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Day: 20/30

Season: 2004/05

Fixture: Rovers 2-1 Burnley (1/3/05)

Highlights

Why Chosen 

Yesterday's enthusiasm is in shorter supply to review 2004/05. Graeme Souness’ reign as Rovers boss came to an end in September 2004. The sense of “gone before pushed” reverberated around the supporter base as the Souey era seemed to have run its course after several magical campaigns (see the next few days). The experienced Scot replaced by the youthful management of former player Mark Hughes. Sparky's first season left questions but the resolve and character of the team, along with some shrewd transfer business, the additions of Ryan Nelsen, Aaron Mokoena and Robbie Savage laid the groundwork for future stability and success. One game from this season stands out more than most (Rovers only won 9 Premier League games all season) and unsuprsingly this came in the cup. A FA Cup 5th Round Replay at home to Burnley. 

After a particularly cagey encounter at Turf Moor, which ended goalless, Rovers ran out 2-1 winners in the replay. A heavily deflected goal from Tugay opened the scoring and with extra time looming, (thanks to a stunning strike from Micah Hyde) Morten Gamst Pedersen followed his initial cross before smashing the ball into the roof of the net past Clarets keeper Brian Jensen to send Rovers into the 6th Round.

Aftermath 

The strike would go onto win the Rovers 2004/05 Goal of the Season and is often quoted as ‘favourite Rovers goal’ by the man himself when he appears at club functions or on various podcasts. This goal and MGP’s form from January 2005 onwards would see him kickstart his Rovers career and ultimately, cult status.

Rovers would dispatch Leicester City at Ewood in The 6th Round to setup a FA Cup Semi Final in Cardiff, back at the Millennium Stadium, just over three years after the club tasted success in the Worthington Cup Final. A punishing 12:15pm kick off in South Wales led to a disappointing turnout from the Rovers faithful, as the team struggled and were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by eventual winners Arsenal. 

Honourable Mentions 

Newcastle United 3-0 Rovers (11/9/04) – Souness was in the stands as incumbent Newcastle boss, against the team he’d left just five days earlier. The Magpies ran out comfortable winners as Tony Parkes led Rovers for what would be his sixth and final spell in caretaker charge.

Rovers 1-0 Portsmouth (18/9/04) – The first game of the Mark Hughes era. A 1-0 victory at Ewood with Matt Jansen scoring the winner in front of the Blackburn End. Delightful.

Rovers 1-0 Leicester City (13/3/05) – Rovers march on to the FA Cup Semi Final in Wales with a victory at home against the Foxes in the 6th Round. Paul Dickov’s penalty seven minutes from time the difference in a tight affair.