Well, he started refereeing in 1983 and progressed through the lower leagues and was appointed to the national list of assistant referees in 1998 and the national list of referees in 2003. In 2002 he was an assistant referee at the Worthington Cup final between Rovers and Spurs. I'm not aware that he's ever refereed a Premiership game but he was the fourth official at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. He must have been appalled at the bullyboy tactics of Mark Hughes. When he saw Hughes deliberately attack and kick out at a defenceless bag, he must have had no option than to report the incident to his colleague Micky, 5.5 average yellows per game, Riley. Well it was “morethanmyjobsworth” not to say anything. Incidents of this nature cannot go unpunished and if he doesn’t make a name for himself how is he going to get on the premiership list. Anyway nice one Trevor, after this incident and the penalty cock up at Norwich it wont be long before you make the premiership listing. Referee Kettle makes managers blood boil. Talking about Micky, I must congratulate him on being top of the premiership referees table. Those 5 yellows against Rovers must have boosted his points tally.

Just thinking out loud, but has Brads dip in form coincided with the appointment of the new goalkeeping coach. !!

Give Brad a ring then, and ask him was it's the defences fault.

Remember to take some chocolates, flowers and some biscuits for her guide dog.

Full Time Chelsea 4 - 2 Blackburn Half Time Chelsea 2 - 2 Blackburn Chelsea Scorers D Drogba 10, F Lampard 14 (pen) 62, Cole 75 Bookings: J Cole 6 Rovers Scorer Bellamy 18 (pen) 44, Bookings Pedersen 60, Tugay 61, Mokoena79, Reid 83, Dickov 83 Mark Hughes sent to the stand. Mark Hughes makes one change from Tuesday night, with Bellamy coming in for Dickov. Emerton retains his place on the right hand side of midfield. Chelsea P Cech, W Gallas, A Ricardo Carvalho, J Terry, A Del Horno, C Makelele, S Wright-Phillips,( A Robben 68)F Lampard, M Essien, J Cole(E Gudjohnsen 77) D Drogba(H Crespo 80) Subs: , R Paulo Ferreira, , C Cudicini Rovers. B Friedel, L Neill, Z Khizanishvili, A Todd, M Gray, B Emerton, R Savage(A Mokoena 77), K Tugay(S Reid 72), M Pedersen, C Bellamy, S Kuqi(P Dickov 76) Subs: , P Enckelman, , D Bentley Ref: M Riley

Rovers have been drawn away against Charlton, who beat holders Chelsea, in the next round of the Carling Cup. There are another two all premier games in the 4th round. Manchester United v West Brom and Wigan v Newcastle. The tie will be played on either the 29th or 30th November.

Peter Osgood for stamming on a young John Bailey.

Rovers set off to Stamford Bridge, for their game against Chelsea, without Ryan Nelsen who hasn’t recovered from the injury he received to his knee against Birmingham last weekend. Meanwhile central defender Zurab Khizanishvili will have a late fitness test on a troublesome hamstring, that resulted in him being substituted against Leeds on Tuesday night. Click Here for Match Preview.

Rover striker Jemal Johnson, who scored two goals for the reserves in mid-week against Liverpool, has joined Championship team Preston on a month's loan. Johnson has been included in the North End squad to meet Leicester this weekend. PNE manager Billy Davies is quoted as saying. "He's very bright, very quick, he's now been given this opportunity and we're hoping he can come in and score goals, which is one thing he can do. "He's got the ability and he's very, very lively. We're now hoping he can go and do the business."

As I understood it, it's a BRISA meeting, and everyone was invited.

Blackburn Rovers Independent Supporters Association (BRISA) made a successful launch to a well attended gathering, of Rovers Supporters, at the Blues Bar, Ewood Park, last night. Following opening comments by the chair Mike Graham, and steering group members Paul Brooking and Scott Thornton, guest speaker Mark Longden, chair of IMUSA (Manchester United) addressed the meeting before the floor was opened to questions and comments from supporters. Whilst there are issues that need to be campaigned for on behalf of supporters, it was clearly evident during the open forum, that whilst BRISA should be fully independent of the club, members aim to work for the benefit of the club that they are so passionate about and the future of the game that they love. www.roversisa.co.uk

BRISA PRESS RELEASE BRISA Receives backing from Jack Straw and Wayne Hemingway Fans of Blackburn Rovers - founder members and former winners of the Premiership - have today announced the formation of an Independent Supporters Association, with the backing of Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. The Ewood Park regulars are joining the swelling ranks of independently minded fans across the UK who are seeking greater recognition within their clubs and the wider football community. All Blackburn Rovers fans are invited to the free, public launch of BRISA at Blues Bar, Ewood Park, on Thursday October 27 at 7.30pm. Blackburn Rovers Independent Supporters Association (BRISA) will campaign on key issues affecting the club and football in general, which need addressing for the good of the game. National issues include: Players' wages Activity and remuneration of agents The increasing disruption to a regular “Saturday at 3pm” fixture list by Sky TV The cost of attending football matches, both home and away for individuals and, in particular, children and families Specific issues relating to Blackburn Rovers: Declining attendances at Ewood Park and other clubs Supporter representation within the club Transparency from the owners of Blackburn Rovers, particularly regarding the Jack Walker Trust Improve the flow of information between the club and the fans, in both directions To promote Blackburn Rovers positively within the media, both local and national To promote a community spirit and greater sense of belonging at Ewood Park Neil Thornton, BRISA spokesman, said, “We expect Blackburn Rovers to seek our opinions and advice on issues which affect supporters. We have a positive and constructive dialogue at a high level within the club and we wish that to continue. “Whatever the issue, we intend to make the views of our members known to the club and to the media when necessary. “BRISA is proud to be a democratic forum for debate and discussion and we want to bring all Rovers’ fans together, with the aim of giving supporters a powerful voice. “Our members come from a wide cross-section of Rovers’ fans. We have members whose support for the team goes back to the 1940s. “As supporters of one of the world’s oldest clubs our collective knowledge and love of football goes back through generations of Blackburn men and women.” Thornton emphasised that, while BRISA is fully independent of the club, members aim to work for the benefit of Rovers and will often share similar goals to the board of directors at Ewood Park. He said, “The launch meeting is an ideal opportunity to find out what issues are being discussed in the stands. We can take everyone’s views to help shape our campaigning agenda and to focus our efforts on achievable goals. “We encourage anyone who has something to offer, to become a member and get involved.” The launch of BRISA has been backed by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, long-time Rovers supporter and vice president of the club. He said, “It is important for Rovers to engage with the fans to help move the club forward. “Rovers fans are some of the most enthusiastic and committed supporters in the country and I feel sure BRISA will be successful in highlighting local and national issues in a positive way.” Wayne Hemingway, lifelong Rovers fan and founder of the iconic fashion label Red or Dead, is also backing BRISA. He says, “Rovers are a family club, with proper values and an unthreatening atmosphere. “It’s a club that underpins the town’s values and the fans have a great sense of humour. “We’re a small town that has a big club. What more could you ask for? “I love my home town, I love my Rovers and so do all my kids – and they have been brought up in the south!”

Didnt Thatcher want Strikers banned when she became honourary president

Ive said it before, and I'll say it again. Your starting to sound like Pringle

BRISA Blackburn Rovers Independent Supporters Association All Rovers fans are invited to the public launch of The Blackburn Rovers Independent Supporters Association (BRISA) Tonight. Venue: Blues Bar, Ewood Park. Tonight - Thursday, 27th October 2005 Time: 7.30pm Neil Thornton, BRISA spokesman, has stated. “The launch meeting is an ideal opportunity to find out what issues are being discussed in the stands. We can take everyone’s views to help shape our campaigning agenda and to focus our efforts on achievable goals. “We encourage anyone who has something to offer, to become a member and get involved.” If you can't attend this evening we still need your views, please contact BRISA on: admin@roversisa.co.uk www.roversisa.co.uk Download a Membership Application Form Make a donation at Roversisa.co.uk or direct to the BRISA bank account: Account Name: Blackburn Rovers Independent Supporters Association Account Number: 32791501 Sort Code: 40 37 25 Bank: HSBC

Rovers 3 Leeds 0 Craig Bellamy made sure that he kept his former Wales Manager and backroom staff, on course for a return to their National Stadium, with a 3-0 win against Leeds in the Carling Cup at Ewood last night. After scoring two goals in the previous round against Huddersfield, last night Bellamy, who had come on as substitute in the 53 minute, turned provider, setting up Emerton, Dickov and Neill. In his post match interview Rovers Manager Mark Hughes praised Bellamy stating. "He has so much quality in the attacking third and generally has an impact when he comes on, which he has done again here. "We have to get him playing regularly and he is not far from full fitness. Match Report

After scoring two goals in the previous round against Huddersfield, last night Bellamy, who had come on as substitute in the 53 minute, turned provider, setting up Emerton, Dickov and Neill. Rovers started with only two changes from the team that beat Birmingham on Saturday. Todd, replacing the injured Nelson and Emerton coming in for the on loan David Bentley, who was relegated to the bench. Although Rovers had dominated the first half, with Friedel a spectator, they failed to capitalise on their supremacy with Dickov, Emerton and Kuqi failing to break the dead lock in front of goal. The dead lock was however broken within 15 minutes of the second half when substitute Bellamy set up Emerton to fire home from the right hand side with a low drive. Within another 15 minutes some fine inter passing between Pedersen and Bellamy on the left allowed the welshman to drive the ball across the area, setting up Dickov for an easy tap in. With the game coming to a close, Bellamy was once again instrumental in setting up Rovers third goal of the evening, with a delicate pass to Lucas Neill, who in turn made no mistake from close range in tapping the ball in to the back of Sullivan’s goal. Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Khizanishvili (Mokoena 68), Gray, Emerton, Savage, Tugay, Pedersen, Kuqi (Bellamy 53), Dickov (Jansen 78). Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Bentley. Yellow cards: Emerton, Tugay. Goals: Emerton 60, Dickov 76, Neill 89. Leeds: Sullivan, Richardson, Butler, Kilgallon, Harding, Moore, Einarsson, Gregan (Douglas 70), Pugh (Lewis 72), Healy, Blake (Hulse 77). Subs Not Used: Bennett, Walton. Red Card: Einarsson (86). Att: 15,631 Ref: C Foy

Agreed, If Jansen doesnt get a run out tonight ahead of Dickov, then I suspect the door is open for his exit in January.

Rovers will be without defender Ryan Nelsen for tonights Carling Cup tie against Leeds, as a result of picking up a knee injury during Saturdays win against Birmingham, which saw him being replaced by Andy Todd at half time. Midfielder David Thompson is available for a run-out, following a successfull return from injury in the reserves, whilst Matt Jansen could partner Craig Bellamy up front. Rovers midfielder Jonathon Douglas currently on loan to Leeds is although eligible to play is doubtful due a calf injury. Tickets are available up until kick-off tonight. £12 for adults. £5 for senior citizens and juniors. kick off 8pm.

In his post match interview, Steve Bruce stated. "It was not a penalty - it was a pathetic decision and the referee's got it woefully wrong. "If Matthew Upson is tugging Paul Dickov, then how has Dickov fallen forward? "My concern is that we would not have been given it - we were harshly treated - it is probably the worst decision I can ever recall for a penalty." Come off it Mr Bruce, how long have you been in the game, I may have not played the game or watched as many games but I can recall many a worst penalty decision. As much as Steve Bruce wants to complain about the outcome of Saturday’s game, before making up excuses he should remember that if Upson hadn’t been wrapping his arms around Dickov directly in front of referee Barry Knight then the penalty wouldn’t have been awarded. The penalty may have been the turning point, but a more telling reason why Birmingham lost the game is that Birmingham’s only effort on goal, was a shot along the ground by Nicky Butt, that Brad Friedel easily saved near the left hand post. With such a lack lustre display from Birmingham, from the moment that Dickov scored there was no other outcome than a Rovers win. Even the referee had shown pity on Birmingham, awarding them, not one or two but three corners at the Blackburn End when it was clear to everyone at the ground that a Birmingham player had had the last touch. To be honest, after raising their game in recent weeks, Rovers dropped to Birmingham’s level and substitute Bellamy’s first premiership goal for Rovers was the highlight of the afternoon. Rovers manager Mark Hughes summed it up in his post match interview, when he stated. "I am delighted that Craig Bellamy has been able to make an impact. "His goal showed exactly what he gives us and why we bought him - he plays off the shoulder of the defenders and he is always a threat. "But from the moment Paul Dickov scored the penalty, we were comfortable and there was only going to be one winner." Match Report

Match Report by Scotty A comfortable enough win in the end - that's 4 wins out of 5 since the defeat against Newcastle. Not many people questioning Hughes now I notice. We seem to start games off slowly at home. I suspect Hughes wants us to keep things tight early on, but it would be nice if we got at teams straight from the off. The tempo in the first half was largely non-existant and, as a result, Brum easily contained us. Of course, the early kick-off may not help either. We looked much sharper after half-time. We started to play more direct and Kuqi won some good flick-ons, one of which led to the penalty. It was a soft decision, we'd have been up in arms if it had been given against us, but we probably deserved some luck after last week. After that we controlled the game, apart from a ten minute period when Bruce put on an extra midfielder and they slightly over-ran us. Bellamy's goal came at a good time though and killed the game off. It was a touch of class (great ball from Pedersen, great finish by Bellamy) in a game devoid of any real quality. We defended well throughout, from front to back, and restricted Brum to one half-chance. It's already obvious that with Bellamy in the team we're much better than when he's not. Kuqi and Dickov work their nuts off but they don't offer anything like the same sort of threat as Bellamy does. He's a class act. On the down-side, Bentley and Tugay were largely poor. Both of them had their moments, but they failed to really make an impact and stamp their quality on the game. Bentley seems to have lost a bit of confidence recently which is a shame as I thought he looked promising at Bolton and Old Trafford. Might be time to bring Emerton back. We've started to beat the teams we should beat at home, which is a sign that we're becoming a decent side. Not great by any means, but decent enough. If Bellamy stays fit we've got a chance of making the top 6. If not, then we'll probably be lower mid-table. Either way, I can't see us being involved in the relegation battle any more - so I guess that's progress. Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Nelsen (Todd 45), Gray, Bentley (Emerton 75), Savage, Tugay, Pedersen, Kuqi, Dickov (Bellamy 62). Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Reid. Goals: Dickov 49 pen, Bellamy 81. Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Tebily (Kilkenny 75), Cunningham, Upson, Clapham, Pennant, Johnson, Butt, Lazaridis (Jarosik 70), Heskey, Forssell. Subs Not Used: Martin Taylor, Pandiani, Vaesen. Booked: Heskey, Cunningham, Pennant. Att: 18,341 Ref: B Knight

Maybe it's worth bring THIS From May 2004 up again, as a reminder that although he plays for Brum he's still a Roverite.

Watch out for the Blackburn Rovers Independant Supporters Association advertising campaign on the Big Screen tomorrow. Members of the BRISA steering group and volunteers will be out and about Ewood Park tomorrow prior to the game distributing leaflets to advertise the launch of the Blackburn Rovers Independant Supporters Association. (BRISA) BRISAwould appreciate, that anyone who recieves a leaflet, that they pass on the information to friends and family, who arent fortunate enough to be able to attend tomorrows game. All Blackburn Rovers supporters are invited to the public launch of BRISA at the Blues Bar, Ewood Park, Thursday October 27 at 7.30pm If you can't attend the meeting BRISA still need your views, please contact BRISA on: admin@roversisa.co.uk Or visit the BRISA web site. www.roversisa.co.uk and dont forget you can. Download a Membership Application Form Make a donation at Roversisa.co.uk or direct to the BRISA bank account: Account Name: Blackburn Rovers Independent Supporters Association Account Number: 32791501 Sort Code: 40 37 25 Bank: HSBC

Saturday's game is like Old Boys Reunited, a game that could be a heated affair, bearing in mind Robbie Savage will want to get one over on his old club, following his protracted transfer last January. Ex Rovers players, Dunn, Johnson and Tiny Taylor, if selected, should get a warm reception from Rovers supporters prior to kick off, however I suspect Savage will get a different reception from the travelling Brummie fans, in the Darwen End of the ground. Barry Knight will need to keep a level head and realise the passion involved, without becoming the centre of attraction, dealing out cards like some poker player. Mind you the stats don't bode well, with an average of 3 yellow cards per game, Mr Knight has already done a Halsey, in issuing a red card in a game that was later rescinded. (Sunderland's Andy Welsh had a red card rescinded after being sent off by Knight in the game against, wait for it, Liverpool). If all players are declared fit I would suggest Hughes will start with the same team as last weekend with Bellamy replacing Dickov up front. Possible team 4-4-2. Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Gray, Bentley, Tugay, Savage, Pedersen, Bellamy, Kuqi.

Unlike last weekend, when Halsey became the centre of attraction, my biggest hope for this weekend, is that on Monday morning Barry Knight is an anonymous figure and it's names like Kugi, Bellamy, Pedersen, and Bentley for Rovers or even Birmingham's Dunn, that hit the headlines due to the entertainment factor of Saturday game. Thanks to the FA seeing sense on the Zurab red card and with Bellamy and Todd reported to have recovered from injury, Hughes should have a virtually full strength squad to choose from, for a game that Rovers have never won in the premiership. Mind you Rovers have only played Birmingham in the Premiership at Ewood Park 3 times, each game ending in a draw, the corresponding fixture last season ending 3-3. Rovers. Jansen,Reid,Gallagher. - Birmingham Anderton,Savage,Dunn. The self proclaimed big club havent been in the Premiership as long as Rovers. A win for Rovers will root Birmingham in the bottom three of the league, whilst Rovers could reach the heights of 8th in the league, a far cry from last season when Rovers were bottom of the table after the corresponding fixture. Link Here to Messageboard Preview