John Williams: Taking Names and Cutting Wages – Setanta (but how much longer will they be around?)

Signing number 2!! Nikos Giannakopoulos from Asteras Tripolis. Try saying that Three times fast. – SkySports (Post on him coming soon.)

Zurab to Gala? – Mirror

VILLANUEVA SAD IT’S ALL ROVER (I swear I didn’t write that, it was too good to change) – Daily Star

Hunting Zigic?? – SkySports

Onto more important things. The next bits of news have come straight from sources who directly spoke to players last night at the End of the Year Awards dinner for the club. No BS here; just Facts!

Rovers nab Givet

John Williams has confirmed an agreement of terms between Marseille and Rovers for our new favorite boy Givet. He will be signing a new four year deal soon.

Warnock rubbishes reports of leaving

Sources who spoke to Warnock said he is very happy at Rovers and he isnt going anywhere saying that the rumors are “all paper crap.”

Players say their goodbyes to Tugay, Villanueva and….Santa Cruz?

Does this mean he’s definitely out the door? We shall see.

Tugay retiring

We all knew he was done, so this puts to rest any rumors of him playing back at Gala. He’s staying in the area and will probably work on his badges for a few years before coming back to Rovers.

Wa wa wee wa. Lots of reports.

Let the silly season begin. For me, still playing in the top flight after the first half of the year we had is more then okay with me. We’ll strive to improve again next year.

In the comments section below, vote on your player of the year. Maybe I’ll add a poll, but I wouldn’t want to leave any one out. I’ll be around and about with any and all updates coming out of the Rovers camp. As always, UP THE ROVERS!

Happy Trails

Andre Ooijer’s long speculated departure back to PSV Eindhoven has been confirmed by the club as well by the Dutchman on the offish site. I for one will always think fondly of the defense man, and think he was always a very vital part of the back line. 29 start 2 sub appearances 2 goals and No red cards and 2 assists this season. Not too shabby. Extremely happy with Gael Givet though as a replacement, the man has been immense. Rovers need to sign him but that’s another post for another day. Still, best of luck to Andre back home at PSV, thanks for the 3 years of service.

Carlos Villanueva. Ah, we barely knew thee. Reports here(click) and here(different click) have reported that King Carlos, the favorite pineapple head, has signed a deal with Al Shabab. Skill and touch were never a question about the boy, but speed and physicality were always two department that the Rovers management never seem to think he had enough of. Thanks for the effort Mr. Chile.

ROVERS SLASH SEASON TICKET PRICES

Boom. Slashed. The Rovers love their fans, and this ridiculous “Crucial 3″ program the Rovers launched brought in about 4000 extra heads at Ewood. Class. Rovers saw how successful this worked and good on the Trust and the Club (and John Williams) for making great football more accessible to the masses.

WBA Sunday

So the last game of the term. A very, very, long and winding road. Some ups, and a lot of downs. But we’re safe, and we’ve made it. Now, time to earn another 750K and hopefully move up a slot on the league table. WBA has already been relegated so they are ours for the taking. Time to drop some knowledge:
IN: Ooijer and Givet should be back.
Out: The Admiral (torn a calf muscle), Roque(giving an interview in Paraguay) and Roberts (fractured metatarsal).

So, here’s to a good weekend. For the Americans reading, have a safe Memorial Day weekend. Let’s go out on a high this season Rovers!

With no actual strikers in the starting XI (does anyone know why Benni mac wasn’t? Does Big Sam really not like him that much or is he hurt and I missed it?) Rovers were forced to play with Samba and Villanueva up front. They took their chances where they could with MGP and Nelson all having attempts that failed to really materialize into much.

The stand out performance of the game I think was Robbo. Without him between the sticks the scoreline would have been a much different and higher digit. Highlights after the jump, I hate reporting losses, it makes me feel like a journalist and not a fan. So here’s looking towards West Brom, let’s go out on a high. UP THE ROVERS!
Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers

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!!

Carlos’ free kick:

94th- Surely the game must be over? Blyth cross it in but its cleared and the whistle goes.
92nd- Bunn’s called into action but the won’t catch him Napping. He holds on.
3 minutes of stoppage time.
89th- Rovers just cant shut the door on this Blyth team.
88th- Treacy has been brought down and Rovers will have a free kick just inside the Blyth area.
87th- Whipped in and Blyth head it over.
86th- Rovers falling a bit, as Blyth win another free kick.
85th- Wow. Wright on the end of a magnificent cross for Blyth. I thought he’d scored, every one did, and it flashes wide of the post. Wow. Fantastic chance. Lucky for Rovers.
84th- Hodge on for Matty Derbs
83rd- Blyth with a shot! but Zurab gets in the way to not force Bunn into action. It was Reay who hit it.
82nd- Judge swings it in, Off Zurabs head and just over for a GK
82nd- Rovers corner as they look for their second to put the game away.
81st- Throw for Blyth now, Pell almost gets a header to it but its knocked to safety and then defended by treacy.
80th- Judge in, Back by Zurab, treacy to roberts who just plays in the area and then gets clattered into as he shoots.
80th- Down on he other end Rovers win a corner.
79th- Headed away but struck by a Blyth man but high and over.
78th- Free kick for Blyth
77th– If rovers can get any kind of counter, they can do some damage. Blyth have so many men forward, but they are starting to put some pressure on.
77th- Corner comes in from Blyth and Moko heads it back and away for a Blyth throw in a much less dangerous spot.
76th- Blyth gets a sneaky ball in behind the back four and Moko has to clear it for a corner.
Attendance at 3,445 today. Huge for them.
75th- Derbs just leaves an absolute sitter of a ass for Andrews who makes a meal of it and smashes it high. It was harder to miss there and he did it.
74th- Irony at its finest, Moko comes in from behind and wins the ball with a fantastic challenge from the side, and Moko is shown the yellow.
73rd- Handball called on Judge but it didnt look like one from the camera angle.
72nd- Mark Bunn makes a comfortable save, the first one of his night
71st- Moko gives away a free kick as Blyth attack, lucky it was not a yellow as well. He’s terrible
70th- Rovers win a free kick. As Blyth subs Wright for Dalton. Ball humped forward by Bunn but Blyth gets it.
68th- Another soft foul called against Rovers.
68th- Great ball by Roberts to Andrews to Derbs who crosses but its just poked out by Blyth as Rovers continue to look for a second.
66th- Cleared by Rovers and played out by Blyth for a Rovers throw.
65th- Free kick for Blyth as Andrews is blown up for a very soft foul. Dangerous spot. Needs to be handled.
64th- Todd for White as Blyth make a change.
62- Judge takes it bell catches and blyth try and attack but given to Rovers straight away.
61st- Treacy with a howler and a dipper that comes just off the top of the crossbar but it was deflected for a corner
61st- All blackburn at the moment, comments the man on my tv
60th-Funnily enough, Carlos comes off for Roberts and Andrews on for Grella though Rovers now have some breathing room.
Rovers 1-0 Blyth

GET INNNNNN!!!!!! Villanueva scores from the free kick with a cracker in any league in any game. FANTASTIC!

58th- Carlos taken down right at the 18. Good FK spot for rovers. Lets see wholl take it and if they can put it away.
56th- Blyth just comes out of no where and Rovers panic and Blyth gets a long throw. Cleared by Rovers but played in by Blyth again and “Moko half asleep” yells the TV commentator. The crowd starts to get into it as we’re in the 57th and Rovers need to calm down and put Blyth back on the back foot. Jason Roberts starts to warm up.
55th- Simpson called for a foul
54th- Simpson with some good pace, pressure on Blyth, Corner for Rovers. Treacy to take. Headed away a tad then finally cleared by Blyth but rovers attack again. Zurab gives possession away.
51st- Ball from Simpson to carlos, Carlos with a great bit of skill and a very very nice shot just doesnt curl enough off his left foot and wide of the mark. Good show though.
50th- Long ball up to the forwards way over, Blyth GK
49th- Derbs with another poor shot
46th- Rovers throw as Blyth just kick it away? Rovers going left to right and hopefully breaking the deadlock soon.

Half time. Read all of the first half commentary after the jump. I’m going to make some tea and charge my laptop and wonder how we’re not up by 1 million goals. If you’re reading along, feel free to comment or ask anything on your mind be it about the game or anything Rovers. See ya in a few.
One min of stoppage time
45th- Treacy with a great ball just a bit too high for Matty Derbs making a run and Bell takes it.
44th- Free kick for Rovers just inside the Blyth half. PLayed back to Moko only god knows why. He’s the worst player in the world.
42nd- How we haven’t scored yet I’ll never know. I can’t help but feel that once we get the fist, 2 3 and 4 will follow.
41st- Treacy clattered into by a Blyth defender in the box. Looks like he barely got the ball first but I’ve seen them given for less.
39th- Corner defended right up in the air, I didnt see who but a Rover rockets a shot right on the volley and it appears to be cleared off the line by the hand of one of the 4 spartans positioned there but replay shows it was the head.
39th- Grella to simpson , simpson to cross, corner for rovers
38th- Rovers with a throw in deep in the Blyth final 3rd. Wasted. Another throw results.
37th- The rovers want of a goal is almost palpable, they’re just not catching that last break. Blyth with a free kick, goes out for a GK.
36th- Bell races out and mis hits a clearence, luckily for Blyth is gets out of bounds before Derbs can capitalize.
35th- Matty Derbs with another great chance but he tries it to hit on on the cross instead of settling it and mis hits it.
34th- GOAL DISALLOWED!! Derbs in an offside position though last touched by a defender, I’m not sure how the rule works but Derbs attempted an erhead kick and the errant shot knocked the defender in the head and the ball flew in. Deffo a must see when I get th highlights later.
33rd- Corner for Rovers cleared away by a Blyth defender. THrow in for Rovers.
31st- Build up turns into nothing as Bell takes control of an errant cross. everytime I ook down to type, Rovers have the ball again but this time Treacy knocks it for a Blyth goal kick.
30th- Zurab passes back to Bunn to reset the flow as Rovers look to press up again.
28th- Treacy takes a solid hit as the corner gets cleared. Throw in for Rovers.
27th- “Stupidly so” the clearance attempt described by the commentator on TV and agree. Moko nothing but a liability at the back today. Corner for blyth.
25th- Rovers denied a corner again, and as I type, Moko does a typical moko, poor clearence, Blyth with a shot and they shoot it wide. The first real opportunity today for them.
24th- Rovers looking frustrated by the wall of green and white that they can’t seem to get that final ball in for a good shot.
21st- Grella just going hardbody and working the ball out of any Danger for Rovers.
19th- Judge with a pass/shot? I’m not sure but its 5 shots for and 0 against, as Rovers keep forcing the issue.
17th- Corner cleared by Blyth and foul called on Judge. Didn’t see who took the corner itself but it was a great one.
17th- Great link up by Simpson and Judge, leading to a Corner.
15th- Rovers on the attakck again, some quick passes and another solid strike by Carlos caught by Bell. Rovers on attack again and Blyth can’t keep possession let alone attack.
14th- Olssons long cross poor and taken by Bell.
11th- Corner for Rovers as Treacy takes first touch shot from a Matty Derbs pass and its a low hit solid strike pushed wide by Bell. Corner amounts to nothing but a GK

9th- Great little 1-2 and Carlos takes another shot at goal but he just mishits it off the outside foot and it goes wide.
7th- Rovers counter attack, Carlos tries to chip the keeper from just infront of the center circle, very high over the goal.
7th- Simpson tackled hard for the second time, this could turn ugly.
6th- Zurab with the armband keeping things settled and a pass up to Treacy sees him take a cheeky attempt that ends wide right.
4th- The teams still settling, nothing to solid to comment on, both sides sort of getting a feel for the other
3rd-The team looks almost makeshift, it’ll be interesting to see how this team pulls together
1st- Rovers in their home kit kicking from right to left as the game gets under way

Teams:

BLYTH: Bell, Boyle, White, Williams (c), Pell, Leeson, Dalton, McCabe, Dale, Reay.

Subs: Farman (GK), Brown, Hume, Poole. Todd, Wright, Watson.

ROVERS:: Bunn, Simpson, Khizanishvili (c), Mokoena, Olsson, Judge, Grella, Vogel, Treacy, Villanueva, Derbyshire.

Subs: Brown (GK), Andrews, Roberts, Hodge, Doran, Haworth, Gunning.

Watch this space for all the latest news and updates.

Lineups:
SUNDERLAND: Fulop, Bardsley, Nosworthy, Whitehead (c), Malbranque, Cisse, Richardson, Collins, Jones, Ferdinand, Henderson.

Subs: Colgan (GK), Tainio, Diouf, Murphy, Leadbitter, Reid, Kay.

ROVERS: Robinson, Simpson, Khizanishvili, Samba, Olsson, Haworth, Tugay (c), Mokoena, Treacy, Fowler, Derbyshire.

Subs: Brown (GK), Ooijer, Warnock, Nelsen, Santa Cruz, Villanueva, Judge.

Rovers really started off poorly, allowing Chelsea a ton of chances in the first 30 minutes. Paul Robinson really is back to great form as the game would have ended 12-0 had he not been there making some great saves. Rovers were dealt their first blow off of, what can be a described as a freak accident, deflection off of Anelka’s knee. Robinson was extremely wrong footed and helpless, he desperately called for an offside as the ball trickled in over the line. If you haven’t seen it, it is in the highlights, and you can’t help but feel for the guy. Having the game of his life and something like that goes and happens.

Rovers had some great chances as well, notably King Carlos’ strike that was clocked at one thousand miles per hour. Well, not really. But seriously, it was. How Cech saved it I’ll never know, but that’s why he’s one of the top 3 keepers in the world.

Anelka’s second goal was class. Again, the highlight reel will show it, but you can’t take anything away from that calm and collected chip finish. Also, no fault really to Robbo charging to save it, just unlucky. The Rovers still took the game to Chelsea most of the second half and were unlucky to not get something when Roberts had his chance on goal that Cech immediately got huge for and parried.

Sitting in 15th now we are, and Warnock will be missing out of the next league game after picking up his 5th yellow of the season. Hopefully we can stop these revitalized Spuds and get back on winning ways. Highlights after the jump.

Highlights:

Watch Blackburn v Chelsea in News Online  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com