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Uncouth Garb - The BRFCS Store
Everything posted by Alan75
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Walking down Bolton Road at around 2pm it was noticeable that there were a number of families venturing down to Ewood, with many a youngster dressed in their newly acquired replica shirts, scarf’s and caps. Whilst the kids were bouncing with excitement there was a noticeable sense of concern in the faces of the adult population, whether this was due to the heavy rain grey clouds or an anticipated defeat for the team was difficult to comprehend; what was certain was the comments and raised eyebrows that occurred when the team was announced. It was evident following comments by Souness after the Villa defeat, that there may be changes, especially knowing that Mahon had been re-called from Ipswich, but many were taken aback by Souness’s team selection. The out of form Gresko who wasn’t even named as a substitute, was replaced by Johansson and Cole was dropped to the bench, with Yorke and Gallagher starting up front. With Tugay dropped to the bench, team captain Flitcroft was recalled to partner Ferguson in the centre of midfield and Lucas Neill took up the left midfield role, ahead of the natural left sided Mahon who was named as a substitute. To the amazement of many Taylor was brought in for Short, however later it was found that this selection was due to Short being ill and not for tactical reasons. With the wind and rain driving across Ewood, Rovers attacked the Darwen End laying siege to the Middlesbrough goalmouth gaining three continuous corners, which resulted in Rovers taking the lead three minutes into the game. Babbel got well above the Boro defence to powerfully head Emerton's corner beyond the Boro keeper. With Rovers in total command and Boro’s defence in disarray they nearly got a second within five minutes when Tiny Taylor saw his header come back off the inside of the post. Rover’s dominance was however short lived when Boro equalised in the thirtieth minute, with a counter-attack after Yorke lost possession. A through ball from Ricketts allowed Juninho in who made no mistake in placing the ball into the corner of the goalmouth. Half time 1-1. With little threat from the forward line, and very few chances being created Souness made changes at half time; bringing on Cole for Yorke and Mahon for Johansson, allowing Neill to drop in to the left back position. However within five minutes of the second half kicking off Boro took the lead through Juninho. After he collected a clearance from Schwarzer and bent his long range shot past Friedel. With Boro now in total command of the game, Rovers threats were limited to a Mahon powerful shot going inches wide of the post and a Mahon cross into the area that Cole just failed to get his head to. With time running out Rovers gained their fourteenth corner of the afternoon in injury time. With both teams en camped in the Boro penalty area, including Friedel, Rover’s grasped an equaliser when Babbel converted Emerton's corner from close range. Full time 2-2
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A goal in injury time by Marcus Babbel helped Blackburn to a share of the points against Middlesbrough at Ewood Park this afternoon. After taking the lead in the third minute through Babbel, Rovers were hit by a breakaway Juninio goal on the half hour to go in at half time 1-1. At the start of the second half Souness took off Johansson and Yorke to bring on Mahon and Cole. But within 5 minutes of the restart Rovers were 2-1 down when Juninio again beat the Rovers defence and Friedel with a long range curling shot. With the clock ticking down the whole of the Rovers team including Friedel came up for a corner and Babbel was first to Emertons cross giving the Middlesbrough keeper no chance. Full time 2-2 Blackburn: Friedel, Babbel, Martin Taylor, Todd, Johansson (Mahon 45), Neill, Flitcroft (Tugay 56), Ferguson, Emerton, Yorke (Cole 45), Gallagher. Subs not used: Jansen, Enckelman. Booked: Flitcroft, Gallagher. Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Davies, Cooper, Southgate, Queudrue, Mendieta, Boateng, Downing, Zenden, Juninho Paulista (Greening 73), Ricketts. Subs not used: Ehiogu, Riggott, Maccarone, Jones. Booked: Boateng. Attendance: 25,452. Referee: A Wiley MATCH REPORT
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For all the unfortunate supporters who cant make it to Ewood for the Boro game, remember the chat room will be open. Lets hope for a Boxing Day Party, so that the message board is full of cheer going into the New Year.
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On behalf of BRFC Supporters web site may I wish all football supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the various opposition supporters web sites who have contributed throughout the year to our Pre-Match Reviews and Questionaires.
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SEASONS GREETINGS After all the depression of last weekend, Rovers have the opportunity to bounce straight back with a home game against Middlesborough on Boxing Day. With injuries to Reid and Thompson, Souness is running out of options on who to play in the vacant left midfield slot and has included the recalled Alan Mahon in the squad to meet Middlesborough. Blackburn squad : Friedel, Enckelman, Jansen, Gallagher, Taylor, Johansson, Neill, Ferguson, Emerton, Yorke, Baggio, Tugay, Cole, Babbel, Todd, Gresko, Short, Flitcroft, Mahon. Middlesbrough squad : Schwarzer, Jones, Queudrue, Mills, Parnaby, Southgate, Cooper, Ehiogu, Riggott, Boateng, Mendieta, Zenden, Juninho, Greening, Downing, Maccarone, Ricketts, Nemeth. Referee. Alan Wiley
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It is being reported that Alan Mahon has been recalled to Blackburn from Ipswich. The Republic of Ireland international has been called back by Souness and will go into the squad to face Middlesborough on Boxing Day.
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yes, and you can quote me if you like.
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BBCi are reporting that Souness said he did not usually lay into his players after a defeat, but felt that he had to on this occasion. "It wasn't a shouting match but I pointed out to them what I felt about the game and what I felt was unacceptable for me and for any paying customer," said the Rovers boss. "You cannot have your team just go through the motions. Too many people accepted second best and didn't win their individual battles."
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Blackburn manager Graeme Souness has appologised to the fans regarding this afternoons display. "The supporters have come to see the team give it a go. If you come out and lose but try your hardest the supporters have something to feel okay about. "But today we have been off of the pace. We were out-fought, out worked and I apologise to the supporters for that display today. Souness questioned his players' commitment and conceded he was "lower than a snake's belly". "In three-and-a-half years at this club this is the worst performance," he told Sky Sports.
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Apologies to all those who took my advice in the news editorial Christmas Fixtures, to forget Christmas shopping and to go and watch Rovers instead. This afternoons display must have been the worst performance by a Rovers team since Blackburn appointed Graeme Souness as manager. With games being called off throughout the country, due to atrocious weather conditions, around 21,000 football supporters braved their way to Ewood Park. Unfortunately Rovers players must have been under the impression that the game at Ewood had also been called off as the only people that bothered to turn up were Villa and the PAYING public With the foodlights on even during the warm up,due to the blackened sky and lashing rain, there was a subdued atmosphere at Ewood Park, with many a supporter puzzled at the team selection. Rovers kicked off with Cole & Yorke up front and no recognised left back With the out of form Gresko having been dropped, Lucas Neill started at left back with Paul Gallagher moving to the left midfield spot vacated by Neill. Even the uneducated in football technicalities could soon spot the weakness as Neill continually drifted inside in order to use his preferred right foot and Gallagher being of little use in providing cover for Neill, Villa mounted continued attacks down their right hand flank. Although this was a problem, this wasn’t the only weakness as Villa took command of midfield, Rovers reverted to continually pumped high balls up field to Cole and Yorke, that were easily cleared by the impressive Dublin and Mellberg. Although Villa were the dominant team Rovers had sporadic attacks, when not terminated by a flag happy referees assistant, with Gallagher taking every opportunity possible to get a shot or cross in, however this was leaving Neill exposed and to be honest Gallagher was a liability when he did venture back to help the defence. Villa should have gone in at half time in the lead after Neill's mistake let in Lee Hendrie, however Friedel came to the rescue in the one to one challenge with Hendrie. The obvious weakness on the left side was resolved at half time when Gallagher was replaced by Gresko, who slotted in to his familiar left back position, allowing Neill to move into midfield. However on the hour mark Rovers defence must have been thinking of their Christmas festivities and presented Villa’s Moore with an early Christmas present. This should have woken Rovers up but 15 minutes later Villa doubled their lead when in form Angel met Vassell’s cross giving Friedel no chance from close range. With Rovers continuing to play the ball sideways and back towards their own defence, they caused no threat to the Villa defence, resulting in frustrating fans drifting away early. If I was to score players on their performance this afternoon, it would be difficult to identify the chief culprits as none of them appeared committed to the cause, for even those normally associated with putting in 100 per cent effort had dropped their heads before the final whistle. Final Score : Rovers 0 Villa 2. Edited by Alan75 21.12.2003
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The winners of the annual Grooby Awards were as follows: Most Controversial Contributions: jim mk2 Most Entertaining Contributions: bob fleming Best Footballing Contributions: philipl Congratulations to the award winners and thanks to all those who voted. Results Posted by Modi
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Souness chose to started this afternoons game without a recognised left back and Villa were quick to recognise the weakness. Blackburn were fortunate that Villa didnt capitalise and finish the first half on equal terms. Half time Rover 0 Villa 0 Although Souness recognised the weakness, bringing on Gresko at half time, goals from Aston Villa's Stefan Moore and Juan Pablo Angel was enough to earn Villa all 3 points and their first Premiership away win of the season. Full time Rovers 0 Villa 2. Rovers : Friedel, Babbel, Todd, Short, Neill (Jansen 68), Gallagher (Gresko 45), Ferguson, Tugay (Flitcroft 61), Emerton, Cole, Yorke. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Enckelman. Yellow card : Short. Villa : Sorensen, Delaney, Mellberg, Dublin, Samuel, Moore (Vassell 67), Hendrie (De la Cruz 89), McCann, Whittingham, Barry (Hitzlsperger 78), Angel. Subs Not Used: Johnsen, Postma. Attendance: 20,722. Referee: D Gallagher Match Report
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For those who cant make it to the game this afternoon why not keep up with the action by visiting the chat room.Those listening on radio, please remember there is a time delay for those listening on the web. After the game there will be a Christmas meet for members 6-15. in the Blues Bar when the Grooby Awards should be announced.
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There are no shock inclusions in tomorrows squad to meet Aston Villa at Ewood Park. With only the injured Reid missing from the squad that travelled to Arsenal last weekend. Aston Villa have doubts about striker Juan Pablo Angel who sustained a back injury in the Carling Cup win over Chelsea and will have a late fitness test. Blackburn : Friedel, Enckelman, Jansen, Gallagher, Taylor, Johansson, Neill, Ferguson, Emerton, Yorke, Baggio, Tugay, Cole, Babbel, Todd, Gresko, Short, Flitcroft. Aston Villa : Sorensen, Delaney, Mellberg, Dublin, Johnsen, Samuel, Hendrie, McCann, Whittingham, Barry, Vassell, Angel, Postma, Crouch, Hitzlsperger, S Moore, Ridgewell, Allback. Referee : Dernot Gallagher
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There are no shock inclusions in tomorrows squad to meet Aston Villa at Ewood Park. With only the injured Reid missing from the squad that travelled to Arsenal last weekend. Aston Villa have doubts about striker Juan Pablo Angel who sustained a back injury in the Carling Cup win over Chelsea and will have a late fitness test. Blackburn : Friedel, Enckelman, Jansen, Gallagher, Taylor, Johansson, Neill, Ferguson, Emerton, Yorke, Baggio, Tugay, Cole, Babbel, Todd, Gresko, Short, Flitcroft. Aston Villa : Sorensen, Delaney, Mellberg, Dublin, Johnsen, Samuel, Hendrie, McCann, Whittingham, Barry, Vassell, Angel, Postma, Crouch, Hitzlsperger, S Moore, Ridgewell, Allback.
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Steven Reid Rovers midfielder Steven Reid is likely to miss all matches over the festive period, after picking up a hamstring injury in training. Cicco Grabbi Rovers Chief Executive John Williams is reported in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to have confirmed that talks are ongoing with an Italian side about the possible transfer of Grabbi.
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Here we go, another festive period, three premier league games in ten days and then the 3rd round of the FA Cup on the first Saturday of 2004. Traditionally the weekend before Christmas the attendances at football grounds are poor, yet last season Rovers had their biggest gate of the season, when 30,475 supporters made their way to Ewood Park to see Rovers win 1-0 against Manchester United. Somehow I cant see this happening this weekend, neither can I see a similar attendance of 27,536 when Rovers last played Saturdays visitors Aston Villa on Boxing Day in 1998. With Villa and Rovers on equal points the game on Saturday is a must win for Rovers and with Villa on a high following their defeat of Chelsea in the Carling Cup mid-week, Rovers will need all the support they can get. As they will against Middlesborough, who are currently three places above Rovers in the league. Good results by Rovers at home over Christmas could kick start their season and give them the confidence for a good FA Cup campaign, when the armchair supporters, who where there for the Manchester United game last Christmas, no doubt will be clambering for tickets. With the transfer window opening in January, Rovers supporters will be expecting the Ewood Park board to finance manager Graeme Souness in bringing in new players to strengthen the squad, but without the gate receipts there is little doubt that the only signings, if any, will be loan or free transfer players. The presence of Rovers in the Premier League helps to promote the town of Blackburn and local areas nationally, nay even world wide due to satellite tv coverage, which eventually should help to bring prosperity to the area. Not withstanding that the need for gate receipts are a big issue, Rovers main objective has to be their continued presence in the Premier League and to do this they need the support of the local population. The armchair fans need to get down to Ewood Park and get behind the team, that put the town on the map with a Premier League Championship in 1995 and the Worthington Cup win in 2002. Blackburn start with a home game on Saturday against Aston Villa, followed by another home game on Boxing day against Middlesbrough, before they travel to St James Park to play Newcastle on the 28th in front of the Sky tv cameras. What more could the football supporter want, an excuse to avoid being dragged around town on Saturday and a reason to get away from the parents in law and bored kids on Boxing day. Followed by an afternoon in front of the tv on Sunday to get over the turkey and Christmas pudding, unless you feel like testing those new gloves and scarves that you received for Christmas in the North East. Merry Christmas
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U19 Wolves 0 Blackburn 1. Rovers U19 beat Wolves U19 1-0 on Saturday thanks to second half substitute Matt Derbyshire's header in the 75th minute, from a corner and some excellent goalkeeping by Steven Drench. Drench had made two early saves to keep Rovers in the game before they took command and dominated the play. Team. Drench, Peers, Taylor, Weaver, Bruce, Cumming, Sakali, Harkins, Walsh (Derbyshire 46), Johnson, Corvino. Subs not used: Reid, Hoyle U17 Manchester United 3 Blackburn 1 Although Garner got his 17th goal in 12 appearances this season, Rovers were beaten 3-1 away to Manchester United, on Saturday. Team. Jones, Kane (Misbah 55), Woods, Stopforth, Barr, Oxley, Welch (Abdilahi 20) Byrom, Barker, Garner, Peter Subs not used: Johnson, Gautron, Rowntree
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The EU Commission, the Premier League and BSkyB are being reported to have agreed a compromise deal allowing up to eight top live premier league games to be shown by terrestrial broadcasters. Early reports would indicate that Sky will honour its current contact agreement despite losing exclusive rights. European Commission spokeswoman Emilio Torres is reported to have told BBC Radio Five Live that whoever won the rights to the eight games would be able to pick fixtures featuring the top sides.
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Reports would suggest that Blackburn central defender Michael Taylor, is to join Reading on trial,with a view to obtaining a permanent transfer to the First Division club. Unlike his name sake Martin (Tiny), Micheal has not to date figured in Souness first team plans and is well down the list of central defenders at Ewood Park. Reports indicate that he could make his debut for Reading this afternoon in a reserve team game against Watford. Meanwhile reports would indicate that midfielder Alan Mahon is hoping to sign for First Division Ipswich on a permanent basis. Mahon has been on loan with the tractor boys since September and with the deal due to finish in January, Mahon is hoping that Joe Royle can agree a deal with Rover to make the transfer permanent .
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A large proportion of supporters will have watched todays game from the comfort of their homes, or in some ale house this afternoon. Those supporters will have made up their own opinions of the game but it's allways good to get the views from those who were there. Report posted by Neil Weaver. Back from the game so here's a few views untainted by Sky, radio etc. Haven't seen any stats, but we seemed to have the majority of possession. However, didn't really create many chances. Couldn't really see what was wrong with Babbel's header but it was at the far post and I was sitting near the corner flag. Trific save from their keeper, Fergy and Yorke would have pounced if Lehmann hadn't have somehow managed to keep hold. And the one that went over the bar - was it Yorke? - it seemed to be ricocheting around and it was just an instinctive shot towards goal. With a bit of luck it would have been under the bar. So, yes we could have had a draw, but Arsenal were always handy on the break - and most of their attacks were breakaways - and could have had one or two more themselves. Draw would have been about right on the balance of play, but Brad had to rescue us a few times so no great complaints. Quick chat with a Gunner queueing for the tube afterwards and he wouldn't have had any complaint with a draw. Decent team performance though and carry on playing like that and we'll win a damned sight more than we lose. Hope that doesn't sound too much like Souey! Editors Thanks to Neil
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After early attacking moves by Blackburn, when Yorke went close within the first minute, Arsenal went in at half time 1-0 up, after a 11th minute goal by Bergkamp. half time Arsenal 1 Blackburn 0 At half time Blackburn made one change bringing on Reid for Gresko and a second change 12 minutes in to the second half bringing on Cole for Gallagher. With 10 minutes to go before the final whistle Rovers went to 3-5-2 bringing on Baggio for Babbel. Final score Arsenal 1 Rovers 0 Arsenal: Lehmann, Toure, Campbell, Cygan, Cole, Ljungberg(Edu 83), Vieira, Silva, Pires, Bergkamp(Parlour 73), Henry. Subs not used: Keown, Kanu, Stack. Blackburn: Friedel, Babbel(Baggio 81), Short, Todd, Gresko(Reid 45), Emerton, Tugay, Ferguson, Neill, Gallagher(Cole 56), Yorke. Subs not used: Flitcroft, Enckelman. Referee: A D'Urso Match Report
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Craig Short will make his 500th league appearance at Highbury on Sunday, when Blackburn take on Arsenal in the premiership Sky ppv game. Another milestone hopefully will be Andy Coles 250th career goal. Although having missed training for most of the week Paul Gallagher has been included in Graeme Souness's squad, as has captain Gary Flitcroft, but team selection will be left in till the last minute. Squad. Friedel,Babbel, Short, Todd, Gresko, Emerton, Tugay, Ferguson, Neill, Cole, Yorke, Enckelman,Gallagher, Johansson, Reid, Baggio, Jansen, Taylor, Flitcroft
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Tickets for Blackburns 3rd round FA Cup tie away at Birmingham will go on sale to Season Ticket holders from Monday 15th December. Rovers have been issued with 2725 tickets. Adults £20 Juniors and Senior Citizens £5. Any remaining tickets will go on general sale from 22nd December. Blackburn's 3rd Round FA Cup tie against Birmingham at St.Andrews will be played on Saturday 3rd January 2004. and will Kick Off at 3pm. If there is need for replay it will be played at Ewood Park, on Wednesday 14th January KO 8pm.
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Blackburn's 18 year old defender James McEveley has moved to Burnley on a three-month loan deal. The deal is the second lone deal between the two clubs this season following Andy Todd's loan move to the Dingles earlier in the season. McEveley who has just returned from England U20 international duty at the World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates. played for Rovers reserves against West Brom last night and could now be included in the Dingles squad for their home game against Coventry this coming weekend. Rovers supporters have mixed feelings regarding the move and the pros and cons of the move are currently being discussed on the message board forum. LINK to message board forum