[Archived] Swansea (Home)

[beastlove]

If the players "are right behing Kean" then why have we only won one away league game in 2011?

If the players "are right behing Kean" then why are we still in the relegation zone with an abysmal record of 10 points from 14 games?

If the players "are right behing Kean" then why didn't they win on Tuesday? Or at Stoke. Or at Wigan, etc etc

If the players "are right behing Kean" then why haven't we kept a clean sheet all year?

I will wait until the players actually get us out of the bottom three before even considering whether or not they are playing for Steve Kean.

It is like the charge of the light brigade. The players are playing for the manager unlike ince. The problem is how he wants them to play. There is no doubt our attacking play has improved under Kean but at the expense of our defence. He just can't get the team to be solid as a unit. I am happy with the win yesterday and hope we now kick on with or without Kean.

[beastlove]

We're scoring because we're attacking without thinking about defending. A lot of similar type players in Hoilett, Formica, Rochina and Dunn who like to get on the ball and go forward - and aren't the best at tracking back. Especially our wingers have left our fullbacks vulnerable. I think we need a left back, a right back, one striker and two midfielders - preferably to slot straight into our starting XI. J. Jones would be perfect but Mahamadou Diarra could do a job as well. Wouldn't mind a cheeky loan bid for Lukaku either.

Yes we lack energy in midfield. Jones and jones provided that last season. Are midfield just isn't mobile. Lukaku cannot play for another club this season. He has already played for two and therefore cannot move until the summer

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Yes we lack energy in midfield. Jones and jones provided that last season. Are midfield just isn't mobile. Lukaku cannot play for another club this season. He has already played for two and therefore cannot move until the summer

Personally I would try Lowe in his more natural central midfield role - and possibly move Dann to right back (when Olsson is fit again). Last time he played there he wasn't outstanding - but he would give us the badly missed energy in midfield. It is frightening when I think they should continue with MGP in midfield mainly because he is relatively mobile - and everyone else we have available isn't.

[yoda]

Yakubu was world class today! 10 goals in 10 games, 9 in league and 1 in cup!! 4 goals and its historic as the first rovers player to score 4 in a game!

Thats great keep it up! He could had 5 today....but...he's an bargain already.

I have to say that Vukcevic was very good when he came on and he made two goals today. He's mask was ugly but who cares...If he's fit and ready he should play.

Then I think Samba and Givet was outstanding, the only changes I would like to do is put in Olsson and Nzonzi in the side and take out Dunn and maybe Dann.... I think Givet is a better player than Dann..

Cheers!

try reading the history of Blackburn Rovers books!

Cheers!

[Mattyblue]

try reading the history of Blackburn Rovers books!

Cheers!

He'll mean since 1992, that's when football was founded, wasn't it?

[bestierover]

Kean's post match comments literally made me feel sick. He knows how to contradict himself and is not averse to stoking the fire.

[jim mk2]

We won't stay up unless we can keep some clean sheets. Kean recognises the defensive frailties and has done so in his post-match statements for a few weeks so why has he not addressed the problem and the continuing weaknesses in midfield ? Yesterday's powder-puff midfield was OK against Swansea because they are a similar sort of side but won't work against more physical sides coming up such as Bolton and West Brom. If Kean wants to win over supporters he needs to build on yesterday by setting up his team to grind out a 0-0 draw at Sunderland next week rather than trying to outscore the opposition in another goal-fest. It's dull stalemates at difficult grounds and at home against the top teams that will enable us to escape relegation.

[Roversider]

I have swung across to the majority on here who want a change of manager. I have not swung across to the protestors.

The decision for him to go has been made more difficult by several of the players making it clear by their actions after the goals that they are close to the manager. I thought it was churlish to boo Yakubu after the first goal because he ran a distance to share the goal celebrations with Steve Kean.

The one plus for me is that the players appear to be able to blank the protestors almost as well as the owners. The one who is naturally showing some pain is Kean.

Yes I would welcome a change, particularly if it is a good replacement. In the meantime with every victory the change of management becomes less likely and the protests more pointless. I am not so blind that I wouldn't welcome a change in fortunes and with that a change in my opinion towards Kean. I was appalled to hear a number of people wearing Yellow and Black saying they hoped we would take a defeat from Swansea. There weren't many in the Jack Walker though.

Happy with the result and the points, hopefully we can put a run together now. I have doubts but that doesn't stop me hoping.

[imy9]

We won't stay up unless we can keep some clean sheets. Kean recognises the defensive frailties and has done so in his post-match statements for a few weeks so why has he not addressed the problem and the continuing weaknesses in midfield ? Yesterday's powder-puff midfield was OK against Swansea because they are a similar sort of side but won't work against more physical sides coming up such as Bolton and West Brom. If Kean wants to win over supporters he needs to build on yesterday by setting up his team to grind out a 0-0 draw at Sunderland next week rather than trying to outscore the opposition in another goal-fest. It's dull stalemates at difficult grounds and at home against the top teams that will enable us to escape relegation.

Wow did not think the day would arrive when I would agree 100% with you Jim, but I do. That was Sam was a master of, grinding out results and we need that same mentality now.

[Gav]

He'll mean since 1992, that's when football was founded, wasn't it?

[RoyRover]

One win and the media are back on Kean's side.

The pair on Football First just said it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. The Venky's aren't going to sack the fool so we should get behind the team.

Translated as: accept your fate in silence, please, nobody cares about little old Blackburn.

More or less sums up the media's opinion, particularly the broadcast media.

If we win and all the fans are happy and don't protest = Fans are just fickle, they aren't serious protesters, it only takes on win to shut them up.

If we win and fans still protest = Fans need to wake up, support the manager and team, managers and owners record is instantly forgotten about.

If we lose and fans protest = Steve Kean has to go, fans have the right to protest, manager has only won 6 games in charge.

If we lose and fans don't protest = Fans support the manager, aren't bothered by our league position.

It will be interesting to see how the tabloids react to the win. During the week they couldn't get the guy out the door quick enough. I wonder if they will change their tune now we have won?

[jim mk2]

Wow did not think the day would arrive when I would agree 100% with you Jim, but I do. That was Sam was a master of, grinding out results and we need that same mentality now.

To be fair to Kean he also managed to grind out draws in the good run at the end of last season. The team had shape and balance and every player seemed to know his job.... but then that team had P Jones, J Jones and Emerton. This is my big complaint - the spine of the team has left the club and not been replaced.

[neophox]

He'll mean since 1992, that's when football was founded, wasn't it?

I meant that...sorry...

[1864roverite]

Its incredible to hear Kean spouting that he has no idea why the fans are still protesting because we win a game, maybe he needs a dose of reality about the situation he has created at Ewood.

I find it incredulous some fans have appeared to have been won over with a 3 point haul versus Swansea and think thats it, its all done and dusted we are on a roll !

Lets be brutally honest, the team at times were a shambles yesterday despite the win. We had no midfield with a clue on how to defend or attack, we had a defence all at sea at times, we had Junior playing kids football and we had at times to wiotness swansea pass the ball around, flank to flank without any Rovers players gettiong near it.

The basis of Keans on the field problems are simple. We concede play up to the half way line because our attackers and midfield attack DO NOT form the first lines of defence. The centre backs are TOO FAR apart and that clearly led to the Lita goal for swansea.

Now, if I can see this then why the hell cant coco ?

Yes I am glad we took the points but believe me, I want this fool out of our club. I dont buy the players are fully behind him at all. He simply cannot manage, its as simple as that. His words in the after match interview are so stupid. Rovers are not on a run of games were we are winning points. We have just been kicked out of the cup by a poor Cardiff team that we should have anihilated with ease, we cant play together, we cant defend. Sometimes we have no idea on how to get the ball back.

Invite me into the dressing room Mr Coco. I will gladly point out why these supporters want you out. I think this is what it will take for him to realise that he is the problem.

Anyhow back to the game, pleased for Yak and rerlieved we secured the points. Not sure Sunderland will be as welcoming next weekend in the cold North East.

KEAN OUT

[47er]

To be fair to Kean he also managed to grind out draws in the good run at the end of last season. The team had shape and balance and every player seemed to know his job.... but then that team had P Jones, J Jones and Emerton. This is my big complaint - the spine of the team has left the club and not been replaced.

We couldn't keep phil Jones and Schalke were asking too much for Germaine Jones but why let Emerton go?

And, as you say, where are the replacements?

[Roversider]

To be fair to Kean he also managed to grind out draws in the good run at the end of last season. The team had shape and balance and every player seemed to know his job.... but then that team had P Jones, J Jones and Emerton. This is my big complaint - the spine of the team has left the club and not been replaced.

Totally agree, but the other big loss was Jermaine Jones as he added much nbeeded experience. Our challenge will be to keep Samba, sell Hoillet (that looks inevitable to me) and add a midfielder, striker and rightback. All positions supposedly targeted by Kean for strengthening. If the owners put some cash up its likely we can bring in some players like J Jones even if it costs a few Lakhs of Rupees.

We are missing Emerton's energy although I was pleased to see Formica having his best game (in my opinion) so far, plenty of energy and some nice runs and tackles. Vuckevic showed some guile and in a mask that made me think Hannibal Lector was coming on, he showed some clever moves to draw fouls when we needed to keep control.

What we desperately need to add is a tight defensive display. The one thing Rovers seem to have on the positive front is goals. Finally, is it me or do we seem to be developing a better balance since Clement replaced Jensen?

[Mattyblue]

I'm glad we got the 3 points, desperately needed to keep us in touch, I'm absolutely delighted Kean got pelters.

His relationship with the fanbase is absoultely horrendous and at any normal football club, the powers that be would remove him for the good of everybody involved.

[dwayne cage]

Here is my verdict on Yesterday

Was it nice to see the club I love win a game? Yes

Was it nice to watch MotD last night? Yes

Do I think Robbo and the defence are still below average? Yes

Do I think the protesters have the right to protest before the match? Yes

Do I think people was wrong to Boo Kean when Yak celebrated with him? Yes

Do I still want Kean out? Yes

Do I think yesterdays win will change our fortunes? No

Overall 2 wins this season and still no clean sheet warrants a sacking.

[Colt Seavers]

Anyway, for what it's worth, here is a list of what I believe to be credible alternative managers.

George Graham

Glenn Hoddle

Mark Hughes

Alan Curbishley

Nigel Adkins

Lee Clark

Paul Lambert

Michael Laudrup

Rafa Benitez

Brendan Rodgers

I have been saying for some time that Kean could do worse than bring George Graham in as part of his backroom team. No one would sort out our defensive deficiencies better than Graham, (one-nil to the Arsenal).

I believe that Tony Adams has recently returned from coaching abroad.He knew a thing or two about organising a defence!

I am sure that either of those two would come in to assist in a high profile premier league role for six months...

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

To be fair to Kean he also managed to grind out draws in the good run at the end of last season. The team had shape and balance and every player seemed to know his job.... but then that team had P Jones, J Jones and Emerton. This is my big complaint - the spine of the team has left the club and not been replaced.

Dead right there Jim, we had a bit of resilience and bite then. Once we'd got our act together we did start grinding out reults. You could see a shape to the team and you could see what the players were all expected to do. If we'd have had a good goal scorer we'd have been OK. It's totally different now we're totally shapeless as a team.

[Colt Seavers]

Totally agree, but the other big loss was Jermaine Jones as he added much nbeeded experience. Our challenge will be to keep Samba, sell Hoillet (that looks inevitable to me) and add a midfielder, striker and rightback. All positions supposedly targeted by Kean for strengthening. If the owners put some cash up its likely we can bring in some players like J Jones even if it costs a few Lakhs of Rupees.

We are missing Emerton's energy although I was pleased to see Formica having his best game (in my opinion) so far, plenty of energy and some nice runs and tackles. Vuckevic showed some guile and in a mask that made me think Hannibal Lector was coming on, he showed some clever moves to draw fouls when we needed to keep control.

What we desperately need to add is a tight defensive display. The one thing Rovers seem to have on the positive front is goals. Finally, is it me or do we seem to be developing a better balance since Clement replaced Jensen?

I agree about the shape since the arrival of Clement.

I believe we need to re think the position of Hoilett and I would line us up something like this:

Robinson

Lowe Samba Givet Olsson

Vuckevic Pederson Nzonzi Rochina

Hoilett

Yakubu

Another alternative would be to play Dann (not totally convinced by him yet), move Givet to left back and push Olsson forward; he would be a much better help at tracking back than Junior. We were horribly exposed on Lowe's side in the first half yesterday and Givet's in the second. Hoilett scares opponents to death when running with the ball; he cannot defend to save his life!

[roverandout]

i thought swansea were a weak-ass side, very flimsy, nice passing team but no backbone, im tipping them to go down along with rovers and wigan.

[Colt Seavers]

I meant that...sorry...

You'll have a certain Simon Garner onto you!

He scored four against Sunderland in the mid 80's. He also got a number of hat tricks and 5 (five!)against Derby in '83. All similar goals to yesterday if I recall correctly, including a penalty.

[Ossydave]

Is David guest (not sure that's how u spell it) actually a rovers fan or was it some daft Venkys publicity stunt???

[Roversider]

Hoilett scares opponents to death when running with the ball; he cannot defend to save his life!

I think Junior has been a major contribution to some of our defensive problems. He is brilliant when he runs at defenders but tracking and covering is not a natural part of his game, add that to an ability to try to beat one man too many and watch rather than pursue the opponent who has won the ball from him. We need to defend from the front. In fairness to Junior most teams will double-team him now and he will have to learn to cope with that. It leaves the full-back behind him very exposed, whilst a lot of people berate MGP he always covered the left-back when they got forward, he made Warnock look almost England class again.

Great defensive displays come from the front to the back. Look at how Stoke got the result against us, every player closing his man down.