you’re going to lose.

Emmanuel Adebayor’s goal in the second or third minute was a nice shot but was hard to swallow and it went in off of Robbo, who really did all he could to save the bending laser strike. Ireland’s 90+2 strike was just a result of the Rovers trying to push off and leaving the back weak.

For most of the first half, Rovers were the better side. We dominated the run of play and kept the ball in the Citeh half for most of the opening 45. However coming out of the gates in the second half, Sparky clearly made some changes. Citeh were the dominating side, with Rovers literally just running around trying to catch them.

A more accurate review later on, with some pics and a link to highlights.

Here’s how we’re looking: Robinson, Brown, Jacobsen, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Olsson, Diouf, Hoilett, van Heerden, Doran, Nzonzi, Andrews, Pedersen, McCarthy, Roberts, Di Santo.

Look at that list and remember who’s out and doubtful and try and build a solid starting XI. Our midfield can’t even be completed let alone compete. Very worried about what we could see if Nelson and Samba don’t make the cut.

Citeh will be probably fielding a 1-0-9 formation, with a team looking like this according to SkySports:
Given, Richards, Dunne, Toure, Bridge; Wright-Phillips, Barry, Ireland, Bellamy; Robinho, Tevez.

Let me just say, I am looking forward to a win. But if we draw or even lose I can not say I’ll be surprised. I just hope the boys are ready to get the season going the right way.

Now the invitation. I invite all Rovers fan in the NYC area to make the trek into the NYC and come watch the game with me and a bunch of other Rovers fans at Nevada Smiths. We’ll be there a little before kick off and through out the match so please come by if you are able to.

Hopefully the next post will be a victory review. Until then, come on new season AND UP THE ROVERS!

During a slow news week, figured any news is news. Hopefully we can pull Sbragia from Sunderland to fill the role.

Rovers are just wrapping up a friendly against Cambridge United away, so hopefully I can find some highlights and a few reports to write up a report tonight. Any transfer news not a blatant rumor, we’ll have it up here for debate and discussion. Till then, UP THE ROVERS!

In this interview with SkySports, Sam talks about how Ruud is now out of contention and the Rovers attention.

“I think probably Ruud, from a salary point of view, is out of our reach. And I think he is not going to be fit until September, so that is not going to be what we are looking for at the moment.”

Not what we’re looking for. He’s gotta be healthy and he’s gotta accept a lower salary and neither of those things seem to be happening. However, take a listen to that interview on the video before the article. We see how Sam hasn’t brought in a striker yet. In the interview he says he’s waiting to see who some other teams bring in. Looks like we’re waiting to see who’s going to get off loaded and pick up a striker with some Prem experience. Could turn out to be a good move. We’ll see.

Moving On…..

Peter Crouch has been ruled out after the £14million price tag has left Rovers realistically out of the picture of swaying him from Portsmouth. Not too upset about that one, never really believed the rumors he would move here.

Christian Vieri is training with the club now, according to SkySports. Why Rovers? 35 year old washed up striker, so why? I don’t think this will amount to anything. We don’t need another Fowler running around taking up wages and space….and food.

The DailyMail is reporting today that Chelski new boy Yuri Zhirkov is a Blackburn Rovers fan! Hm…how long is his contract for again?

In other linkage, I will now steal a segment from Around the Horn, a show on ESPN in America, called BUY or SELL!

Daily mail linking us to Luis Garcia? Sell.

The Mirror has linked Ricky Sbragia with a move to the backroom of Rovers as Ince steals mate Robinson back to MK Dons with him. Buy or Sell? I’m going to sell this one. But not because I wouldn’t like to see Sbragia at Rovers. The guy knows his stuff and could only help BFS. Selling because he has a job for life at Sunderland and probably wouldn’t leave for us.

That’s all for now, comments are always welcomed and encouraged. I would love to have a new striker to write about soon, but we’ll have to wait and see. UP THE ROVERS!

Legally I don’t think I am allowed to post the fixtures however, you can find them by clicking this link.

Seeing as I don’t want to get into trouble for posting them in more detail, let’s move into vague date chat.

Soooo, how’s everyone feeling about October 17th this year? Excited? Anxious? Angry? And what about March 27th 2010? Anyone have any thoughts?

I know you do, so comment below. Do it.

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!!

Right, well onto a quick summary of some Rovers news:

Big Sam has let Mr. Arsenal aka Winterburn go as well as Robbie Fowler who I had forgotten was still alive. Big Sam has also met with Roque one on one and had a chat, then went on to say in a press conference that he would love to hold o to him but would have to consider any large offer that may come in from Man City. Well, maybe not that last bit about Man City but I think we all know what he meant when he said it.

Allardyce also was quoted as saying that he will strengthen the squad this window only if the right quality players become available at the right price. As long as that means anyone except El Hadji Diouf then I don’t think I’ll mind too too much.

Sunderland tomorrow for the Boxing Day match, and hopefully another 3 points. Shall the bounce of the new gaffer be negated with both teams under new management? Or will Rovers continue to ride high during this festive season?

One last thing: my predecessor here at the Blackburn Offside popped back up last comment, and I’m going to shamelessly plug his new site. Dan’s a great writer and a great supporter to boot, so make sure you check it out. The Rovers Return-click.

That’s all for now. Up the Rovers!!!

“This is a great club to be managing, having walked around the facilities today, this is the best facilities that I’ve experienced as a manager.”

He also added

“But having been there before I hope the players respond very quickly, I hope this is a blip, I hope this is a run of poor form. We have to get the players playing to the maximum of their ability, and hopefully we can move up the table.”

There’s also a pretty good article here from FoxSoccer.com

With BFS taking over, Neil McDonald has been appointed new assistant manager. Ray Mathias and first team coach Archie Knox have been released but Ince’s assistant first team coach Karl Robinson is still on board.

Now, right off the bat I’m at a disadvantage cause when this news is breaking in real time, it is still bed time here. Terrible things those time zones but here’s what we’ve got till now:

1st: This is the reason Shearer won’t be the next manager, this and he’s a Newcastle loving gobshite.
For anyone not interested in opening a tab to the link, I’ll pull a quote from the article:

“Looking back at that night at Ewood Park, I deliberately missed a few chances against Newcastle and what happens but Graham comes off the bench and before I knew it he popped in a couple of goals.

Follow after the jump for the rest of what’s up officially.

2nd: John Williams is taking this front and center. Anyone who hasn’t caught the two articles on the official site needs to, and lemme pull out the highlights. First, the statement from the club:

It is with great sadness the Board announce that Paul Ince is to leave the club. After a Board meeting yesterday it was decided to relieve Paul of his duties.

The Board, having selected Paul back in June, were desperate for him to succeed and wanted to give him as much time as possible in the unforgiving environment of Premier League management where time is such a precious commodity.

Chairman John Williams said “Three wins in 17 games has seen a squad, which finished seventh last season, fall to 19th position. We are currently in real danger of becoming detached from the pack.

“The survival of the club in the Premier League is paramount and our focus now is on finding a replacement who will be able to maintain our top division status.

“Paul will bounce back, he is a fighter and we wish him well.”

AKA: SACKED!

Also, JW is letting everyone know what the clubs goal is: “Appointing a new manager is our total focus.” he adds in a club article. “In the meantime, the day-to-day training will be carried out by Archie Knox, Ray Mathias and Karl Robinson. Our coaching staff and all of the players fully understand the importance of this weekend’s game.

“Our supporters can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to get the team climbing the Premier League table as soon as possible.”

3rd: Who’s going to come in and take over? Really, I’m asking. Who? I have no idea who would be the ideal person to lead up to safety. Maybe we can persuade old ‘Arry to come save us.

Comments, thoughts; moans and groans all go here folks. Can the club survive this season? (spoiler alert: yes, we can!)

“In the meantime, the day-to-day training will be carried out by Archie Knox, Ray Mathias and Karl Robinson. Our coaching staff and all of the players fully understand the importance of this weekend’s game.

I have a final in a few hours but will update with all the latest this afternoon.

EDIT: Actually I’ve been beaten to it. Feel free to read all the going ons at Blackburn else where on the offside:
Here on the Offside.com
as well as
Here on the Premier League Offside.

I’m sure they’ll have all the in depth coverage, until another story comes along.