Everyone hopes our new manager will be in place before next Saturday. So if you haven’t got a ticket for the game yet now is the time to get one. It should make for a cracking atmosphere next week if the new fella is appointed. Not only that but if the unthinkable was to happen you’ll be a part of football history as the first assassination at a football match in England takes place when I shoot Glenn Hoddle. In the meantime I suggest you sit back, get a drink (or two) and read this… When the fixtures are first announced one of the first games I look for is Portsmouth at home. What a load of old rubbish, of course it isn't, this does little to fire the imagination but at the end of the day it should represent one of our best chances of picking up three points at home and we could do with them at the moment. Home form invariably decides how well we'll do overall, (even last season, if our home form had been only average we would have finished a lot higher up the table, earnt more money and gone on to world domination) hopefully we'll do the business on Saturday. Already in the season this game is taking on massive importance. It's not the start we wanted and even though we've had to face the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd and Newcastle the pressure is well and truly on for us to get our first win. I don’t want to dwell on it as this is a preview but is anyone really surprised with the results we got against those three? Anyway before we go any further, let's take a couple of minutes out and forget about what’s happening this season and guessing who our next manager is going to be, let’s get away from all that, let's go back in time....... *if you have some play some cheesy “going back in time” music at this point* Who can forget the classic Match of The Day in 1985 when Rovers vs Pompey was one of the featured games / fights? Well I can't anyway as I still have it on video. It never fails to get a laugh. This is despite the fact that we lost that day 1-0 which more or less ended any chances we had for promotion that season. We dropped to 5th on 67 points, PFC jumped above us to 4th on 68. Both teams having played 40 games. Obviously at the time there was nothing funny about the result whatsoever but nigh on 20 years later I think it's worth recalling what happened that day. We lined up: Terry Gennoe, Jim Branagan, Derek Fazackerley, Glenn Keeley, Mick Rathbone, Ian Miller, Colin Randall, Simon Barker, Noel Brotherston, Jimmy Quinn and Simon Garner. So nothing much unusual about that team then. Pompey had a line up of assorted thugs (such as Tait, Dillon, Kennedy, O'Callaghan plus a certain Paul Wood) and Neil Webb. Older viewers will recall that many of the games between the two back then were always a bit "fiery" and full of needle to say the least - well what do you expect when "little" Alan Ball was their manager? The first half went by without incident except for a couple of easy chances wasted at either end. The first incident of note involved Jim Branagan when he committed a ridiculous challenge on Pompey's Mick Kennedy, it was more like an assault rather than a challenge. Branagan gets up, hold's his arms out and does a fantastic impression of Mr McKay from Porridge whilst proclaiming his innocence. He is booked. Shortly afterwards Pompey take the lead through chief wind up merchant Tait from a corner. Soon enough there's another scuffle involving Branagan and O'Callaghan at which point John Motson proclaims excitedly "It's all getting rather nasteeeeee!" Jim emerges from the scuffle with his shorts now resembling a skirt. O'Callaghan blasts another chance for Portsmouth over the bar and "Beamo! Beamo! Beamo!" can clearly be heard from the BBE. Then the real fun and games begin. "Killer" Keeley and Paul Wood have a scuffle in front of the home dug out. Both dug outs empty and everyone runs on the pitch to stop the fight. If this happened now the FA would probably spontaneously combust and shut down. The referee had no hesitation or option and promptly booked them both. Yep - only a booking in those days for fighting. A few minutes more pass and Keeley has picked his moment for revenge, he goes straight over the top of the ball and kicks / stamps Paul Wood in the testicular nether region. Wood goes down in a crumpled mess (well you would wouldn't you?) - Keeley is sent off. Wood eventually gets up and is also sent off, presumably for attacking Keeley's studs with his old man (no, not his Dad). Wood walks off down the tunnel (Motson is now hysterical, "Wood is in tears!") and he is baited by the screaming hoardes gathered in the Nuttall Street Enclosure (well, it looked more like a couple of blokes having a bit of a grumble to be honest). Faz has developed a cut under his eye by this stage of the game - but strangely this isn't commented on by the BBC. Anyway, we lose 1-0 and some of the players sprint down the tunnel at the end for a "quick chat". Back to the studio and Jimmy Hill is off in a world of his own.... "Portsmouth were the better side and deserved their win, but sadly nearing the end of a season for better entertainment and civilised conduct on the field the copy book was well and truly blotted in a match that Solomon would have had difficulty adjudicating." Aye, alright Jimmy. The BBC then show "Randall's cynical rabbit punch that deserved a sending off rather than a booking" He didn't even hit him hard. And then the best bit...word for word from Jimmy Hill: "Finally in a week when we're celebrating 40 years of peace in Europe, Glenn Keeley risked starting another War with his calculated and unforgivable assault on Wood" Ha Ha Ha!!!! Classic. He had it coming!! As I said Portsmouth could give it out big style back then - Hill just decided it was all our fault. The clown. Great entertainment and nice to look back on that to see the "old" Ewood every now and again. Now then, back to the future and we must now turn to more pressing matters.....I've done a bit of a Q&A with a Portsmouth fan I know, being the top bloke that he is he’s entered into the spirit of things… Kevin - do you remember the Portsmouth team of the mid to late 80's? Bunch of thugs weren't they? I mean Mickey Tait should have been locked up.... A good team, full of players who would tackle and kick first, then ask questions later. You're not wrong there. It's the best away trip in the Country up here at Ewood, as you know. Two minutes off the motorway, you get your own pub, (The Fernhurst is the biggest in Ewood) and you get as many tickets as you want. We even gave a lot of clubs three points as well last season, including yourselves. What else can we possibly do to encourage away fans to visit our club? It’s unusual but nice that when you visit the "library atmosphere" of Ewood Park that your teams chants are the only ones heard. Yeah, er, thanks Kev. So how long have you been a Portsmouth and Manchester United fan? And perhaps more importantly, how does that work? I have supported both teams ever since I can remember, since about age 5. It has never been a problem until now that Portsmouth are a major force in the Premier. How strange. In a game between say Portsmouth and Manchester United, who would you want to win? Although I would not like to see either team lose, I would go with my heart and cheer on Portsmouth. What about in a fight between a Swan and a Goose? A swan as they are the nice looking bird, and don't follow you around. I can't argue with that. Who are your danger men? Obviously there's the "Yak", Patrik Berger is capable of miss-hitting volleys from anywhere on the pitch, there's Fuller as well with his pace and trickery, Berkovic is a player that we're all too familiar with, then there's Steve Stone who can crop up with the odd goal now and again and of course there's also Matthew Taylor down the left who looks a good prospect. Other than those six players who should we really look out for? The pace of Lua Lua that terrorised your defence when he came on as a 2nd half sub last season. There is also our new striker Kamamra who also has electrifying pace. You must also be aware of the Scottish International Nigel Quashie and his midfield dominance. And what about Rovers, apart from Craig Short, who do you fear most in our team? Since the departure of Andy Cole and his very high percentage of goals per chances and Dwight Yorke with very high work rate, I don't fear anyone. Biting sarcasm there Kev, I like it. Last season Portsmouth had a large following at Ewood, do you think your away support will be as large this season or do you think it was more a case of just getting a little bit excited about playing in the Premier League for the first time? I must admit, although the season is only a few games old, the travelling hordes of Portsmouth fans doesn't appear to be as many as last season, although they are still as vocal. I hoping that this is down to summer holiday commitments. Harry is undoubtedly one of the most popular and respected managers in the Premier League, many tip him as a future England Manager. What do you reckon of that Louise who his son married? Louise is a very nice and rich girl. Jamie although a bit unlucky with injuries, always conducts himself in the right manner. He also comes on as an expert on BBC football programmes as very knowledgeable and natural. I was hoping you could tell us more about Louise to be honest, never mind. What's that song you have for Paul Dickov? Can you tell our viewers what it is without swearing? Sung to the tune of the famous Pompey chimes, Dickov (Please don't use that word again) Off, (Please don't use that word again) Off Dickov. Catchy and yet offensive at the same time, nice touch. That fella John "Portsmouth Football Club" Westwood - seems a decent sort of a lunatic, but is it really necessary for him to ring that bell all the time? He is a legend, and a very friendly bloke as well. You will always find him chatting to home & away fans and also the police. Surely he is the most well known fan in the country. With certain clubs in the Premier League having a seemingly endless supply of cash (I mean Phil Neville's on £50,000 a week for Heavens sake) what would you do to address the balance between the likes of say Chelsea and Portsmouth? Or is there nothing you can do / you can't be bothered? There is currently nothing we can do. Where the likes of Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea, winning is all that matters, with teams as ours survival is firstly the most important thing, then just finish in the highest position possible, as Pompey did last season in 13th position. Where do you think you'll finish this season? Above Blackburn Rovers and Scumhampton. Probably finish in about 14 position. And Rovers? How do you think we'll do? 15th or 16th Finally Kev - can you give us a prediction as to how many we're going to beat you by? Blackburn Rovers 1 Portsmouth 2 (same as last season) Thanks for your time Kev - and good luck for the rest of the season - apart from when we beat you again in January (and as long as we finish above you). That’s it, sorry it went on a bit. Let’s beat this lot and get our season well and truly up and running. 3-0 to Rovers. Come On You Blues!!

That would be typical of Souness' luck. I think we'll win. Same score and same team as LeChuck's prediction above. Craig "arrogant, bigger than the club, no neck, good for nothing" Bellamy (as I believe the locals know him) to open the scoring on 17mins with a goal deflected into our net by his ego. Pedersen to score the equaliser in the second half on 67mins with a cool finish of his fringe. Finally Barry Ferguson to predictably score the winner in the 90th minute from the penalty spot. No pressure Barry. Souness appears on Betfair for the Rovers job at 50,000-1 straight after the match. The odds aren't long enough to attract a single bet.

I'm glad your not still bitter over what happened 15 years ago Well I am! Sorry but some things shouldn't be forgotten. I'd be quite happy with Dowie as manager. Young, ambitious, enthusiastic - just some of his qualitites. I'd be feeling Glad All Over if we got him. BTW - Well said 1864 -

Sorry mate - like a said I'm a bit bored!

Dont you read. Its from the LET Hughesmeister. You reference the LET as to the source of the four names you mentioned above. So being the bored individual I am this afternoon I just had a look at the LET article. Mentions of Advocaat = 0 Mentions of Houlier = 0

Don't worry LD. We have Hughesy to give us all the up to date news / B.S.

There's also Bob Crompton, he's not posted since March 6 but there's no need to alienate Bob's Alan. Capt - Mines one of those 1.5 pint thingy's that takes 1 hour 10 minutes to pour - your round half time vs Portsmouth. Thanks. Does anyone think that we're going to hear anything now until Monday at the earliest with regards to the new manager?

Alan - don't forget about "Bob" who also posts on here. A bit off that mate, he won't be happy.

That's Parkes for you Tango - ignoring the Youth (whether they're good enough or not) and going with seasoned professionals. It's enough to drive you mad. You'd think we were bottom of the league or something.

I know - Sports news in a Newspaper. Incredible. Still it beats waiting for your Cousins Brothers Postman to get to work at the Foot & Mouth Clinic in Bolton to ask out-patient and the recently confimed insane President of Outer Mongolia, Natsagiyn Bagabandi for the latest "news" on Blackburn Rovers. But only just.

And the previous two years? Bored then as well? Anyway, the Hughes Approach thang is on the back page of the Daily Express. Who'd have thought it?

Danny, Ben - don't do it. They'll never let you in at Stanley with a tin of paint. It would be deadly dull. Listen to alex sci fi, keep the faith, sit tight and see what happens.

Kluivert doesn't by the looks of it ! Aye! Fair enough! Fair play to Jim though, he stirs things up on here no problem. He should be a tabloid journalist or something. I'm sure I read today that Souness is actually out of the country on a short holiday ready to return next week to his new job. Like I'm bothered.

And on the other hand Brownie (making three ) you could say "Who actually gives a flying one about Newcastle and their manager?"

They were probably using an Over Head Projector. After three hours of intense discussions by the Board, John Williams finally managed to get his short list in focus. By which time everyone had lost interest and just agreed anway before retiring to the Fox and Hounds for drinks. That'll be it, yeah. den - your "not 100% sure about Hughes" comment. Good. I reckon if anyone is 100% they've got the right man then they'll be problems. I doubt Arsenal were "100%" sure they had the right man when they chose Wenger. The Board will just have to go with what seems like the best man at the time I'd suggest.

I'm a cornish bumpkin........ere get off moi land Have you been drinking god?

Sounds like the work of the tannoy man..... Saunders will have it in Newcastle - the final parting shot from an extremely evil man. We'll not see his like again, unless John Gregory gets the job

I'm only guessing but that's probably becuase the Brian Potter sound-a-likey Chairman of PNE isn't getting therapy treatment at Hughesy's Step Mums sister's shop in Bolton. He must be kicking himself.

If memory serves, he's a worm at the bottom of the garden. Steve Wigley - Southampton manager (until Rupert Lowe takes over).

Wenger has just been added!!! Taken off again now - sorry.

Betfair stopped taking odds on that years ago.

It's cheap - but funny Moyes perhaps? Can't be too happy with events at Everton after all.

Right then. It’s a bit frantic on here at the minute ain’t it? So, who do I want? While it’s dangerous and probably a stupid thing to do I really don’t want Hoddle, Advocat, or Houlier. Basically for the reasons that most people have already given so I’ll not repeat them. Similarly the names Sturrock and McCarthy have also been banded about. I don’t think we can take those seriously. This means that if one of the above becomes manager I look a complete fool. I then have to pretend I never posted this and state that it’s a great move for the club etc. The daft thing is I will as well. I try to be an optimistic supporter you see. There is also this new rumour of Dalglish & Newell or Shearer. I wouldn’t mind that at all but I can’t see that happening. Does Kenny need this hassle anymore? – I somehow doubt it. This is Shearer’s last season – if he came he wouldn’t be able to play until January (I’m sure I’m right in saying this) which would surely rule him out. Newell would probably be up for it though (although I don’t hink he has enough experience to do the job on his own). You then have Dowie and Jewell who although are good managers aren’t really what we’re looking for I’d imagine. There are good posts knocking around about players choosing to sign for a more “recognised” manager. Also, before I forget, Sir Bobby Robson. The irony - but again I can’t see any chance of that happening. Give him a three year contract and after about two years he may start getting the names of the player’s right. We don’t have that time. (2006/07 Season - “Tony – let’s fetch that Oysterhausen on up front”) However, it can only really be down to two names IMO – predictably the bookies favourites as well. Strachan did a good job at Southampton as far as I could tell. I wouldn’t mind seeing him here at all. BUT…it's looking like Mark Hughes. Although questioned on it today he never actually said… “no way, forget it, I’m not interested, I’m going to see this World Cup campaign out”. He just said that he was concentrating on tomorrows match. Previously on this thread John also revealed that Hughes has been in the Wales hot seat for 5 years now. He might consider this to be the right time to make the transition. There is no way that he’ll make the move from being Manager of Wales to one of the “Big” Premier League clubs, if he is ambitious Hughes will need to start a little lower down and make a name for himself. If that means coming to Blackburn Rovers, winning a couple of FA Cups, a UEFA Cup and enjoying several seasons in Europe then so be it. So there you have it. Of course all this late night twisted logic suggests that Hoddle will be our new manager by lunch time tomorrow and I’ll have to go and buy a gun ready for the Portsmouth match.

Sorry Jim - I wasn't having a dig. Good odds Brownie at 100/1 - I really hope it doesn't come off though - for all our sakes.

He may have applied for the job but I doubt he's a "target" Jim.