Before the kick off of last nights UEFA Cup game, between Blackburn Rovers and Genclerbirligi, BRFCS.com made a presentation to the visiting Genclerbirligi fans on the pitch at Ewood Park. The presentation on behalf of the site www.brfcs.biz.com was made by Matthew, the son of one of the sites administrators. Paul. It is an engraved piece of curved glass: Genclerbirligi Supporters Club True Football Fans BRFCS.com Blackburn 15th October 2003 Prior to the game members of supporters web sites from Blackburn and Genclerbirligi had got together for a social event, firstly with a 7 aside game at Blackburn’s training ground and then for refreshments in the Blues Bar at Ewood Park. For the record, Blackburn supporters avenged their defeat in Turkey. BRFCS 5 - Gencel 3 making the aggregate 7-7. This site would like to thank Blackburn’s Chief Executive John Williams, Tom Finn, and everyone at Blackburn Rovers for helping to make this event so successful.

Blackburn failed again to progress in a European competition, only the supporters who braved the cold Lancashire night will know how close Blackburn came in progressing to the next round. The final score of 1-1 didn’t reflect the dominance that Rovers had in this game. MATCH REPORT

In years to come, the record books will show that Blackburn failed again to progress in a European competition, only the 14,573 supporters who braved the cold Lancashire night will know how close Blackburn came in progressing to the next round. The final score of 1-1 didn’t reflect the dominance that Rovers had in this game, for with a bit of luck and better finishing Rovers could have been at least 3-0 up within 15 minutes. With the injured Andy Cole (cricked neck) missing, Rovers started off attacking the Blackburn End, with Jansen and Grabbi up front, both of which were guilty of missing gilt edged chances within 10 minutes off the kick off, firstly Jansen from about 10 yard and then Grabbi shooting wide, of an open goal mouth after Jansen’s shot came off the bar. In between these chance Rover’s where denied a clear penalty, (well at least to those sat in the Blackburn End) when a Genclerbirligi defender handled in the box. For the majority of the first half it would appear that the seats at Ewood Park had been wired to the electric sub main, as fans jumped up and down following the action on the pitch and this was to be the tone for the night, with Rovers hitting the woodwork 3 times and the players for all their efforts unable hit the back of the net. With Blackburn throwing everything, bar the kitchen sink at Genclerbirligi, Rover’s took the lead shortly after Yorke had replaced Gresko, the keeper failing to collect Yorke’s right wing cross, Jansen shot home at the second attempt after his first shot had rebounded off a defender. However within minutes, Reid committed a schoolboy error, when instead of kicking the ball into Row Z, he lost the ball trying to play it out allowing Genclerbirligi to get to Ozkan, who in turn fired passed the extremely displeased Friedel. Still striving to win the game Rover’s continued to attack, sending Amoruso up front, with Taylor taking over from Todd in the defence. With Rover’s getting more desperate even Friedel went up for a corner. However this was not going to be Rovers night with Genclerbirligi keeper making a superb save to prevent a Thompson powerful free kick hitting the back of the net. For the neutral this would have been an entertaining game, however for the Ewood faithful it was full of frustration, Rovers had an uphill task after the first leg, however with a little luck and some better finishing we never know what might have been………….. Final Score 1-1 Rovers: Friedel, Reid, Amoruso, Todd (Taylor 77) Gresko (Yorke 62) Emerton, Flitcroft, Tugay, Thompson, Jansen, Grabbi (Baggio 60). Subs not used: Johansson, Gallagher, McEveley, Kelly. Yellow cards: Thompson, Emerton, Todd. Genclerbirligi: Botonjic, El Saka, Bozkurt, Mercimek, Baris, Tandogan, Balci, Skoko (Karaman 89), Daems, Ozkan (Ozbey 75), Youla (Cihan 82). Subs not used: Basturk, M'Bayo, Gursel, Sevim. Yellow cards: Mercimek Referee: Eric Braamhaar (Holland). Attendance: 14,573

Blackburn and Gençlerbirligi supporters who took part in the Fans United Friendly Tomorrow sees the return leg of the Fans Friendly between Blackburn and Gençlerbirligi. Blackburn Rovers have made their training facilities at Brockhall available to the supporters and the game is expected to kick off at 2pm. In a week where the media have concentrated on the unsavoury element of football, once again the supporters of both Blackburn Rovers and Gençlerbirligi aim to portray that football is an universal game that can bond friendships between different clubs and nationalities. Within hours of the UEFA Cup draw back in August fans from both Blackburn and Gençlerbirligi unofficial supporters websites had made contact to exchange information on their clubs and the forthcoming game. From these early contacts a Fan’s Friendly seven aside game was arranged which was played at Gençlerbirligi training stadium, resulting in a 4-2 win for the Gençlerbirligi fans, however it wasn’t the result that mattered it was more about football fans and their love of the game. This friendship between the fans has continued to blossom and has resulted in tomorrows return game at Blackburn’s training academy at Brockhall. kick off 2pm

Man City Res. 3 Rovers Res 0. Two goals by Elliot and a penalty by Macken at Hyde last night gave the blue side of Manchester a 3-0 win against a young inexperienced Blackburn Reserves. City took the lead within 10 min of the start with a goal from Elliot and went 2-0 up early in the second half after Yelldell had brought down Macken in the box. The former Preston player making no mistake with the spot kick. City secured the game on 62 min with Elliots second. Blackburn had one chance in the first half with Jerome Watt firing wide. With game won, City keeper Kevin Ellegaard made two good saves late in the game from Peter Corvino and Jemail Johnson.

One player who will miss the game, is Rovers full back Lucas Neill who is reportedly, is in hospital with suspected pneumonia. Neill was reportedly taken ill last week, missing training, and he is now under going tests and could be out of action for weeks.

With the International weekend over Blackburn manager Graeme Souness will be hoping his players return injury free from international duty, when he starts to prepare the team for Wednesday’s UEFA Cup return leg against Turkish Club, Gençlerbirligi. With reduced ticket prices for the game the club are doing their best to generate support for the team that needs to keep a clean slate and win by at least 2-0 in order to progress further in the competition. Ticket prices for all areas are £10 or £5 for season ticket holders provided they purchase their tickets before the ticket office closes on the 14th. Meanwhile subject to the granting of visas, etc. Rover & Gençlerbirligi Supporters, are preparing to rekindle friendships with a few drinks and another fans football match on Wednesday, prior to the UEFA Cup game. Fans Friendly Link

Blackburn defenders Craig Short and Lorenzo Amoruso are both hoping to be fit in time for the up and coming Cup games. Amoruso is aiming to be fit for next weeks UEFA Cup return leg against Genglerbirligi, whilst Short is targeting the Carling Cup match against Liverpool at the end of the month.

Despite a late revival by Blackburn after substitute Baggio scored in the 86th minute, it wasnt enough after Johnson had scored twice for Leeds in the first half. Leeds: Robinson, Kelly, Camara, Matteo, Olembe, Pennant, Morris, Batty, Seth Johnson, Smith, Viduka. Subs: Carson, Radebe, Bridges, Sakho, Milner. Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Johansson, Martin Taylor, Gresko, Thompson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Reid, Cole, Yorke. Subs: Kelly, Jansen, Grabbi, Baggio, Ferguson. Referee: U Rennie

Blackburn Reserves were beaten by Aston Villa Reserves tonight at Christie Park, Morcambe 1-3.

Ticket Office Tickets for the Carling Cup 3rd round game against Liverpool at Ewood Park go on sale from Thursday 2nd October. Season ticket holders have until Saturday 11th October to claim their own seats. Liverpool have been allocated the whole of the Darwen End Stand, for further details check the Official Site Ticket Details England Call Up Two of Blackburn’s academy players Zac Jones and Ryan Woods have been called up to the England U16 squad, that play Northern Ireland at Rushden & Diamonds ground, on the 17th October in the Victory Shield Tournament. Todd Recalled With Lucas Neill suspended and long term injuries to Markus Babbel, and Craig Short Blackburn manager Graeme Souness is to recall Andy Todd from his holiday at Dingleyworld.

The game has been confirmed for Wednesday 29th October and is live on Sky. ko 8pm Blackburn Rovers Official Web Site you may need to register to read official site details.

player review by den Friedal: Pretty quiet afternoon. Maybe should have cut out the cross for Fulhams first goal. Babbel: [injured early on] Amoruso: Looks like a bag of nerves at the moment. Clearly struggles when exposed to the ball over the top, but where was the other central defender, shouldn't they be working closer together? Got to say, at the moment, not up to it. Tiny: His pace is desperately needed at the moment, he has ANOTHER chance to stake a claim. Not easy for him to come into the side at the moment, as he needs a steadier centre back alongside him. Gresko: Not the same player as last season. Definately needs more help from the midfield. Missing Duffer more than anyone. Emerton: Difficult one this. On Sunday, got drawn inside every time. Would like to see him go round the outside and get some quality crosses in, that's what Cole and Jansen need. Ferguson: Having very little effect at the moment. Plays too deep, and with Flitty playing deep as well, there isn't enough support for the strikers. No one in central midfield who is going to go past the strikers, ala Paul Scholes. Not sure there is any more to be seen, than what has been seen. Flitcroft: Walks into that side, at the present. A bit more of his passion wouldn't go amiss for the other players. Thomson: Never a left winger. There's no future in the Thomo-Gresko partnership. Tries hard, but isn't able to go on the outside. A different player on the right/centre midfield. Cole: Felt sorry for the guy. He looked like the confidence had come back, but suffered terribly from the barrage of high balls that the fulham centre halves were made for. Don't remember one quality cross all afternoon. Jansen: Still not quite there in my opinion. Doesn't have that pace at the moment, second to anything put behind the defenders. Ran his socks off though, but I never felt as though he had the beating of the Fulham lads. subs: Tugay: Can't be left out of that side. He has the ability to unlock any defence, he is the only one that can do that. Grabbi: Did OK, but he wont be the answer to any of rovers' present problems. Johannssen: Did as well as anyone. At least he looked in control of his own game. There were few of those on the day.

With Blackburn's Australian right back still suspended for a further 2 games, manager Graeme Souness had further bad news last night, with the possible 6 weeks lay off of Marcus Babbel who limped out of yesterdays game against Fulham on the half hour, with a thigh injury. Souness also without injured central defender Craig Short will need to reshuffle a defence that has looked uncoordinated so far this season, conceeding a total 14 goals in the 7 league games.

Many a parent this afternoon took advantage of the kids for free offer, and the on site store was a hive of activity with many a child getting their parents to purchase mementoes of their first visit to Ewood Park. As the fans entered Ewood Park this afternoon in their newly acquired limited edition European replica shirts the sun shone down Bolton Road and across the ground, however within 5 minutes of the kick-off the clouds were moving in across the Jack Walker Stand. Former Rover’s defender Chris Coleman returning as manager of Fulham must have had a broader smile than normal when Blackburn’s defence fell apart allowing Boa Morte free access to the Rover’s goal mouth. Malbranque had the beating of Gresko for pace down the left, and making his way into the penalty area he avoided Amoruso to cross past the diving Friedel to Boa Morte coming in on the right hand side who simply had to tap the ball in to the back of an unguarded net. With the advantage of an early goal, Fulham were content to put all eleven players behind the ball and rely on breakaways by the pacey Boa Morte and Saha, which to their credit they did to good effect, as was their and the line mans use of the off side rule. Rovers were forced to make a change on the half hour mark, when Babbel went off injured and was replaced by Johassen. This resulted in Nissa playing in the centre of the defence and Taylor moving to Babbel’s right back spot. As the first half progressed neither side threatened, the nearest Blackburn got to equalising was shortly before half time when Gresko free kick was saved by Van der Sar when the Fulham keeper went down and caught the shot near his right hand post. Any cup throwing or tactical coaching at half time quickly went out the window as Fulham extended their lead with Saha collected a long ball pass from his own half to outpace Amoruso and shoot low past the diving Friedel, giving the Rover’s keeper no chance. With in minutes the Rover’s manager made tactical changes, playing with a back 3 instead of 4, he replaced Ferguson and Gresko with Tugay and Grabbi. With Grabbi playing a left wing role a couple of fine moves developed and although Rover’s went close, the writing was on the wall when Cole hit the bar with about 20 minutes left. As the game wound down supporters drifted away and as the players left the field on the final whistle there was isolated pockets of booing from the fans. The players must now regroup before storm clouds engulf and prior to their next game away at Leeds next Saturday. As for the supporters they must get behind the players and build up their confidence prior to their next home game which is the second leg of the UEFA Cup, when Rovers must keep a clean sheet and score twice if they are to progress to the next round of the competition.

A goal by Boa Morte for Fulham within 4 minutes this afternoon at Ewood Park, gave Blackburn an up hill task for the remainder of the first half and a mountain to climb in the second half after Saha extended Fulhams lead within 10 minutes of the second half kicking off. Rovers: Friedel, Martin Taylor, Amoruso, Babbel (Johansson 28), Gresko (Grabbi 58), Emerton, Ferguson (Tugay 58), Flitcroft, Thompson, Cole, Jansen. Subs Not Used: Yorke, Kelly. Booked: Flitcroft, Tugay. Fulham: Van der Sar, Volz (Leacock 45), Goma, Knight, Bonnissel, Pembridge, Inamoto, Boa Morte (Buari 84), Clark, Malbranque, Saha. Subs Not Used: Melville, Djetou, Crossley. Booked: Inamoto, Knight, Leacock, Boa Morte. Attendance: 21,985 Referee: M Messias Link to Match Report.

Full draw. Bristol City v Southampton Everton v Charlton Nottingham Forest v Portsmouth Blackburn v Liverpool Bolton v Gillingham Wigan v Middlesbrough Wolves v Burnely Blackpool v Crystal Palace Chelsea v Notts County QPR v Manchester City Reading v Huddersfield Aston Villa v Leicester City Tottenham v West Ham United Arsenal v Rotherham Newcastle United v West Brom Leeds United v Manchester United

Blackburn start this seasons Carling Cup campaign in the 3rd Round at Ewood Park, against Liverpool. The game to be played during the week commencing Monday 27th October. Exact date will be posted on this sites Calendar

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness recalls defender Martin (Tiny) Taylor to his squad for the game against Fulham on Sunday. The young defender, having the opportunity of re-establishing himself in the first team as a result of Lucas Neill’s 3 game suspension. Also back in contention for the game is the UEFA Cup tied Barry Ferguson and Gary Flitcroft who missed the trip to Turkey due to injury. Blackburn (from): Friedel, Kelly, Taylor, Johansson, Babbel, Gresko, Amoruso, Tugay, Flitcroft, Ferguson, Baggio, Emerton, Thompson, Grabbi, Yorke, Jansen, Cole, Gallagher. Fulham (from): van der Sar, Volz, Knight, Goma, Melville, Djetou, Bonnissel, Malbranque, Inamoto, Clark, Boa Morte, Pembridge, Saha, Sava, Crossley, Leacock, Buari. Referee. Matt Messias.

Blackburn and Gençlerbirligi supporters took part in the Fans United Friendly, prior to their clubs UEFA Cup game on Wednesday night. As Blackburn’s supporters return from their trip to Turkey, the tales of welcome from the Gençlerbirligi supporters and their friendly adventures are being told around this small Lancashire town. This small band of supporters may never get the credit they deserve in the national press, as their experiences didn’t involve the negative side of football, it was all about the love of the game. The Blackburn and Gençlerbirligi supporters who arranged and participated in the Fans Friendly football game and celebrations after the UEFA game between their respective clubs can be proud of their behaviour. Their achievements will go down in Blackburn folklore and hopefully it will be a foundation on which all football loving supporters can build on. For more on this achievement by both sets of supporters, check out the topics on the message board where both sets of fans tell their stories. Link to Message Board Forum

With approximately 3 minutes to go before half time Rovers went 1 nil down when Skolo lobbed Friedel from around 30 yards, after the Blackburn keeper had come out of the area to head clear a long ball from Gençlerbirligi. Within a further minute Gençlerbirligi went two up with a low shot by Youla after he found himself free on the edge of the box. After starting well in the first half, Blackburn went on to the back foot as Gençlerbirligi took command of the first half coming close with three headers, one of which rattled the cross bar before going out for a goal kick. On the stroke of half time Gençlerbirligi were forced to replace their injured keeper after he fell awkwardly. Half time 2-0 At the start of the second half Souness made a change, bring on Cole for Jansen in an attempt to cause more problems up front and take the pressure off the Rover’s defence who had appeared uncoordinated in the first half. Twelve minutes in to the second half a pass by Gresko was collected by Cole in the area, who turned the defence to lay the ball back to Emerton, who in turn made no mistake in slotting the ball in to the back of the net. However within 3 minutes Gençlerbirligi went 3-1 ahead as Youla collected a long ball over the top to beat Amoruso and slot the ball past Friedel. With approximately 20 minutes to go before the final whistle Souness made further changes, bringing on Grabbi and Reid for Yorke and Baggio. Within minutes of coming on Grabbi was unfortunate not to win a penalty when he was pulled down by a Gençlerbirligi defender who had taken a liking to the Italian’s shirt. With 12 minutes to go Reid missed an opportunity to score after collecting a cross ball from Grabbi, however after taking an extra touch he collided with a Gençlerbirligi defender. With 4 minutes remaining Grabbi snatched at an Amoruso free kick to volley the ball over the bar, and then shortly afterwards Emerton was brought down at the edge of the box. The resultant free kick being chipped over the bar by Thompson. With Gençlerbirligi looking impressive in attack Blackburn now have it all to do in the return leg at Ewood Park. Final Score 3-1.

Gençlerbirligi Fans 4 Rovers Fans 2 The friendly game organised by a members of this site with our counterparts at Genclerbirli ending up with the home team winning 4-2. A member of the organisers management staff is quoted as saying. "Overall we are pleased with the performance,....... these lads haven't been together long, it takes time to gel,....... on another day the result could have been different. This sets us up the second leg nicely, we've nicked a couple of goals and I'm sure we can keep a clean sheet at our place....score early doors, and it's anyone's game. This was a difficult place to come, long flight, we've been up all night........... Meanwhile a Rover's Supporter Bjard Bakke in Turkey is quoted by Yahoo Sport World Soccer as saying. "The welcome we were given here was warmer than we expected," "Whatever the outcome of the game tonight, we have decided to go out to drink together," he said.

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness has told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, he's not interested in talking to Spurs about the manager's job, following the sacking of Glenn Hoddle on the weekend. The LET goes on to quote Souness as saying, "I can only repeat I've got a good job at Blackburn and I'm doing my best to hang onto it. "I believe I've got a good group of players here and I enjoy working with the people I see here everyday." For the full LET report. Souey No to Spurs

Match Report based on Rovers World Match Commentary. Another away game missed this season, resulted in having to sit at the pc, with Sky’s Soccer Saturday on the screen in the corner and delayed web commentary whilst attempting to contribute to the chat room and make notes on the game. By 5pm I had a thumping headache and was totally exhausted. The only consolation being that Rovers had picked up 3 points and I hadn’t had to experience the long traffic jammed cross-country trip to the south coast. For the first half hour it appeared that the game could swing either way, however Rovers did have more goal attempts than Pompey. Allowing that Rovers World commentators could be biased I switched to Portsmouth’s own commentators for a while and found that they were also full of praise for the Rovers. No sooner than I had tuned back to Rover’s commentary last weeks headline maker Lucas Neill put Rovers ahead in the 35 minute. Following a number of corners, with a long distance shot from Tugay pushed away by Hislop and a Cole low shot cleared off the goal line, Neill pounced to fire home from 10 yards. Within 8 minutes Rovers went further ahead when Andy Cole collected a long ball, beating the defender to shoot from around 20 yards past Hislop. Rovers now in total command the chat room was buzzing, although there was the typical pessimistic comments from some, with stats being quoted of previous encounters with Portsmouth and how Rovers have a habit of capitulating. Rovers went in at half time 2-0 up and in total control, however Portsmouth came out for the second half, all guns blazing, putting Rovers on the back foot which gave the pessimists in the chat room more fuel for the fire, with the inevitable goal coming in the 57th minute, when De Zeeuw headed past Friedel. With half an hour of the game remaing Souness made a double substitution, bringing on Yorke and Baggio for Jansen and Tugay. For the remainder of the second half it appeared to be all Pompey, with rovers defending in depth. With the clock ticking down Souness made a further substitute bringing on Johanssen for goal hero Neill, who according to the commentator was limping. An afternoon in the chat room can be fun, but listening to the match is frustrating especially with delayed commentary and is no substitute to being at the game, when you see the action first hand and savour the atmosphere. Portsmouth: Hislop, Schemmel, De Zeeuw, Stefanovic, Zivkovic, Stone, Sherwood (Roberts 55), Faye, Quashie (Pericard 84), Sheringham, Ayegbini. Subs Not Used: Wapenaar, Foxe, Smertin. Booked: Quashie, Schemmel. Goal. De Zeeuw Rovers: Friedel, Neill (Johansson 90), Amoruso, Babbel, Gresko, Emerton, Tugay (Baggio 64), Ferguson, Thompson, Cole, Jansen (Yorke 64). Subs Not Used: Kelly, Grabbi. Booked: Gresko, Thompson, Cole. Goals. Neill, Cole. Attendance: 20,024 Referee: P Durkin.

Full Time Portsmouth 1 Rovers 2. De Zeeuw Neill, Cole Portsmouth: Hislop, Schemmel, De Zeeuw, Stefanovic, Zivkovic, Stone, Sherwood(Roberts), Faye, Quashie,(Pericard) Sheringham, Ayegbini. Subs not used: Wapenaar, Foxe, Smertin . Blackburn: Friedel, Neill,(Johansson) Amoruso, Babbel, Gresko, Emerton, Tugay(Baggio), Ferguson, Thompson, Cole, Jansen.(Yorke) Subs not used: Kelly, Grabbi. Referee: P Durkin. Match Report .