A last minute goal by Johnson gave Chelsea all three points this afternoon, after Paul Gallagher’s first league goal at Ewood Park, had looked at if he had grabbed a share of the points for Rovers in the 87th minute. Rovers . Friedel, Neill, Babbel, Todd, Gray, Emerton, Flitcroft, Tugay, Douglas (Mahon 56), Cole, Yorke (Gallagher 56). Subs Not Used: Jansen, Johansson, Enckelman. Scorers. Flitcroft. Gallagher Yellow cards. Tugay, Neill. Chelsea. Cudicini, Johnson, Gallas, Terry, Bridge, Makelele, Lampard, Parker (Gronkjaer 68), Petit (Melchiot 81), Hasselbaink, Mutu (Gudjohnsen 90). Subs Not Used: Nicolas, Sullivan. Scorers. Lampard 2. Johnson Referee. D Gallagher. Attendance. 24,867. Match Report Link. © 2004 BRFCS.com

It would appear that the negotiating skills of Blackburn’s Chief Executive John Williams has again benefited the Lancashire club, with the news that the club have acquired the services of their third International player during the transfer window. Whilst talk earlier in the week indicated a transfer fee in the region of one million pounds, breaking news this evening would indicate that Rover’s have acquired the services of Norway’s International midfielder Martin Andresen for a minimal fee until the end of the season. This appointment will resolve manager Graeme Souness midfield problem, resulting from the injury to Barry Ferguson and also give the club an opportunity to assess Andresen, before any decision is made on a permanent move for the player. The 27 year old Stabaek player, passed a medical at Ewood Park on Friday and after flying home to Norway to consider Rover’s offer, it is being reported that he has agreed to join the club until the end of the season. However at this stage there are no firm proposals, on whether the loan arrangement will be made permanent. © 2004 BRFCS.com

With the transfer window closing on Monday, today will be another busy day for Blackburn's Chief Executive John Williams. Not only will he be awaiting results of transfer negociations but he will also have to address the clubs shareholder at their Annual General Meeting for the financial year ending June 2003. As any news breaks from the AGM, we will attempt to provide members of the site with as much details as possible along with expert analysis. Click here for link to AGM Report.

Unconfirmed reports would suggest that Blackburn's centre-half Martin (Tiny) Taylor will sign for Birmingham City today for a fee in the region of £2 million. It is understood that Taylor travelled to the Midlands last night to complete the deal after Birmingham upped their offer in line with Rover's valuation of the player. If the transfer goes through as reported, Taylor will join up with two other products from the Rovers Academy, Damian Johnson and David Dunn, plus former Rovers defender Jeff Kenna.

Twenty year old, Stead, who is 6 foot 3 inches tall, is a product of the Huddersfield Town Academy, whose eighteen goals so far this season makes him one of the top scorers in the third division and the target for a number clubs, including according to sources in Huddersfield; Southampton, Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham, Preston, Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, Rangers and Sunderland who according to reports allegedly had a bid in the region of £800,000 turned down in October. Rover’s now await Huddersfield,s response to their offer, and hope that no other club will come in at the last minute with a higher offer.

Rover's 4th Round FA Youth Cup match against West Brom, postponed due to bad weather last night has been re-arranged for next Tuesday 3rd February. ko 7pm at Christie Park. Morcambe.

Following Chief Executive John Williams’s comments yesterday, that Blackburn were still hoping to bring in another player before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Monday, the tabloids and this sites message board has been speculating and creating all forms of rumours as to which player Rovers would sign. Not until this morning was the name Jonathan Stead ever mentioned, then late this afternoon the clubs official site confirmed that Rover’s had made an official offer for the player. So who is Jonathan Stead you may ask.

players have agreed a wage deferral

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness is a happier man this evening having signed Sunderland left back Michael Gray. Graeme Souness is being reported to have said. “We have followed Michael with interest for some time and one of the big plus's is his ability to play in all positions down the left. He has a good pedigree and we are pleased to welcome him aboard.” Meanwhile Gray has told the rover's official website. “It is very exciting for me, not only to be joining a big club like Blackburn but to be back in the Premiership. I’m really delighted with the move.” Former England International Gray joined Sunderland as an apprentice in 1990 and made 411 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals. Before being loaned to Celtic this season where he made 10 appearances for Martin O’Neill’s side, including two in the Champions League group stage. Grey has been linked in recent weeks with a permanent move to Celtic and he had also been linked with Bolton, however he agreed to join Rover's this afternoon.

U17 Rover's U17's again went on a goal scoring spree on Saturday with a 4-0 away win against Liverpool. Scorers Sergio Peter 2, Garner 2. U19 Rover's U19's were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Bolton. Scorer Derbyshire. FA Youth Cup Rover's academy players will be involved in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday 28th January at Christe Park when the meet West Bromwich Albion in the fourth round. U17 / U19 Match Reports Official Site Link

The Supporters Association are also holding `An Evening with the Defenders of Ewood" on Thursday 29th January in the Premier Suite, Ewood Park. When the speakers will include Craig Short and Lucas Neill. The event starts at 8 pm Doors open at 7.30 pm Admission £2.for members of the supporters association. £3.for non members.

Moderator mode This topic is slowly becoming a duplicate Transfer Rumour Topic. Like it not, it would appear that Souness will remain manager for the forseeable future. Do we still need to continue with this topic.

The South Lancs branch of the Rovers Supporters Association are holding `An Evening with Brad Friedel' at their headquarters, which is the Hesketh Arms in Standish near Wigan, this is an open event and everyone is welcome. The event starts at 7.30 pm Admission £2.for members of the supporters association. £3.for non members.

On Sunday the 1st February Rover’s fans will welcome back to Ewood Park, in front of the Sky cameras Damian Duff, followed by their championship side hero Alan Shearer on Wednesday 11th February and on the 28th February local boy James Beatttie returns to his home town club. Whilst the current squad will be compared against the departed fans hero’s they will also have to show commitment during two away games in the month; with the fan’s hoping that Juninio doesn’t repeat his Ewood performance on the 7th and that Rover’s midfield can contain Scott Parker on the 21st.providing that he hasnt been sold to Chelski in the meantime.

With no Premier League games this weekend, Rover’s supporters can sit back an enjoy the FA Cup as a neutral, before they prepare for a heck tick and crucial league programme during the next month that could have a major impact in avoiding relegation. At the time of preparing this editorial there appears to be no indication of any movement by the club in the transfer market, however a number of the current squad have announced their commitment to the club. Having passed the 250 goal target in recent weeks Andy Cole has spoken out, stating his intention to see out the remainder of his 18 month contract and believes Rover’s can still achieve a European place. Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Cole stated. "When I arrived in December 2001, the team were in a very similar league position to the one it is in now, we ended up finishing that season by winning the Worthington Cup, and gaining a respectable league position.” Another striker who has showed commitment to the club is Matt Jansen, who stated this week that he wants to repay the club for their support during his rehabilitation, following his well documented road accident. Jansen has stated on the clubs site that although confidence is low, he’s sure that once the team gets some results behind them the confidence will lift. Although still with a number of long term injuries there is some good news, with the imminent return from injury of central defenders, Craig Short and Amoruso, plus Andy Todd who is now available following his suspension. With the departure of Grabbi and Baggio to Ancona, the squad will be depleted in numbers and will have to be fully committed as they prepare to meet at Ewood three former Rover hero’s over the next few weeks, starting with…….

Looks as if you heard right. LINK £100 million debt

Leeds turn down £5 million bid from Spurs for Milner and Robinson.

Posted by Dave S Jermal Johnson skipped through the defence and past the keeper to score an impressive individual goal. Later he moved down the left to smash a shot past the keeper at close range. Neil Danns worked hard in midfield and his goal was a penalty in off the post. The Newcastle goals were via an experianced side versus an inexperienced defence. (ie inexperienced defending) Good Football match unfortunate result.

Rovers Official Site Ticket Office Link You may need to register to gain access to details

With Johnson, Jansen and Mahon linking up well, Rovers started the brighter of the two teams, however after 20 minutes Rovers went off the boil and the game ending up 6-3 in favour of Newcastle United. The dreaded hamstring injury problems that have cursed Rovers, once again turned up at Christie Park, Morcambe tonight when Johnson pulled up after scoring two of the Rovers goals. Rovers other goal being scored by Danns. Newcastles goals being scored by Ameobi 2, Chopra 3 and Brittain 1. Final score Rovers 3 Newcastle 6. Team : Yelldell, Peers, Morgan, Danns, Michael Taylor, Fitzgerald, Watt, Donnelly, Johnson, Jansen, Mahon. Subs : Bruce, Drench, Harkins, Byrom, Barker. © 2004 BRFCS.com

Duff is a one off, the nearest to him is Giggs. I'll tell Souness to have a word with Fergie. Gillespie cant even get into the Leicester team.

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness must be wondering when his luck is going to change, following his failure in the transfer market the news today coming out of Ewood is that midfielder Steven Reid aggravated his hamstring injury in training and will be out of action for a further month. The injury room at Brockall must be the busiest department at the moment with Ferguson, Thompson, Short, Amoruso, McEveley and Reid all queuing up for treatment. On the bright side striker Paul Gallagher is overcoming the injury that kept him out of the Manchester City game and he should be in contention for a recall for the Chelsea game on Sunday 1st February at Ewood Park, whilst Alan Mahon gets a run out in the reserves tonight, when they entertain Newcastle at Christie Park, Morecambe (kick-off 7pm). Team : Yelldell, Peers, Morgan, Danns, Michael Taylor, Fitzgerald, Watt, Donnelly, Johnson, Jansen, Mahon. Subs : Bruce, Drench, Harkins, Byrom, Barker. © 2004 BRFCS.com

Taken from a press release by PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire "The players are offering some form of financial support should it be required, when all other avenues have been explored. "It is a constantly changing situation, we will keep monitoring it and when we know exactly what the club may need to make up the shortfall then a decision will be made. "The players are very mindful of the need to stay in the Premiership as that would stabilise the club." McGuire stressed that there was no possibility of the players agreeing to a wage cut.

Dont want to be a I told you so, but look what time this was posted. Posted: Jan. 20 2004, 12:29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .....and the latest from Leeds........players arent prepared to accept a 30% deferred wages cut to save the club the required £5million.

That your players show they care, they give you some respect by going out and fighting for the cause.