I’ll be honest here; this is a must win game. After this game we have league games against Everton and Villa, with a league cup game v Notts Forrest thrown in between those games.

Then after Villa and the retrn of big Brad and Stephen Warnock, we have Le Arse, Chelski, The B@stards, and ManUre.

This is a must win game.

Hopefully we will have a lot of players to choose from. Emerton is close to making a comeback, and Dunn, Reidy and Grella all should have used these 7 days extra to get back into shape and fit. Here’s the team I would put out:

——————-Robbo———————
Jacobsen Samba Givet Chimbonda
Dioufy Dunn Nzonzi Pederson
Benni (if fit) Kalinic

Wolves have earned 4 points from their 4 games but should be ours for the taking. If we go out and play solid defensively (like we have been lately) and our strikers can get some shots on target, we should pull out the 3 points.

Any thoughts about the game? Your XI you would field? As always, let me know and UP THE ROVERS!

(EDIT:This next paragraph was added after initial posting)However, I am really tired of players thinking that it is so bad here at Rovers. To be fair, in interviews since the move Warnock has not slated the team or club, and has actually been pretty classy. But when the fan’s player of the year jumps ship for “European football” (which villa were eliminated from today) you really have to wonder. It wasn’t too long ago Rovers were in Europe. And we all know what happens when individuals feel too big for the club: See Bellamy, Bentley, Santa Cruz, etc. I like Warnock, the guy always gave his all and usually I like Villa too, only rooting against them when they play us. But the sad truth is Warnock will probably be one of those to see the hard way that the grass isn’t always greener. All the same, I dont wish him bad, but if Villa finish 16th, I won’t be shedding a tear.

What I didn’t expect though, was this move for Chimbonda right away. Now, some people have been concerned that this gives us a million Right backs and no leftbacks up to par and still hasn’t addressed the midfield situation. However, I think Salgado was brought in to play a holding midfield in front of the back four as a transition guy and first line of defense. I see Chimbonda playing the RB off and on with Jacobsen until one of them lock up the spot with Samb and Nelsen at CB and Givet on the left. Not too shabby if you ask me.

Plus, this is pretty shrewd money wise as well. The deal is reportedly in the £1.5m-£2m pound range and the 30 year-old defender has signed for two years while the Warnock sale is speculated at around £7m.

For the sake of sanity, I will keep my blue and white Spectacles on, and not get into the reasoning behind letting a player like Warnock leave.

Also, we beat Gillingham to advance to the Carling Cup third round. Goals from Dunn, Junior Hoilett and MGP secured our passage through. No highlights available for posting, will update when I’ve got my hands on them.

West Ham preview up tomorrow and as always, UP THE ROVERS!

No use in really complaining about losing to the third place side in the league when your sitting in 17th but I’m getting really tired of thinking next week…next week. Rovers need to start stringing together some wins cause a Cup run won’t mean anything if we’re getting relegated. Which we won’t be, I’m just saying for some perspective. Highlights after the jump.
Blackburn V Aston Villa

The legendary Brad Friedel returns to Ewood Park tomorrow as Aston Villa visit for a Premier League clash. It’s no secret as to the quality of the Villa side this year as they’re riding high in 4th and have been unbeaten in their last 6 with 4 wins. I’m not sure what MON is up to over there, but it is clearly working. The best owner is one we don’t hear about and Randy Learner is only ever being talked about for all the right reasons. That being said, this isn’t the Villa blog so down to the business end of things. (I just like Villa as they can hopefully break the “Big 4’s” hold on the Prem and Champs League)
Ince’s side were beaten 3-2 earlier in the league this year and having been unbeaten under SA, Rovers look to avenge that loss. With (shudder) Diouf (ugh I hate it) RSC, Benni Mac and Jase Robs all available, the upfront is looking formidable. The midfield starting 4 is anyone’s guess because I can’t be too sure anyone knows who will be in the starting XI, not even SA. And according to this report click, SA is loving the selection dilemma. From the official site here:

“Boss Sam Allardyce will be missing only long-term absentees Steven Reid and Brett Emerton for the visit of Martin O’Neill’s side tomorrow afternoon.”

The back four looks alright with everyone available, although maybe Ooijer could do some good not in the starting XI as Villa’s pace on the break would maybe suit Zurab better.

All being told, I’d be more than happy with a point from this match, however, I think it could go 2-1 either way. Here’s hoping it’s the Rovers way. UP THE ROVERS!!

Why is it that when Keith Andrews struck in the dying minutes of the game(with a great shot I might add) I felt as if we had clinched all three points. We were unfairly at 10 men the majority of the match. Maybe that’s why scraping a point felt so good.

But then there is the AV game. Really good stuff. Except for the score line. And us not getting any points. But the football was so good for the most part until we got desperate. And it was really really good. But we lost. So why the optimism? Is anybody else relating? Or is this just me?

And the Boro game oh the Boro game. How we should have won as well. But Benni Mac, equalizing header in the dying seconds of added time. Immediate elation. Confusion later.

As we slip to 13th in the table, looking broadly it’s easy to begin to question Ince and Co. But watching the games, looking at the stats and understanding that you’ll get stuck with the crazy new ref out to prove a point and maybe it’s not so bad. Or maybe it is. You tell me.

That being said, Rovers dominated the first hour of this match. Boro had some chances sure, but there wasn’t ever a real threat. Even when we seemed to be long-balling it, you could tell it was more direct like a long pass and not a clearance/I hope Roque wins this. Benni Mac, who during the Notlob game looked great, came on a sub and did fantastic. That header was calm, cool and collective and not only saved me from a pissy mood the rest of the day, but left me feeling like we won that game.
More on this after the jump!

More on Benni. Welcome back man. We missed you. I don’t know who gave ya a kick in the behind or whipped you into shape but it’s great to hit some sort of form and better now than never. Hope to see more from you in the coming weeks.

Carlos still has some bulk to build and some skills to improve on as he stopped short on a few runs, had a couple of noticeable slow moments and just overall lost most of the 50/50 and physical challenges on him. However, his flowing style of play really added a threatening element the first 70 or so minutes and prior to the Boro goal.

Matty Derbs, (and I know I’m bouncing from point to point but this stuff is all still fresh in my head now) Matty Matty Matty. I love ya man, I really do, but what were you doing out there today? Touches and masses and shots and that stupid frustrated yellow card you got… unbelievable man. You’re so good when you come on after the hour mark, why can’t you be that good all the time? Maybe you just need to grow some more. The potential is so there, but just not manifesting right now.

A huge scare occurred when Roque went down after that cross into the box. I don’t think I took a breath that whole time he was down until I saw him sit up and smirk. He really is something else and let us all be glad he wasn’t seriously hurt.

On the officiating: I’ve never seen a referee more in the way than he was today. Mike Dean was just always around and seemingly blocking sight lines and pseudo interfering with passes. I don;t know why but it was just oddly noticeable his position today. Also, he clearly hates Rovers. That’s all on that.

Treacy: You’re not as good yet as you think you are. There were plays where you needed a touch or two and had clear opportunities to pass and move it along, yet at least 3 times you kept going yourself was were dispossessed. Step your passing game up then worry about trick sticking down the line.

I thought the back four were relatvily solid with the exception of Nelson who can’t seem to play a game with out 3 or 4 daft moments that make me cringe and Olsson who had a few thoughtless moments but made up for them overall. Olsson is still growing and getting better; Nelson, you have no excuse.

All in all, Rovers had some fantastic chances. Roque, Emerton, Carlos etc. And the formation fluidity and adaptation was great and kept Boro on their back foot most of the game. Once Boro scored though, we clearly panicked and we were fortunate enough that the panic was in an offensive desperately pushing forward way and not a panic and give away more goals way. The game was largely entertaining and moved well the majority of the time. I would have loved to have taken all 3 from this, but can’t say I’m upset with the draw given the circumstances. the next game is only 4 short days away against Aston Villa. We’ll see what changes are made to the starting 11, and how it feels to root against Big Brad. Until then, UP THE ROVERS!!

Brad Friedel made 287 League and 356 total appearances for Rovers over his 8 year career with us. Acquired on a free from Liverpool, Brad had to turn a lot of skeptics into believers. He has single handly saved us and won us so many games and points and we really have a lot to thank him for. He’s off now to his last big pay day and I can’t really hold any hard feelings against him. So goes a legend…

Now lets get Robbo in…

Sadly, this will be the beginning of the end for the time of Big Brad. The stipulation with Rovers before he could sign with Villa is that Rovers needed a replacement. Robinson was their first choice and now that he has put pen to paper, the departure of the American will not be long to follow. Let me be the first to thank Brad for his many years of professional and exceptional service to this proud club, though a more fitting goodbye will be drawn up when the time comes.

That Brad stuff is bringing me down, so members of Ince’s Blue and White Army, how do we feel about this, our first official signing?? 3.5m isn’t a terrible price for a keeper as young as that, and I’m very excited. “Oh but what about his spell as the England keeper?”I can hear some whine already. Rovers are notorious for turning bad apples of clubs (RSC and Samba just right off the top of my head) and re instilling in them the confidence they need to perform at their best. Hell, name two people you know who thought Friedel was better than Flowers when we signed them. You can’t? Right. Me neither.

This is a new period at Ewood Park, and if Robbo is any indication of the type of signing we’ll be expecting, Ince will be a loved Gaffer by all. Now, contrary to popular belief (or just mine and my mother’s) my word opinion isn’t always perfect and right? So what do you think about Robinson between the sticks?

And unless you’re a South American reader (or world football anorack), you probably don’t either.

However, what I do know has excited me somewhat. His name is Carlos Villanueva (no, not the Brewers pitcher…), a 22 year old Chilean, and he has come from Audax Italiano of the Chilean league for about £4million (though some sources say it is a season loan). He was due to join ambitious Spaniard’s Real Sociedad in May, but the deal fell through. Perhaps what is more exciting is that Real Madrid were interested in January.

He is an attacking midfielder (exactly what we need) and has scored 50 goals in 125 games for his club (which is quite fantastic). According to skysports.com Ince had approached his agent with a view to signing Mauro Zarate, but Zarate has since joined Lazio. However the agent (a clever bloke clearly) showed Ince Villanueva. I don’t think Ince is one to be mucked around by agents so he must have been suitably impressed by the lad. The only question is (and we are all asking it): can he survive the EPL?

That question is quite possibly the most cliched in English football, but we’ll wait and see. However, if this guy can deliver what I think he can, then he should fit in really well.

Oh, and he did this in his first competitive game for Chile in last years Copa America….a 90th minute winner:

In other news………..

- New Chelsea signing Jose Bosingwa says he is relished playing against our very own Morten Gamst Pedersen of all people. Take that Ronaldo!

- We have rejected bids for Bentley from Villa and Spurs. Villa claim to be looking elsewhere (though I think they may be back if/when Gareth Barry moves on). If Spurs sell Berbatov then I think they will be able to up their offer to something acceptable.

-Perhaps the worst news of the summer so far (which is an achievement): Brad Friedel wants to leave and will probably go to Villa or Man City. He has been fantastic for us, and I can’t understand why he wants to go. However, the great thing about goalkeepers is that they are the easiest players to replace – a good keeper is a good keeper – but who will replace him? Paul Robinson is being mentioned (for only £2million aswell), but is he as good as Brad? He can be, but his consistency is suspect. I can’t remember watching MOTD in the last 2 years and seeing Alan Hansen or Lee Dixon criticise Brad for a fundamental cock-up. There’s more to come in this story….

It seems our club can’t stay out of the headlines. Here’s the latest in your daily update:

Nigel Winterburn officially named new defensive coach.– Rovers’ Official Site

Aston Villa officially bid for Bentley.—SkySports

More on Winterburn’s appointment.—Setanta Sports

RSC “focused” on Blackburn.—TEAMtalk

Ince confirms the bid for Bents.—Eurosport & Yahoo

Finally, I mentioned the club shop before. Expect a write up on that when the online portion is 100% up. I’ve heard great things about it though from people lucky enough to be there. Until next time, Up the Rovers!

Edit: After the jump I’ve added a match review write up that I enjoyed and thought was quite good. Cheers to RevidgeBlue from BRFCS.com for it.

Very enjoyable evening. I knew Macclesfield were a small club and ground etc. but I didn’t realise they were THAT small, was like a throwback to the old 3rd division days in the early to mid 70’s.

Decent Rovers following – crowd of just over 2000 – of which well over half seemed to be from Blackburn.

As Macclesfield play in dark blue, we donned the red and black halves once again which looked even better with the black Crown paints logo. Hope they go on open sale at some point as well.

We started with a very strong side (including Brad) but no Bentley or RSC. Derbyshire wide right, Roberts and McCarthy up front.

We didn’t really fire first half, McCarthy hit the outside of the post with a curling shot from distance after about 35 mins and Dunn scored a delightful goal after a mazy run and neat shot into the bottom right hand corner after 42 mins. That was the only real excitement of the half although I was extremely impressed with our fitness levels, we seemed a lot sharper and hungrier than when I’ve seen us play friendlies at a similar stage in previous seasons.

At half time we made eleven changes including Paul Gallagher coming on. Unbelievably he scored within about ten seconds of the restart, nodding in an excellent cross from the right wing. The rest of the second half was even more of an anti climax with basically a reserve side being on but again there was nothing wrong with the motivation or levels of commitment. They got one back whilst I was texting tnr.

In the first half I thought Samba was terrific, looked like he’d been playing all summer, his game was bob on. MGP and Reid also looked a lot sharper they did for much of the time lasrt season imo.

In the second half I thought Gallagher looked a cut above the other “reserves”.

What a nice man Steven Warnock is, after coming off at half time, came over to the Rovers fans on the other side of the pitch for photos and autograph signings.

The other highlight was seeing Robbie Savage on the team coach before the game with his young daughter. Apparently he got on after the others got off and subsequently appeared to be getting on famously with Dunny, and John Williams. What a great bloke he is too. Must be worth ten points having him around (unless you’re Derby).

We asked him if he’d come in his 160k Derby coloured Merc and he said he had then we asked him about the latest stories about a Range Rover with diamante lettering and he said it was right about the Range Rover but not the lettering! I was rather hoping we might have signed him back on the cheap but I suspect it was more to do with his daughter who was wearing a Rovers top. I also overheard Sav say to someone else that he can’t get a Derby shirt near her. Sensible young lady!

Met Paul Ince briefly outside the ground after the game and wished him luck. He seems a really bright, bubbly and likeable personality.

So not too much to be drawn from the game itself, although all 22 players certainly looked well up for it and fitness levels seemed excellent.