Gav, if you ask LDRover nicely he might write a short article in the LET regarding the BBOL campaign.

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness will once again have to decide on his midfield formation, as he names a squad containing 6 midfielders. Steven Reid (suspended) and Craig Short (injured) are Rover's only two first team squad players not included in the squad, which includes midweek reserves hat-trick hero Paul Gallagher. If he plays, then tomorrow’s game will be Filtcrofts 200th league game for Rovers. Blackburn (from): Friedel, Kelly, Gresko, Taylor, Babbel, Amoruso, Neill, McEveley, Thompson, Tugay, Flitcroft, Ferguson, Emerton, Jansen, Yorke, Cole, Grabbi, Gallagher, Baggio, Johansson Portsmouth's will be without the injured Patrick Berger although former Rovers captain Tim Sherwood is fit again and could be in contention for a recall. Also in contention for his first game is on loan signing Jason Roberts, however manager Harry Redknapp's is likely to start with Teddy Sheringham and Yakubu Ayegbini up front. Portsmouth (from): Hislop; Schemmel, Stefanovic, de Zeeuw, Foxe, Zivkovic, Stone, Faye, Smertin, Quashie, Sheringham, Yakabu, Roberts, Pericard, Sherwood, O'Neil, Primus, Wapenaar Referee. Paul Durkin

Another hat-trick by Paul Gallagher helped Blackburn Res beat West Brom Res 5-3 tonight at Christie Park Morcambe. Rover's trialist Jullian Grey did himself no harm in getting a contract with a polished display in the first half and even getting on the score board in the 19 minute. Blackburn went in at half time 4-0 up with goals from Gallagher, 14min and 26min, Grabbi 16min and Grey 19min. Rover's sat back as the second half commenced allowing the Albion to pull back 3 goals,one of which was a penalty, scored by Brown, however Gallagher made sure of the points for Rovers with his third goal of the game in the 84 minute. Once again Grabbi had a good game for the reserves, and Pelzer was impressive when he came on as substitute for the last 15 minutes. Rover's young defender McEveley was booked for what appeared to be dissent when West Brom were awarded the penalty. West Brom's other scorers were Wallwork and Marshall.

Posted by ihateburnley in Liverpool post-mortem topic. Friedel, Cole, Amoroso, Thompson and Jansen were all excellent in my opinion. After I slagged off Cole in pre-season, I can gladly put my hands high in the air and admit that he is a totally different player from the lazy arse we saw last season. Thompson impressed me greatly with his work rate as did Jansen. Amoroso was a bit dodgy at times but he made up for that with a commanding display. For me, Flitcroft and Emerton were very poor - but I accept that the sending off will surely have taken its toll on our players. Neill, well, from my position in the Riverside it didn't look a red card offence but I will be watching the Premiership tonight in order to get a better idea. Ferguson obviously needs time to settle, but showed some neat touches and did a few nice little spins to get rid of his marker. Gave it away a bit, but that will have been the lack of knowledge of his teammates runs etc. Friedel played like Friedel. He simply is a god. Tugay looked pretty good when he came on, despite claims that he is tired (don't know how you can't expect to be tired on x grand A WEEK, but that's another story). Basically we didn't play too badly - with Neill on the pitch for 90mins it would have been a completely different game.

Although Matt Jansen scored a goal that should be included in the Goal of the Month competition, ten man Blackburn went down 1-3 to Liverpool at Ewood Park this afternoon. Rovers v Liverpool Match Report

A resolute ten man Blackburn battled in vain to hold Liverpool this afternoon, before going down 1-3, after Rover’s full back Lucas Neill was sent off in the 13th minute. Blackburn had started well at a sunny Ewood Park, where the sky was cloudless and as blue as the famous shirts. With Barry Ferguson making his debut for Rover’s and Markus Babbel making his home debut, Rovers took the lead through the rejuvenated Matt Jansen within 8 minutes of the start. Andy Cole headed on a long ball from Gresko and Jansen brilliantly turned Carragher before firing the ball past Dudek. However within 3 minutes Gresko brought down Diouf in the area to give Liverpool a penalty and Owen made no mistake with the spot kick, putting the ball in to the left hand corner of Friedel’s goal. Within 2 minutes of the penalty Rover’s were reduced to 10 men when Lucas Neill was sent off for a tackle on Jamie Carragher that forced the Liverpool player to leave the field of play injured. Half time 1-1 With Rover’s holding Liverpool Rovers nearly regained the lead, when Flitcroft went close with a shot from the edge of the area, however as the shadows from the main stand moved across the pitch Liverpool took the lead in the 68 minute when Owen placed a low shot passed Friedel. Although Friedel dominated his area, making crucial 1 on 1 saves stopping Owen, Rovers tired and with the clock ticking down the inevitable third goal was scored by Kewell. Final Score 1-3 Post match Reports would suggest that Milan Baros who had to be carried off following a clean and harmlees tackle by Markus Babbel in the 5 minute, has broken his ankle. Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Amoruso, Babbel, Gresko, Emerton, Flitcroft (Tugay 70), Ferguson, Thompson (Yorke 64), Cole, Jansen (Baggio 64). Subs Not Used: Johansson, Kelly. Rovers Matchday Man of the Match: Brad Friedel. Sent Off: Neill Booked: Amoruso, Baggio. Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Biscan, Hyypia, Carragher (Riise 18), Diouf, Gerrard (Le Tallec 85), Smicer, Kewell, Owen, Baros (Heskey 5). Subs Not Used: Traore, Luzi Bernardi. Booked: Finnan, Smicer. Attendance: 30,074. Referee: N Barry

After the summer transfers and releases out from Ewood Park, especially the loss of David Dunn and Damian Duff, it would have been understandable if the Blackburn supporters had been despondent. However a poll of fans on this web site has revealed that they feel that the squad is now better than it was this time last year. Of the 214 replies to the poll 93 per cent of fans agreed that the squad was now better than this time last year. Rover Squad Stronger than Last Year Poll The Blackburn manager Graeme Souness also appears to be of the same opinion as the fans, as he is quoted in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph as saying that he believes his current squad is now stronger than at any time in his Ewood reign. As stated in this sites News Section, Blackburn v Liverpool Preview, team selection will be the biggest dilemma for the Rover’s manager, however as Souness has stated in the LET, "We've got a lot of games coming up and everyone will get a chance to show what they can do. "But I'll be picking the best 11 as I see it to suit each game." LET This is my Strongest Squad With this sites members being of the same opinion as Souness regarding the squad, it may be advisable for opposition fans and their managers to review this sites message board forum, in order in foresee Souness’s team selections. Message Board Forum For those reading in Black and White, links to other articles are in Blue.

In his first article “inside ewood” for the 1997-98 season Paul Agnew introduced Blackburn’s major summer signing in the match day programme,Rovers v Derby 9th August 1997. From which I have taken the following statement from Blackburns first Chief Executive.Mr John Williams. "I am from a working class background, like most folk in this country, and I know the passion that exists around football. I see Blackburn Rovers as a community club and we should never loose sight of that. I heard recently that only two per cent of Manchester United fans world wide have ever seen a game at Old Trafford, I daresay 98 per cent of Rovers fans have watched football here at Ewood Park. How we treat those people, our customers, is critical to the clubs success. Those supporters have our wages in their pockets. We must ensure they are happy, not just with the results but on how they are treated at the ticket office, on the phone, when they have a problem and so on." Seven years on, John Williams doesn’t appear not to have forgotten his roots or the passion that football stirs in the community and he still has the attitude that the club must communicate with the supporters, which can be seen by his willingness to subject himself to a question and answer debate with members of this web site. During his reign as Chief Executive, major influences have affected the club, relegation, promotion, managerial changes, star player transfers, television coverage, attendances, etc, all of which have been discussed at length on the message board forum. Now thanks to Mr Williams brfcs members have the opportunity to submit some of those questions to the club. For more information Questions to John Williams

Squad details. Blackburn (from): Friedel, Kelly, Neill, Johansson, Amoruso, Gresko, Taylor, Babbel, Tugay, Ferguson, Emerton, Baggio, Flitcroft, Jansen, Yorke, Gallagher, Thompson, Cole, Grabbi, McEveley. Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Henchoz, Hyypia, Carragher, Biscan, Gerrard, Diouf, Kewell, Smicer, Baros, Owen, Heskey, Murphy, Riise, Luzi, Diao, Le Tallec.

Blackburn supporters have just less than 24 hours to obtain a ticket for Saturday’s game at Ewood Park against Liverpool, as there will be no tickets on sale after the ticket office closes at 7pm on Friday 12th September. Premier Leagues top scores Rovers, expect their biggest gate of the season so far when they take on Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool, hoping to improve on last seasons 2-2 draw. Team selection will be the biggest dilemma for Rover’s manager Graeme Souness, as he deliberates on who will line up in midfield, knowing that Steven Reid will be suspended he has the option whether to bring in new signings Ferguson and Baggio whilst waiting for fitness reports on Emerton. Should he decide to bring in his new signings the question then would be which of the midfield would makes way. Souness also has to decide whether to retain the strike partnership of Cole and Jansen or bring back Yorke into the starting line up. It is expected that Souness will retain the defensive line up that started at Chelsea, with Marcus Babbel lining up against his former teammates. Whilst Souness normally announces his squad on a Friday morning, it is expected that the canny Scot will play the waiting game, with the final line up being announced shortly before kick off, as he attempts to get his first win over his old club, since becoming Rover’s manager. Meanwhile should Andy Cole start it will be his 50th Premier league appearance for Rovers and 2 goals would give him 250 premier league goals.

Season Ticket holders who purchase their tickets before match day for the home leg against Genclerbirligi on the 15th October will be able to purchase them for £5. Match day tickets will be £10. More Information to follow. Breaking News Turkish Delight

Goal scorers for Rovers. Keith Barker, Sebastian Pelzer, Cicco Grabbi. Rovers were 1-0 down within 5 min of the kickoff, however Barker pulled Rovers level on 23 minutes, scoring his first goal for the reserves in his second appearance. Rovers went in at half time level, however Sunderland again went into the lead and were 3-1 ahead with 8 minutes to go, when Pelzer pulled one back, making it 3-2. On 90 min Rovers were awarded a free kick which Grabbi converted to give Rovers a share of the points. Baggio was withdrawn at half time.

Blackburn again named Baggio in the reserve squad that drew 3-3 away tonight against Sunderland. Squad: Yelldell, Michael Taylor, McEveley, Baggio, Martin Taylor, Johansson, Donnelly, Grabbi, Barker, Nelson, Morgan Subs: Pelzer, Renton, Fitzgerald, Black, Johnson.

For days now this sites messageboard forum has been discussing press speculation, linking Blackburn manager Graeme Souness with Chelski. Link to Good Luck Ranieri, Souness linked with Chelsea Today Blackburn Chief Executive John Williams denied the speculation on the official web site stating that the club had not had any approach from Chelsea, and that Rover’s wouldn’t welcome an approach either. Link to Official Site Souness Denial You may need to register to read this article. Meanwhile the LET are reporting that Souness as saying, I've already got one of the best jobs in the Premier League. I'm extremely happy here, and I've signed a four-year contract. I've convinced these players that this club is going in the right direction and I spent most of the summer trying to get them here, so it would be wrong of me to disappear at the first opportunity. Link to LET Graeme Going Nowhere

With no football at Ewood Park,due to International call ups, the news this week sounds more like a page out of Farmers Weekly. Blackburn’s Irish midfielder Alan Mahon looks set to join the Tractor boys on a 3 months loan. Ipswich manager Joe Royle told the Ipswich web site that he has talked to Mahon and hopes he will be involved in training with the Tractor boys next week. Meanwhile Blackburn old boy Marcus Bent has joined the Leicester Foxes from the tractor boys on a season long loan. Meanwhile another Blackburn player going out on loan, is Andy Todd, who is joining former Rover’s defender David May at Burnley, where the M65 turns to cobbles, and sheep grazing on the central reservation is a common site.

Final Score 1-2 Dino Baggio, tonight made his debut for Blackburn in the reserves against Leeds at Christie Park Morcambe. Baggio who played for the whole 90min, showed his class with some fine passes and neat headed flick ons, however the star for Rovers was Cicco Grabbi, who has regained his confidence in front of goal, grapping Rover's only goal on 45 minutes. Unfortunately his penalty shot later, that would have given Rovers a share of the points, hit the inside of the post and came out. Both teams teams finished the game with 10 men after Winter (Leeds) and Harkins (Rovers) were sent off. Youth accademy player Keith Barker making his reserve team debut, had a steady game and was substituted on 70 min.

Blackburns game against Fulham due to be played on Saturday 27th September has been moved back 24 hours, untill Sunday 28th September. ko 3pm For all the latest information on future events why not check out The Calendar

Serie A club, Lazio have announced that they have come to an agreement with Blackburn Rovers for the temporary transfer of midfielder Dino Baggio for the 2003-4 season. The 32-year-old midfielder, who has 60 Italian caps, has impressed Graeme Souness during the last week whilst training with Rovers. Baggio has previously played for Juventus, Parma, Inter Milan and Torino. Meanwhile, Blackburn striker Egil Ostenstad has joined Henning Berg at Glasgow Rangers.

Two goals by Andy Cole gave Blackburn a share of the points at Stamford Bridge this afternoon against Chelsea. Final Score 2-2. Cole 1min. 58min. Mutu 45min. Hasselbaink 62min penalty. Chelsea: Cudicini, Johnson, Terry, Desailly, Bridge (Cole,83), Veron, Lampard, Geremi, Duff (Petit45), Mutu (Crespo84), Hasselbaink. Subs not used: Ambrosio, Gallas. Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Amoruso, Babbel, Gresko, Flitcroft, Tugay (Taylor83), Reid (Johansson71), Thompson, Cole, Jansen (Gallagher72). Subs not used: Kelly, Grabbi. Yellow cards. Reid, Amoruso, Thompson, Flitcroft. Referee: M Dean. What the fans have to say .Click here

With all the excitement of the UEFA Cup draw and the signing of Barry Ferguson from Rangers today, it could be easy to forget that Blackburn have a league game tomorrow at Stamford Bridge against Chelski. Whilst Ferguson wont be eligible to play tomorrow, this weeks other signing Markus Babbel could find himself on the bench. It is expected that Rovers old boy Damian Duff will start for Chelsea, who will be hoping to break their duck of never having beaten Rovers at Stamford Bridge in the Premiership. Rovers manager Graeme Souness will select his starting eleven from, Friedel, Kelly, Babbel, Johansson, Taylor, Gresko, Cole, Yorke, Thompson, Reid, Jansen, Amoruso, Flitcroft, Tugay, Grabbi, Emerton, Gallacher, Neill. Whilst Chelski will select from Cudicini, Ambrosio, Melchiot, Johnson, Bridge, Babayaro, Desailly, Terry, Gallas, Huth, Veron, Geremi, Lampard, Petit, Cole, Duff, Stanic, Gronkjaer, Mutu, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen.

Although Blackburn have had a second bid for Ranger's captain Barry Ferguson rejected, Rovers chief executive John Williams is still hoping to a deal can be reached to sign the midfielder before the transfer window closes this weekend Meanwhile Liverpool have confirmed that Markus Babbel has joined Blackburn Rovers on loan for the rest of the season. Babbel will however have to wait to make his debut, as he still has to serve 2 more games of a suspension picked up for a red card picked up for Liverpool reserves last season.

Match Report by Kamy Rovers crash to home defeat The years of pain that the blue half have had to endure over the last 10 years were replaced with pure ecstasy last night as they overcame Blackburn Rovers to claim top spot in the premiership in a exciting but scrappy encounter. The atmosphere within Ewood park was electric despite a disappointingly low crowd, however those that did turn up were rewarded with a game which was more about Pace and Power rather than Skill and Finesse, oh and add to that the odd defensive error. Throughout the night the defences struggled and really the score line could easily have been much higher, as it was it only took 2 minutes for city to take the lead, awarded a free kick 35 yards out Tarnat stepped up to take it., surely he wasnt going to shoot from there, but shoot he did and his bending thunderbolt whizzed past a helpless Friedel. City could have doubled their lead on 19 minutes when a slick move left Wright-Phillips with an opportunity from 8 yards which he sliced wide, that seemed to wake up Rovers who on 22 minutes should have equalised after great work by Cole, new signing Reid unleashed a left foot shot which Seaman could only parry into Dwight Yorkes path, Yorke stretched but his effort dribbled wide of the goal. The game seemed to petering out for a draw when on 44 minutes a Andy Cole shot was deflected wide for a corner, Emerton's in swinging corner caused confusion and ended up with Sinclair heading past a floundering David Seaman to level the match. The second half began at a frantic pace with both defences stretched to breaking point, Flitcroft and Yorke had opportunities to give rovers the lead in the first 10 minutes, whist for City Sibierski missed a guilt edge chance on 56 minutes. 14 minutes into the second half City took the lead, the impressive Burton burst pass 2 Rovers defenders and steered the ball into the bottom corner of the goal, again disappointing defending by Rovers as both Taylor and Amoruso head opportunities to clear the danger. Back came Rovers though, Amoruso powered an header passed a flapping David Seaman to restore parity. If anything after the equaliser the game become even more franatic with Jansen twice going close to giving Rovers the lead. Just when the game seemed to petering out for a draw a long clearance flew over the half way line towards Amoruso, you could almost see the panic as he was pressurised by Anelka his mis-header was latched onto by Anelka, but even then it seemed impossible that he could score from such a tight angle but somehow he managed to squeeze the ball through Freidal's legs. After that Rovers tried in vain to comeback for a third time but were reduced to long punts upfield which the city defence managed to deal with. So city top of the premier league for the first time ever and the blue half of Manchester now head into a top of the table clash with Arsenal on Sunday. Blackburn on the other hand clearly have a lot of work to do if they want to build upon what they achieved last season, defensively they looked a shambles, particularly Taylor and Amoroso who were exposed time and again, Rovers also lacked the killer ball in the final third, constantly Tugay was looking for options wide which weren't there. Despite the setback the quality is there and with moves for Ferguson, Dino Baggio and Marcus Babbel likely before the transfer deadline dont bet against Blackburn being surprise challengers for one of the coveted Champions League spots. Ratings Blackburn: Friedel ; His worst performance in a Rovers Shirt. 5 Neill ; Gave away possession to many times and looked jittery 5 Gresko ; Rovers best player on the night looked assured 8 Taylor ; Another nervous performance 5 Amoruso ; Great at set pieces but prone to defensive errors 6 Flitcroft ; Good first half but went missing in the second 6 Tugay ; Kept possession well 7 Emerton ; Looked like the pace of the game was to much for him 6 Reid ; Never took on his man, looked out of his depth 5 Yorke ; Very lively until he was taken off with an injury 7 Cole ; Looks like he is coming back to his best, starved of good service 7 Jansen 7 Thompson 6 Grabbi 6 Subs not used: Johansson, Kelly City: Seaman ; Didnt look commanding at set pieces 5 Sommeil ; Prone to lapses in concentration 5 Distin ; City best defender by a mile 6 Sibierski ; Showed good touches but still adjusting to the pace 6 Sun ; Solid game, cope well with the threat of Reid and Emerton 6 Tarnat ; Thunderbolt of a free kick 7 Barton ; Very busy performance, took goal well 7 Bosvelt ; Quiet but effective 7 Sinclair ; Bad error for Rovers goal 6 Wright- Phillips ; Well marshalled by Gresko 6 Anelka ; Took his goal well and looked a menace all night 7 Subs not used: Macken, Berkovic, Tiatto, Dunne, Weaver Final Score: Rovers 2 City 3 Attendance: 23,361

3min 0-1 Goal City Tarnat. 26min Yellow card Tugay 32min Yellow card Distin 34min Yellow card Neill 43min 1-1 own goal Sinclair 56min sub Jansen on Yorke off 58min 1-2 goal City Barton 60min 2-2 Goal Amoruso 63min sub Thompson on Reid off 86min 2-3 goal City Anelka 86min sub Grabbi on Flitcroft off

Final Score 2-3 Team News. Rover’s Friedel, Neill, Taylor, Amoruso, Gresko, Emerton, Tugay, Flitcroft, Reid, Yorke, Cole, Subs. Thompson, Jansen , Grabbi, Kelly, Johansson. City. Seaman, Jihai, Tarnat, Distin, Sinclair Sommeil, Wright-Phillips, Barton, Sibierski Bosvelt, Anelka, Subs. Weaver, Berkovic, Dunne, Macken. Tiatto Click here for Match Report

For pre and post match comments by the fans. Click Here Souness has paid tribute to Dwight Yorke after revealing that the Yorke's sister died last week, and is quoted as saying. "Dwight has been doing well this season and he has repaid us with this performance," "His sister died last week, so he deserves a special mention and all credit to him."