his terms of conditions in his contract!!! Would be really interesting to see them if we ever could do!!!

[Steve Moss]

I have heard that Kean's maintained employment is in relation to him telling the owners that no amount of money will get him to sign a confidentiality agreement if fired. I've also heard that there are a number of things that the owners don't want anyone to know about.

This is rumour that I have heard and before I get spammed....I have no clue what they want to keep hidden.

My thoughts are based on the assumption that there is some truth to the above. If not, feel free to disregard everything I've written.

With the apparent ease that English courts seem to grant injunctions, why don't Venkys simply get an injunction? Are they only granted if there is a married footballer trying to suppress his affairs? There might be trade secrets (their bidding process on transfers and contract details, for two) which should be protected, in my non-expert opinion. As an employee Kean also owes a duty of loyalty (at least in some USA jurisdictions) and if he is paid in full then Venkys will have upheld their end of the bargain. They only thing which may cause them real fear, in my non-expert opinion, is whether Kean can claim whistle blower status in the event bad deeds (or not too pleasant deeds) occurred.

None of the above would likely work in the USA (without a written contract), but my reading of the English papers is shocking with the ease speech seems to be suppressed.

But what really gets me is what do Venkys hope to gain by delay? Kean' record is not making him more employable and is hurting the club's prospects for survival. Whenever his contract is over and he has no job, he'll spill the beans for a payday. So if that is Venkys' concern, then they'll never stop the details coming out. The only question is when they come out. And generally speaking, sooner is better.

If the issue is fan backlash based on whatever revelations Kean might make, then fire him and appoint Hughes, MON, Hiddink, Ancelotti or some other high caliber manager. The fans would be so overjoyed that they'd forgive Venkys near anything. And whatever claims Kean might make would be greeted with healthy skepticism, as he doesn't have the best reputation amongst the supporters for responsibility and honesty.

If the issue is the PL and the FA, my advice to Venkys would be to take your medicine. It will come out someday, so get it over with and build from there. To pull a phrase from American politics, it's not the crime that burns you, it's the cover up.

The more I think about this, the more I doubt it is really an issue. In fact, I would think Kean's alleged position would only further provoke the Raos and underline that he is not to be trusted. To quote someone I can't remember, "Publish and be damned!" is the best response in these situations so I'm stumped as to why the Raos would allow themselves to be hung up on this issue.

[BPF]

why don't Venkys simply get an injunction?

I got in trouble for talking about that subject last time..

[modes98]

I have heard that Kean's maintained employment is in relation to him telling the owners that no amount of money will get him to sign a confidentiality agreement if fired. I've also heard that there are a number of things that the owners don't want anyone to know about.

This is rumour that I have heard and before I get spammed....I have no clue what they want to keep hidden.

So Venky's would rather keep someone in charge that is going to lose us our PL status and make sure that they will not get any decent return on us, if they sold.

Whilst it ties in with what was mentioned a few months ago and wouldn't suprise me it just isn't a sound business decision. The guys a joke and any mud he throws will need to have some good evidence behind it our venky's lawyers will sue him into hell.

[LeChuck]

I don't think there's any truth in that rumour at all.

If it is true, then all the media talk about the great relationship between Venky's and Kean (including the monthly trips etc.) is all a front. Kean spoke a bit about that side of things in his PR splurge a few weeks ago, and it sounded entirely genuine.

Whilst it's not impossible, I really don't think their public relationship is false. I think Venky's are hanging on to him because they do have a good relationship and want him to succeed. It's just entirely misplaced.

How did the Pune 9 observe interactions between Venky's and Kean?

[G Somerset Rover]

I don't think there's a debate to be had. It's quite blatant that Kean has something on the Rao's as anyone with half a brain cell would have potted Kean month's ago.

Whether they buy his silence is a different matter (whatever it is he is bribing them with).

[PAFELL]

If this is true, venky's should sack him anyway. Kean would not get any support in the football world. He has a public history of lying. A convicted criminal (drink driving)

Sack Mean and deal with whatever he may or may not say later.

The owners will gain a lot more respect from supporters if they do this.

KEAN OUT NOW

[Uxbridge rover]

The smug bugger possibly has some comprimising pictures up his sleeve or has been privvy to some very very sensitive information regarding the take over process.

Just my humble opinion of course.

Or, and its just a theory, Anderson bought the club with his money but used the venkys to front the move.

[Mercer]

Smith is not the answer in any shape or form. He's history.

Many have speculated about Kean having a 'hold' on the Raos and I suspect in a way that few would have imagined ! IMO, he's a snake and if it was my club, I'd call the weasel's bluff and then sue him until the pips squeaked as he has little credibility and was found sadly wanting last time he appeared in a court of law.

It's vital that the supporters make Kean's position untenable this weekend.

[Stuart]

Is there any credible link to this rumour? Anywhere?

Anyone?

[Wendal]

Or, and its just a theory, Anderson bought the club with his money but used the venkys to front the move.

Whoever owns the club would surely place it's premier league status above any loyalty to Kean.

It would be great if other ITKs confirm if they've heard something similar.

[Andy]

Kean's credibility is virtually zero to start with, never mind just after being sacked and in full 'spurned lover' mode.

I don't believe a word that comes from his little mouth - I don't think Venky's would have much to worry about if Kean really is threatening to spill any beans on them.

Either way, he must go - and soon.

[1864roverite]

I dont think there is any mileage in the rumour myself.

Simple reason is that Kean has shown he isnt good enough to manage a Premier League club. If he ever wants to work in football again then there is not a cat in hells chance he will hold Rovers or Venky's to a large cash figure. I do think what will come out after he has gone is that he stabbed Sam Allardyce in the back BIG TIME, the same for all the staff who were with Sam. Kean may have some reputation as a coach but his image is being destroyed by his incompetent performances at Ewood. Its only a matter of time now.

The big problem for Rovers, its fans and the club is that I think its now too late to save us. I know the points difference between us and 9th spot is minimal at this time BUT we just do not know how to set up for a game, how to defend and how to score or finish off teams.

I have emailed Mr Hunt at Rovers on two occasions now and, granted he has replied to them. Unfortunately the responses are pretty much ignorant of the failures that we are seeing on the pitch. I just wonder what is going on behind the scenes.

I was saddened to hear from Preston Blue that he has returned his season tickets to the club. I have absolutely no get up and go for the club at this time and that really worries me. I am bored with football, I am bored with defeat and excuses that mean nothing to fans, I am bored to death hearing positive vibes from Kean when the reality is is that there are NONE whatsoever. Kean taking us to the bottom of the league has totally destroyed our season and is the laying of the relegation route out of the league and the cementing of the downward spiral of BRFC.

I wonder now how the Trust are viewing the antics of Ewood Park, how the Walker family are viewing the legacy left by Jack Walker and the way it is being run and how anyone who has been at the club during the past 20 years really does view Steve Kean and his impotent responses posed by the questions of the clubs own supporters.

KEAN OUT

[koi]

I know how to keep him quiet......

[McClarky]

Although I think Smith is a decent man and I'm sure he is very knowledgeable about the game I would be wkll depressed if this happened. It would mean that Kean has been able to influence 2 new people coming in and so making it more difficult and more expensive to get rid of him. In the summer I was prepared to give him a chance if we brought someone in to steer him but it's gone way beyond that now. Presumably Smith would be there to be an influence behind the scenes but I can't really see a role for him working alongside such a completely useless manager. With a bit of look, if there is anything in it, Smith will decide he could do wihtout the grief and give it a miss.

[PAFELL]

No matter who the owners are or the manager. If you are in the position where you are able to have a season ticket. A supporter should NEVER RETURN THEIR SEASON TICKET.

You support the TEAM no matter what.

Not being able to get up to see Rovers that often, it sadens me when I hear about supporters boycotting matches, returning season tickets etc. Protest, yes when needing too. But support the team.

[47er]

I think wanting Smith in is a sign (or proof really) of how desperate we are. He failed at Everton when they had more money than they do now and they brought in Moyes who has done a great job. Gets absolutely the most possible out of a poor Everton team.

We need someone of his class urgently but I see no chance of it. I honestly believe we are doomed.

[m1st]

No matter who the owners are or the manager. If you are in the position where you are able to have a season ticket. A supporter should NEVER RETURN THEIR SEASON TICKET.

You support the TEAM no matter what.

Not being able to get up to see Rovers that often, it sadens me when I hear about supporters boycotting matches, returning season tickets etc. Protest, yes when needing too. But support the team.

This is the dreadful dilemma, PAFELL; I admire blokes like you who keep the faith, although so far away.

Although I'm not sure I'll be getting another season ticket [mainly for reasons of age and infirmity], I'd never send this season's back - I live 25 miles or so from the ground and no longer drive; so, if none of my mates who live further away can go, then I'm dependent on public transport to get to and from a game. [besides, I want to be sure of getting a ticket for the 104th ground I'll have seen us on when we with the 6-pointer at Swansea City next April! Sad; isn't it?!]

It's just that it's so depressing making that effort to turn up at Ewood and seeing the "manager" fielding a team which virtually nobody on this Board would have selected for that day's opposition.

Having said all that; I was brought up to be, have been, and will always be, a Rover - I'd be letting my late Dad down if I weren't.

You know: "Rovers till I die."

Which, I think, is pretty well what you were saying.

[Amo]

Has there even been any kinda rumour in the tabloids about this?

You give roverinsider too much credit.

[chaddyrovers]

Daily Mirror article talking about rovers bringing in a DoF

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-consider-hiring-experienced-manager-as-director-of-football-to-help-Steve-Kean-article815016.html

[roverandout]

so more positive spin then from venkys, 'we will get great results'? how do they flippin know?

[m1st]

"Steve Kean is secondary." Venkatesh Rao [as quoted in that article].

Well, I think we can all agree on that!

[Rovers_786]

Daily Mirror article talking about rovers bringing in a DoF

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-consider-hiring-experienced-manager-as-director-of-football-to-help-Steve-Kean-article815016.html

you know now that, I was right the man there want is Walter Smith.

[Neil Weaver]

Mr 786, apologies, but I've been wondering for a while - is English your first language? I only ask cos I haven't been able to understand anything you've posted so far.