[Archived] Rovers v Burnley

[Kamy100]

 

I was thinking of waiting until after the Bradford game to post this, but it seems that ‘3 days isn’t enough’ for a preview no matter how well written it was by riverholmes. So here is your Rovers vs Dingles preview, you ungrateful turds 

Going into this season, we had the highs of running a Europa League team (Sparta Prague) close to a draw and an 8-0 battering of 6^th tier York City. This has been followed by the worst beginning to a season we could’ve hoped for, with pre-season ending in 3-1 defeat to League 2 Carlisle United, followed by two resounding defeats in the League (2-1 to Southend away, and 3-1 to Doncaster at home – repeat, AT HOME).

In amongst all this crap, we beat Coventry 3-1 in the first round of the Carabao (wtf?) Cup. Apparently, this is the new name of the League Cup, rather than the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy equivalent (which is the Checkatrade Trophy). Could they not just insert ‘League’ in the name, just to distinguish which competition is which? Anyway, as this is the only competition so far in which we’ve earned a positive result (despite sounding like it’s named after Bullwinkle’s Mexican cousin), I’ll try to approach it with a sense of optimism. Remember that Sheffield Utd didn’t win a game last August and ended up winning League 1! Let’s hope esteemed Grandad Tony Mowbray can do the same.

I don’t need to explain how important these matches are to both sets of fans (though I may need to use pictures for that lot). Rovers vs Burnley is one of the oldest rivalries in world football, without getting nearly as much hype from the media as other ‘rivalries’ such as Blackpool vs Fleetwood or Bolton vs…erm…

Souness described out rivalry as one of the most intense he’d known (even after Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce, Rangers vs Celtic, or Liverpool vs Everton) as did Mark Hughes (even after Utd vs City, Real vs Barca, or Liverpool vs Everton). Our rivalry MATTERS.

For 35 years, we held a proud record of never being beaten by this lot until a couple of years ago; just one in a long line of records destroyed by our Chicken Overlords. The decline of our record started long before that, however, as it is now 7 years since we last beat the Dingles (1-0 when Martin Olsson took his famous dive, and Dunny smashed it in from the penalty spot). Since then we’ve had a succession of lucky draws (‘David Dunn was miles offside, he hates Burnley!’ and Rhodes shinning it in of the defender’s clearance), followed by 3 losses on the bounce – two of which came at Ewood *sigh*, including the fateful record-ending 1-0 loss *double sigh*.

Make no mistake, we are now the underdogs of this fixture with Burnley being promoted to the Premier League at JUST the right time, after we were relegated from it at JUST the wrong time. It couldn’t have been written, even by the most optimistic of b*****ds, but it happened. But it strikes me now that we have always thrived as the underdogs; Premier League win competing against the likes of Utd, Newcastle, Liverpool and Leeds, Worthington Cup win vs Spurs (Mark Hughes, anyone?), and going from near-relegated to Europa League in a single season (Mark Hughes, anyone?)

Let us take on the spirit of Bob Crompton, Mr. Blackburn Rovers, once regarded as the greatest player (and moustache) in the world and he came from Blackburn. He captained Rovers to two First Division Championships, captained England 22 times (out of 41 caps) with esteem, heart, and skill, later going on to manage our (and his) beloved club to our last FA Cup win in 1928. The Rovers board thought they could do better, so they removed him as manager, leading us to plummet until Crompton was rehired. He then led us from the relative doldrums (above our current position) to be Second Division champions! His wonderful record with us culminated in both the saddest and happiest way a Rovers fan such as he would wish to pass away. He sadly died the evening after he led Rovers to a sound 3-2 victory over the b*****ds. I feel like more needs to be made of this brilliant man with his remarkable record (sod your Matthews or your Finney or your…erm, who have Burnley got? McIlroy?).

As for this game, we are underdogs and under no pressure to win (unless you count our sickening start to life in League One, or the pressure of the match itself, or pressure from the Police to make the match as unenjoyable as possible for either set of fans). I think we need to abandon the ‘expansive football’ approach, especially with Sean Dyche being in the Allardyce mould of ‘percentages, lump it’ football. Play a rigid back 4, with a midfielder sitting back when needed, and give 5 of our attacking players freedom to attack rather than pass, pass, pass. I felt we played this way fantastically when we battered this lot in the April Fool’s Day massacre and we need to take inspiration from games like that. Just hope one of our lot squares up to a few of them - remember our galactico midget Salgado? THAT’s the attitude we need!

I’m going for a 4-3 Rovers win (hoping the scum used up all their luck vs Chelsea), with Dunny lacing up his boots for our 95^th minute penalty winner.

Links between the clubs:

Jim Appleby, Eric Binns, Adam Blacklaw, Marshall Burke, Andy Cole, Paul Comstive, John Connelly, Gordan Cowans, Nathan Delfouneso, Peter Devine, Shane Duffy, David Hamilton, Kevin Hird, Lenny Johnrose, David Jones, Walter Joyce, Michael Keane, Alan Mahon, Andy Marriott, David May, Jay McEveley, Keith Newton, Bradley Orr, Johnny Price, Steven Reid, Paul Robinson, Cameron Stewart, Andy Todd, Keith Treacey.

Obligatory fan interview:

My girlfriend’s father is, unfortunately, a Dingle. On the bright side, it provides me the perfect opportunity to ask questions to someone from the USA (Uther Side of Accy):

Before we kick off, how do you feel about our Chicken Overlords?

It is a mess. As they are a private company, there is not a lot you can do about it although I think the ACVs on Ewood and Brockhall are excellent ideas. Questions do need to be asked of the quality/ suitability the due diligence carried out by the FA, the Premier League (at the time), the Football League (now), especially around the involvement of agents. Left a really rotten smell. Maybe questions should also be asked of the Walker family of the due diligence they carried out when they sold.

Despite enjoying your demise, I hope it eventually levels out. Without rivalries, football would be a bloody dull sport.

So, we’ve held a proud record of 35 years unbeaten over you and you’re now 7 years into your own run. Reckon you can match it?

Pointless record especially when teams don’t play each for long periods. Absolutely meaningless.

Of the list of players who played for both clubs, who is your favourite (FYI, mine is Andy Todd)?

Despite being past his best with us, I would go with David May. His class shone through when we needed it to.

What do you make of your start to the season and ours, and do you think either will matter come the big game?

Clarets start couldn’t have been better, however a poor result on Saturday will take the shine off. Rovers start is not good; pretty dreadful to be honest. But while our lofty status above you and our respective starts make us favourites, that’s irrelevant come matchday. It’ll be a tighter game than either set of fans think, imo… but, we’ll still come out on top!

Will Dyche remain at Burnley much longer? He’s well past the average tenure of a manager in either the Premier League or Championship.

Sean Dyche will stay at Burnley for a while yet, I reckon. I think he would have gone by now if money was a big motivator. Let’s see at the end of this season.

What is your likely starting eleven, who is your dangerman, and who is your weak link?

Difficult one, that. I can see Dyche resting a lot of first team players -- Heaton, Defour, Cork, Brady, Lowton, S Ward etc. Burnley don’t really have an outstanding player, we play as a unit. The most skilful player is Defour but doubt he will play. Fringe players and players returning from injury will most likely start. Our weak link is a lack of quality goal scorer. Here is my line up for what it is worth.

 

Nick Pope

 

Charlie Taylor

Phil Bardsley

Kevin Long

Tom Anderson

 

Dean Marney

Gudmundsson

Scott Arfiled

Ashley Westwood

 

Ashley Barnes

Daniel Agyei

 

Score prediction?

Rubbish game, but 2 - 1 to us. Not really bothered about the result as long as there are no needless injuries or suspensions.

 

FYI, my girlfriend then wanted to add her thoughts on the game, which pretty much amount to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27IqVo5-Oc

[Husky]

Go Go Mikey!

[Mike E]

Just need to get my fan interview replies

#OnTheBall

[Husky]

4 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Just need to get my fan interview replies

#OnTheBall

Every good business blames the suppliers 

[RV Blue]

Depending on how Saturday goes I will either be very excited for this or absolutely dreading it.

[1864roverite]

Its a dingle v Rovers derby, the biggest Lanclassico game as its the latest. Of course it matters to all fans. Get to Ewood, we are expecting to lose, dingles expecting to wallop us, its a cup game, night match and derby, anything can happen.

[tomphil]

Rumours the unwashed have virtually shifted their tickets already despite the coach travel etc, don't know if it's the whole 5k or the first lot of 3k in the lower tier but either way they are turning out in force to lord it over us.

Be nice to shove it right up em on and off the pitch so lets have a performance from players and fans for this.

Rovers 1   Scruffs 1

Extra time and probably pens ......

14,674

[Husky]

I'm still recovering from Burnley winning 2-1 at Ewood a couple of years back. I'm not sure I could stomach it again . . . .

[A cup of beans]

1 hour ago, tomphil said:

Rumours the unwashed have virtually shifted their tickets already despite the coach travel etc, don't know if it's the whole 5k or the first lot of 3k in the lower tier but either way they are turning out in force to lord it over us.

Be nice to shove it right up em on and off the pitch so lets have a performance from players and fans for this.

Rovers 1   Scruffs 1

Extra time and probably pens ......

14,674

Tickets bought. I'm naming it :

'The Rovers Resurrection'

[Mum63]

Was talking to burnley fans on Wednesday burnley don't have coaches for away travel usually so struggling to get enough coaches.they also expect to get beat because they don't bother with cup matches

 

[Mike E]

On 16/08/2017 at 10:52, Kamy100 said:

Post 1 - Reserved for match preview by MikeE.

 

I was thinking of waiting until after the Bradford game to post this, but it seems that ‘3 days isn’t enough’ for a preview no matter how well written it was by riverholmes. So here is your Rovers vs Dingles preview, you ungrateful turds 

Going into this season, we had the highs of running a Europa League team (Sparta Prague) close to a draw and an 8-0 battering of 6^th tier York City. This has been followed by the worst beginning to a season we could’ve hoped for, with pre-season ending in 3-1 defeat to League 2 Carlisle United, followed by two resounding defeats in the League (2-1 to Southend away, and 3-1 to Doncaster at home – repeat, AT HOME).

In amongst all this crap, we beat Coventry 3-1 in the first round of the Carabao (wtf?) Cup. Apparently, this is the new name of the League Cup, rather than the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy equivalent (which is the Checkatrade Trophy). Could they not just insert ‘League’ in the name, just to distinguish which competition is which? Anyway, as this is the only competition so far in which we’ve earned a positive result (despite sounding like it’s named after Bullwinkle’s Mexican cousin), I’ll try to approach it with a sense of optimism. Remember that Sheffield Utd didn’t win a game last August and ended up winning League 1! Let’s hope esteemed Grandad Tony Mowbray can do the same.

I don’t need to explain how important these matches are to both sets of fans (though I may need to use pictures for that lot). Rovers vs Burnley is one of the oldest rivalries in world football, without getting nearly as much hype from the media as other ‘rivalries’ such as Blackpool vs Fleetwood or Bolton vs…erm…

Souness described out rivalry as one of the most intense he’d known (even after Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce, Rangers vs Celtic, or Liverpool vs Everton) as did Mark Hughes (even after Utd vs City, Real vs Barca, or Liverpool vs Everton). Our rivalry MATTERS.

For 35 years, we held a proud record of never being beaten by this lot until a couple of years ago; just one in a long line of records destroyed by our Chicken Overlords. The decline of our record started long before that, however, as it is now 7 years since we last beat the Dingles (1-0 when Martin Olsson took his famous dive, and Dunny smashed it in from the penalty spot). Since then we’ve had a succession of lucky draws (‘David Dunn was miles offside, he hates Burnley!’ and Rhodes shinning it in of the defender’s clearance), followed by 3 losses on the bounce – two of which came at Ewood *sigh*, including the fateful record-ending 1-0 loss *double sigh*.

Make no mistake, we are now the underdogs of this fixture with Burnley being promoted to the Premier League at JUST the right time, after we were relegated from it at JUST the wrong time. It couldn’t have been written, even by the most optimistic of b*****ds, but it happened. But it strikes me now that we have always thrived as the underdogs; Premier League win competing against the likes of Utd, Newcastle, Liverpool and Leeds, Worthington Cup win vs Spurs (Mark Hughes, anyone?), and going from near-relegated to Europa League in a single season (Mark Hughes, anyone?)

Let us take on the spirit of Bob Crompton, Mr. Blackburn Rovers, once regarded as the greatest player (and moustache) in the world and he came from Blackburn. He captained Rovers to two First Division Championships, captained England 22 times (out of 41 caps) with esteem, heart, and skill, later going on to manage our (and his) beloved club to our last FA Cup win in 1928. The Rovers board thought they could do better, so they removed him as manager, leading us to plummet until Crompton was rehired. He then led us from the relative doldrums (above our current position) to be Second Division champions! His wonderful record with us culminated in both the saddest and happiest way a Rovers fan such as he would wish to pass away. He sadly died the evening after he led Rovers to a sound 3-2 victory over the b*****ds. I feel like more needs to be made of this brilliant man with his remarkable record (sod your Matthews or your Finney or your…erm, who have Burnley got? McIlroy?).

As for this game, we are underdogs and under no pressure to win (unless you count our sickening start to life in League One, or the pressure of the match itself, or pressure from the Police to make the match as unenjoyable as possible for either set of fans). I think we need to abandon the ‘expansive football’ approach, especially with Sean Dyche being in the Allardyce mould of ‘percentages, lump it’ football. Play a rigid back 4, with a midfielder sitting back when needed, and give 5 of our attacking players freedom to attack rather than pass, pass, pass. I felt we played this way fantastically when we battered this lot in the April Fool’s Day massacre and we need to take inspiration from games like that. Just hope one of our lot squares up to a few of them - remember our galactico midget Salgado? THAT’s the attitude we need!

I’m going for a 4-3 Rovers win (hoping the scum used up all their luck vs Chelsea), with Dunny lacing up his boots for our 95^th minute penalty winner.

Links between the clubs:

Jim Appleby, Eric Binns, Adam Blacklaw, Marshall Burke, Andy Cole, Paul Comstive, John Connelly, Gordan Cowans, Nathan Delfouneso, Peter Devine, Shane Duffy, David Hamilton, Kevin Hird, Lenny Johnrose, David Jones, Walter Joyce, Michael Keane, Alan Mahon, Andy Marriott, David May, Jay McEveley, Keith Newton, Bradley Orr, Johnny Price, Steven Reid, Paul Robinson, Cameron Stewart, Andy Todd, Keith Treacey.

Obligatory fan interview:

My girlfriend’s father is, unfortunately, a Dingle. On the bright side, it provides me the perfect opportunity to ask questions to someone from the USA (Uther Side of Accy):

Before we kick off, how do you feel about our Chicken Overlords?

It is a mess. As they are a private company, there is not a lot you can do about it although I think the ACVs on Ewood and Brockhall are excellent ideas. Questions do need to be asked of the quality/ suitability the due diligence carried out by the FA, the Premier League (at the time), the Football League (now), especially around the involvement of agents. Left a really rotten smell. Maybe questions should also be asked of the Walker family of the due diligence they carried out when they sold.

Despite enjoying your demise, I hope it eventually levels out. Without rivalries, football would be a bloody dull sport.

So, we’ve held a proud record of 35 years unbeaten over you and you’re now 7 years into your own run. Reckon you can match it?

Pointless record especially when teams don’t play each for long periods. Absolutely meaningless.

Of the list of players who played for both clubs, who is your favourite (FYI, mine is Andy Todd)?

Despite being past his best with us, I would go with David May. His class shone through when we needed it to.

What do you make of your start to the season and ours, and do you think either will matter come the big game?

Clarets start couldn’t have been better, however a poor result on Saturday will take the shine off. Rovers start is not good; pretty dreadful to be honest. But while our lofty status above you and our respective starts make us favourites, that’s irrelevant come matchday. It’ll be a tighter game than either set of fans think, imo… but, we’ll still come out on top!

Will Dyche remain at Burnley much longer? He’s well past the average tenure of a manager in either the Premier League or Championship.

Sean Dyche will stay at Burnley for a while yet, I reckon. I think he would have gone by now if money was a big motivator. Let’s see at the end of this season.

What is your likely starting eleven, who is your dangerman, and who is your weak link?

Difficult one, that. I can see Dyche resting a lot of first team players -- Heaton, Defour, Cork, Brady, Lowton, S Ward etc. Burnley don’t really have an outstanding player, we play as a unit. The most skilful player is Defour but doubt he will play. Fringe players and players returning from injury will most likely start. Our weak link is a lack of quality goal scorer. Here is my line up for what it is worth.

 

Nick Pope

 

Charlie Taylor

Phil Bardsley

Kevin Long

Tom Anderson

 

Dean Marney

Gudmundsson

Scott Arfiled

Ashley Westwood

 

Ashley Barnes

Daniel Agyei

 

Score prediction?

Rubbish game, but 2 - 1 to us. Not really bothered about the result as long as there are no needless injuries or suspensions.

 

FYI, my girlfriend then wanted to add her thoughts on the game, which pretty much amount to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27IqVo5-Oc

[blueboy3333]

@Mike E Your girlfriend has obviously seen Mowbray's teams before.

Good preview.

3-1 to the fatherless ones.

[broadsword]

4 hours ago, 1864roverite said:

Its a dingle v Rovers derby, the biggest Lanclassico game as its the latest. Of course it matters to all fans. Get to Ewood, we are expecting to lose, dingles expecting to wallop us, its a cup game, night match and derby, anything can happen.

And probably won't. 

We're getting reamed, a proper ripping

[Meeeeeeeeeee]

Marney won't be playing as he is just coming back from a cruciate injury. He has just got back on grass according to Dyche.

I think he will play some of the first team as he knows what it means to the supporters. Might keep Mee and Tarks so they get more game time together. I would also think Walters will be in there.

He played 451 instead of his usual 433 at Chelsea and most of it was played on the deck. He has signed players to try to keep hold of the ball more.

[blueboy3333]

Just now, Meeeeeeeeeee said:

He has just got back on grass according to Dyche

Probably takes the edge off having to play for Burnley.

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

I will be working the dead man's shift in Burnley on the night.

If Dyche Vader plays his full strength side I really dont think I could stomach the awful outcome in person.

Sad days these.

[tomphil]

4 hours ago, A cup of beans said:

Tickets bought. I'm naming it :

'The Rovers Resurrection'

You might still be in Bradford on the nest 

[scotchrover]

I can't see us doing anything- so what have I done? I've bought a ticket. I can see this being an absolute hammering, as we are absolutely shambolic at the minute. One thing I do hold dear is that fact that it's took 7 years for the lot up the road to properly overtake us. 

 

Venky's Out!

[tomphil]

It took Venkys arriving for them to be able to overtake us otherwise we'd still have remained out performing the scruff, we still cast a big shadow from 2 leagues below anyway 

[Bigdoggsteel]

https://www.balls.ie/football/jon-walters-4-371713?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=ballsdotie&utm_content=Jon+Walters+Opens+Up+On+His+Struggle+Following+The+Death+Of+His+Mum

A short article on Johnny Walters. Mentions about why he left Rovers 

[philipl]

Great preview.

If Rovers come through I will henceforth refer to the League Cup by the new sponsors' correctly spelled name....

 

[Hasta]

2 hours ago, Bigdoggsteel said:

https://www.balls.ie/football/jon-walters-4-371713?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=ballsdotie&utm_content=Jon+Walters+Opens+Up+On+His+Struggle+Following+The+Death+Of+His+Mum

A short article on Johnny Walters. Mentions about why he left Rovers 

Honest, but I'm sure that will get thrown back in his face on Wednesday night.

[Butty]

Anyone know how many we've shifted so far? Cheers.

[levi]

1 minute ago, Butty said:

Anyone know how many we've shifted so far? Cheers.

about 360 looking at the ticket office

[Butty]

1 hour ago, levi said:

about 360 looking at the ticket office

Bloody hell, poor show from us. Of course I don't blame people for not turning up, but we're playing them tw@ts. Even if I was a boycotter I don't think I'd ever be able to miss us playing Burnley but that's just me.