Despite West Brom Res taking the lead through Simon Brown, Blackburn Res hit back to gain all 3 points, with a goal each goal each by Nissa Johansson and Matt Jansen. Final Score 1-2. Game played at Kidderminster Harriers Ground.

Following press speculation that Middlesbrough where interested in signing Blackburn’s Andy Cole, Sky Sports are reporting that Cole has said that he’d like to see out the remainder of his contract at Ewood Park. Cole is reported to have said that he knows nothing about the rumours and he just keeps his head down and keeps his nose clean. Sky go on to quote Cole as saying “you never know what’s going to happen” "I've got 18 months on my contract, I'd like to see those 18 months out, but, like I say, in football you never know what is going to happen." Reserves Matt Jansen has been included the Rovers reserves squad that play West Brom tonight, at Kidderminster Harriers FC, ground. KO at 7pm.

Despite breaking his nose against Birmingham, central defender Craig Short is expected to be available for the Arsenal game, as is Gary Flitcroft, who has missed the last couple of games due to a groin strain.

Former Blackburn defender Stig Inge Bjornebye, who was forced to retire from football last season because of an eye injury, has been appointed assistant manager to the Norway national manager Aage Hareide. He starts his new duties on the 1st January 2004.

Blackburn's young striker Paul Gallagher who scored his first premier goal against Birmingham City last weekend, has injured himself in training and will miss Scotland's game with Turkey in midweek, and is a doubtfull starter for Sunday's away game at Arsenal.

Amazingly if Souness had questioned the impartiality of the FA as a manager of a high profile club did recently regarding the Arsenal players fines, then maybe he wouldn’t have to reply to the charges. Following comments by Sir Alex Ferguson, when he reportedly suggested that a deal had been done, the FA announced that it wasn’t taking any action in a statement released on their web site. "The Football Association has been in correspondence with Manchester United regarding newspaper comments in connection with disciplinary processes after last September's Manchester United-Arsenal match. "Manchester United, and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson, have confirmed that they do not question the integrity or impartiality of the FA's disciplinary process or those entrusted with running it. "Having received these explanations, and after further assessment of the reports in question, the FA regards this matter as closed." One wonders whether Souness’s comments will be assessed in the same light.

The FA have charged Blackburn manager Graeme Souness with using abusive and insulting language to referee Graham Poll during the Spurs game on November 29th. Ref Upset at Spurs Fan Slur. Souness has untill December 23rd to reply to the charges.

As they say football is a funny old game, less than 24 hours after beating Birmingham 4-0 at St Andrews, Rovers have been drawn away against Birmingham in the third round of the FA Cup to be played on either the 3rd or 4th January. Due to Aston Villa also been drawn at home against Manchester United one of the fixture is bound to be re-arranged to allow for adequate policing. Should Accrington Stanley win the replay against Bournemouth, they will have another away trip. This time to East Anglian clkub Colchester. Whoever wins the Wycombe v Mansfield replay should be guaranteed a big gate when they entertain first division Bumley. Whilst Preston have a home draw against Reading, Bolton have been drawn away to Tranmere Rovers. The pairing of a number of Premier teams will ensure that at leaste five premier clubs will be omitted in the third round. Man City v Leicester Leeds v Arsenal Southampton v Newcastle Villa v Man U. Birmingham v Rovers

Blackburn start this seasons FA Cup campaign away at Birmingham. The game to be played on either the 3rd or 4th January 2004.

Four goals in the second half gave Rovers a convincing win against Birmingham at St.Andrews this afternoon. Rovers started the goal avalache after Cole’s pass put Ferguson through to let the midfielder to score in the 66 minute. Cole who had come on for Yorke was again involved in the second goal 2 minutes later, when he headed down to let Lucas Neill score with a well placed left foot shot. With Rover’s winning 2-0 Birmingham’s French striker Dugarry did’nt help their cause when he was sent off for his second yellow card after fouling Andy Todd. With Rover in total command of the game and with Ferguson running the midfield, his central midfield partner Tugay got in on the act when he made it 3-0 to Rovers in the 82 minute. More joy was to come for the Rovers travelling fans, when local youngster Paul Gallagher got his first senior goal for the club in the 88 minute. Details based on Roversworld Radio commentary Full report will appear in Match Report Section when travelling supporters return

Andy Cole and Lucas Neill returned to Blackburn’s squad for the away game against Birmingham after serving suspensions. However Garry Flitcroft was ruled out with a groin injury. Although included in Steve Bruces initial squad, Birmingham’s England central defender Mathew Upson missed the game with a calf injury problem. Half time 0-0 Full time 0-4 Birmingham: Taylor, Kenna(Cisse 79), Cunningham, Tebily, Clapham, Johnson, Savage(Clemence 83), Dunn, Lazaridis(Morrison 73), Forssell, Dugarry. Subs not used: Bennett, John. Red card Dugarry Blackburn: Friedel, Babbel, Short, Todd, Gresko, Neill, Tugay, Ferguson, Emerton, Gallagher, Yorke(Cole 59). Subs not used: Enckelman, Reid, Jansen, Baggio. yellow card : Emerton Goalscorers Ferguson, Neill, Tugay, Gallagher. Referee: G Barber Attendance 29,354

Bury St. Edmunds 0 Rovers 2 Rovers took the lead after 35 minutes when a corner from the right was flicked on for Barr to head home, giving Bury's keeper no chance. Rover's made it 2-0 after 47 minutes when Derbyshire blasted the ball home from close in after Rover's had cut the Bury defence open.

FA Youth Cup Rovers supporters who feel like supporting the youth team tonight in the FA Youth Cup, should note that Rovers are playing at Bury St Edmunds and not Bury as indicated by some media sources. Rovers Squad. Drench, Walsh, Taylor Andrew, Byrom, Peers, Barr, Weaver, Corvino, Derbyshire, Sakali, Peter, Hoyle, Jones Zac, Welch, Barker, Garner. International Honours Jay McEveley’s FIFA World Youth Championships will be over this weekend following England’s failure to qualify, having lost their first two games they now only have one game left, before they return. Meanwhile Rovers central defender John Fitzgerald’s Repubic of Ireland look like qualifying to the next round if they get a point against Mexico on Friday. Paul Gallagher’s step up to the first team has coincided with his call up to the Scotland Future Squad, that play Turkey next week. Transfer Gossip Rovers are reported to have offered a trial to Israeli international defender Tal Ben Haim in the New Year and Graeme Souness is reported to have started negotiations with Brian McBride’s agent Paul Stretford with a view to bringing the American striker to the club once the January transfer window opens.

Whose Lynne Boyes. Has she taken over from LDrover

Very pleased with the result, especially since the teams around us had won as well. Surprised how poor Spurs were, they looked good going forward against Villa last week on Sky, more so when Villa went 1-0 up. Before the game I was a little worried that if we didn't control midfield, the likes of Dalmat and Ricketts would punish us with thier pace and skill. When I saw our team sheet I was even more concerned - I don't think anyone else in our midfield can break up opponents play as well as Flitty. Fergie and Tugay are both capable of getting stuck in when required, but Flitty always leads the way in this department IMO. The defence were surperb, especially Short and Todd. Todd was very composed and refused to be rushed into making mistakes, whereas Short restricted Keane's chances. Everytime the ball was given to Keane, Short was there with him, preventing him from turning and going forward. Keane is the danger man for Spurs and Short kept him quiet for most of the game. Greasko's goal was very fortunate, but just what we needed - great to see how much it meant to him, running half the length of the pitch to celebrate with the bench ! Personally, the only complaint (and it's a small one at that) I would have is that we didn't seem to run at them with the ball, particularly in the 2nd half. On more than 1 occasion, as soon as we broke into their half we slowed down and tried to pass our way into the spurs area. It would have been nice to see Reid and Emerton have a go at getting to the byline and trying to stretch their defence. By slowing down we encouraged Spurs to get back and re-shape. We can play some great football at times, but need to learn how to be more direct when on the counter-attack. Gallagher again was very lively, especially when drifting out wide to put some excellent crosses into the box. His confidence rubs off on the rest of the team IMO and it's great to see him getting stuck into the game and trying to make an impact posted by percy on Nov. 30 2003, 13:32

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness was sent to the stand this afternoon by referee Graham Poll. Poll had words with Souness after the Blackburn manager had reacted after Rover's midfielder Reid appeared to be fouled by Spurs defender Stephen Carr. In his post match interview on Radio Rovers Souness stated. I said to Mr Poll, `I didn't know you were a Tottenham supporter', and he's taken exception to that,''

In an uneventful dire game where Spurs main objective had been to get a draw, neither keeper was tested in the first half, with Rovers main threat of pumping high balls in to the Spurs area were easily dealt with by the towering Spurs defenders. Souness started the game with the same defensive line up as last week at Old Trafford and gave 19-year-old striker Paul Gallagher his debut Premiership start. With an injury to Flitcroft the midfield comprised of Emerton on the right, Tugay and Ferguson in the centre and Johansson taking up the left hand side berth. In an attempt to break down the resolute Spurs defence Souness brought on Reid for Johansson at half time, giving Rovers a bit more width, which resulted in more attacking threats during the second half. Shortly after half time Souness was sent to the stand by Graham Poll, for alledgedly suggesting that Poll was a Spurs supporter. With around 15 minutes left of the game Gresko broke down the left and tried a speculative shot from 30 yards, which deflected off Spurs defender Stephen Carr into the right of Keller's net. Rovers : Friedel, Babbel, Todd, Short, Gresko, Emerton, Ferguson, Tugay, Johansson (Reid 45), Gallagher (Jansen 83), Yorke. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Baggio, Enckelman. Spurs : Keller, Carr, Richards, Gardner, Taricco, Dalmat (Mabizela 65), Anderton, King, Konchesky (Ricketts 82), Postiga (Zamora 65), Keane. Subs Not Used: Doherty, Burch. Yellow cards :Gardner. Attendance: 22,802 Referee: Graham Poll

Blackburn 1-0 Tottenham Blackburn’s full back Gresko’s first goal for the club, 15 minutes before the final whistle was enough to give Blackburn all three points against Spurs at Ewood Park this afternoon. It was also Blackburn’s first clean sheet of the season. Link to Match Report

Reports in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph would suggest that the striker in question is United States international striker Brian McBride. Link to LET Article.

As reported on the fans message board forum this morning at 9.55am. Blackburn Rovers midfielder Tugay has announced his retirement from international football following Turkey's failure to qualify for next summer's Euro 2004 finals in Portugal. It is reported that Tugay decided to retire from his international career in order to concentrate on playing for Blackburn. Tugay is quoted on Sky Sport to have said. "I am enjoying my time at Blackburn Rovers and have decided to retire from international football to help prolong my Premiership career." "This is the happiest period of my football life and I'm looking forward to the future."

Rovers Squad: Freidel, Enckelman, Johansson, Taylor, Babbel, Todd, Gresko, Short, Tugay, Baggio, Gallagher, Flitcroft, Reid, Jansen, Emerton, Yorke, Ferguson. Spurs Squad: Keller, Carr, Richards, Taricco, Gardner, King, Ricketts, Anderton, Keane, Postiga, Zamora, Dalmat, Konchesky, Bunjevcevic, Doherty, Mabizela, Marney, Burch. Referee: Graham Poll

On the 24th February 2002 Blackburn won the Worthington Cup, beating Tottenham 2-1 in Cardiff, thanks to a winning goal by Andy Cole after Spurs had equalised an early goal by Matt Jansen. A win that gave the supporters again the taste of the success that they had experienced during the reign of Kenny Daglish and more importantly the win kick started Rovers climb away from the relegation zone. Whilst we should not dwell on past glories, except when baiting Burnley, who says history doesn’t repeat itself, a Rovers could win against Spurs on Saturday, could again give the team confidence to build on the win against Everton and to start climbing the table. It would also reassure the supporters that the Everton win wasn’t just a fluke result. Although midfielder Tugay has been passed fit, after missing last week’s game at Old Trafford, Rovers will again be without the suspended Andy Cole and Lucas Neill. The starting line up more than probably will be the same team that started against Manchester United, however noises emulating from Ewood this week would suggest that Blackburn's academy developed youngster Paul Gallagher could make his starting debut, as manager Souness attempts to end the goal drought. Whilst at this stage we can only assume Saturday’s starting line up, what can be certain is the supporters must again, as for the Everton game act as the 12 man, in giving the team their full vocal support up to the final whistle. As soon as the squad is announced it will appear here………………………. Link to Fans Spurs Preview

After giving Adrian Ilie a trial this week, Blackburn manager Graeme Souness has cancelled plans to sign the Romanian striker, however it would appear that he might have an other striker in mind to charm the supporters after releasing the Cobra. Souness has told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. "We won't be taking Adrian. He's a good player but he's too similar to the people we've already got," "We are looking for a different type of striker, a bigger one with a bit of physical presence." Souness's comments that the club are now talking to someone else about bringing in a striker will no doubt be the main talking point of this sites messageboard forum, untill the club make further statements. Link to Messageboard Forum

Blackburn Rovers have won the chase to sign local 17 year old striker Matt Derbyshire. Derbyshire who has scored 18 goals in 9 appearances for Great Harwood had been chased by a number of North West clubs, but the young star has agreed to join Rovers. Official Site Link

Firstly let me congratulate the English Rugby team in becoming the World Champions, the Australian Team for making it an exciting final, Australia for what appeared to be a well run event and the supporters for acting like civilised human beings whilst supporting their respective teams. However the after event hipe is now distracting from the success. Yesterday Sky ran a poll asking whether Rugby could become more popular than football. Around 60% said yes. Lets get this into perspective, England won a tournament which in essence is a Commonwealth Event, where were USA, Russia China etc, There are around 6 counties in the top flight who when the play, thrash the remaining oposition out of sight. Up untill the quarter finals how many people in this country knew the tournament was happening and how many of those are going to stand around in stadia that have no resemblence to premier or even first division grounds. A few years ago rowing was the big thing, ten years ago athletics became fashionable and the decathlon was the big thing. People are calling for the manager/player etc to be knighted, lets get real, apart from winning a sporting tournament over a few weeks what else have they done. That's their form of employment. Apart from the feel good factor what else have they done for the prosperity and well being of the country. Yes football managers/players and other sports personalities have recieved honours, but these tend to be awarded after years of success in their respective sport. Redgrave got a knighthood not after his first gold, but after winning his 5th olympic medal. As I said earlier, well done England but lets cut out all this hipe, football is still the nation's and the Worlds No1 sport.