Popular Post havanatopia Posted April 17, 2017 Popular Post Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 (edited) Good day everyone and a very happy Easter Monday in what is not a holiday out here in the Philippines; Thursday and Friday last week was for that designation. There will still be much to play for after this evenings match at Ewood Park, that much we do know. In the event City win, however, it seems likely our club will be playing Championship football in 2018 which, of course, means another year of Lee Johnson; all according to Steve Lansdown. Look forward or spit in my bucket, whichever is your predilection to that prospect. Blackburn, of course, are most people's laughing stock club. From the heady days of Jack Walker, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Shearer and top flight glory to the shambles of a bunch of Chicken farmers who look fresh out of the 'jungle', to be rightfully fair and condescending. And why not? Most of the overly paid footballers and football club owners and managers do there own fair share of bragadolio so why not we mere self deprecating mortals at the turn stiles? Notice my apostrophe's framing the word jungle however. Prior to hearing from a fellow Robin that Birmingham City had sent us down on two previous occasions all I wanted for Easter was to send Blackburn down (chicken, eggs, easter?! ) and, on reflection, that is still actually all I want. Birmingham did not 'send us down'. We sent ourselves down with 46 lousy games and not enough points garnered in those two particular seasons. 1998 and 3 years ago was it? No matter. The City players will likely turn up again this evening because they know another year in the Championship is what is required for their CV's. Lee Johnson will jog along for the ride of course. So, to tonight, and those visiting the old cotton town of Blackburn. According to the Lancashire Telegraph there are 10 key reasons to visit; Those who don’t know Blackburn may think in terms of dark satanic mills, but aerospace engineering long ago surpassed textiles here, and major redevelopment has changed much of the centre too. Many positive legacies of King Cotton’s reign remain, however, providing a fine contrast for more contemporary elements, nowhere more so than in the first of our 10 reasons to visit Cotton Town: 1. Cathedral of St. Mary's the Virgin with St. Paul. Sounds interesting and set in a green oasis so escape the squalor that no doubt this article glosses over for a brief moment before or after the game; mind you after dark might not be such a good idea. 2. The shopping: this includes a Mall where teenagers can hang out to their hearts’ content, with loads of big-name fashion-stores like Bank, a two-storey Primark, New Look, H&M, and Next. Loraine Jones, General Manager of The Mall is understandably enthusiastic about what the recent £66 million investment there has meant: ‘Blackburn has changed; the perception was that it was old, rundown, but now people are coming here to shop from Preston and the Ribble Valley.’ i would be interested to know if this is accurate fellow Robins. 3. In at number 3 my party poppers is of particularly interesting script I thought:- What the marketing types want us to call Blackburn’s ‘Gateway to Asia’ district (around Barbara Castle Way and Whalley New Road) has begun to rival the more famous Curry Mile in Manchester, the food ranging from cheap-and-cheerful takeaways to classier restaurants like Mai’da. 4. For a more eclectic eating experience head to the indoor market. You’ll find curry here too, but you can treat the heat with sarsaparilla and milk shakes or tuck in to older Lancastrian fayre like black pudding, parched peas, tripe with vinegar, and steak pies (now that’s a menu). Or go continental with pasta dishes, pannini and posh coffees. 5. Walk off your lunch in one of the town’s green-spaces that include the 480 acres of Witton Country Park. I was wondering when something not connected with gastronomy or shopping was going to make an appearance. Marvellous another green space. Oh and don't forget the Conservatory Park named after its glass house built in 1857. Was that not around the Great Exhibition? Maybe they had a mini version of Crystal Palace. 6. Mr Hart, whose generosity helped secure Witton Park for the town, had a hand in enriching another of its glories, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery. The philanthropist donated his collection of illustrated manuscripts, rare coins, and early printed books to the museum, but it’s best-known for its dazzling display of Russian Orthodox icons - it has 61 of these religious images, 31 from two collections bought with national funding, another 27 arriving in a less saintly manner, seized from smugglers by HM Customs. The building – appropriately enough on Museum Street, also houses a renowned collection of Japanese woodcut prints. I have just found a reason for the Indians to sell out to a Russian mobster who can rebuild the club and bring it back from the 3rd tier. 7. There’s plenty of art outdoors here too - public art is a key component in Blackburn’s regeneration strategy. Don’t miss Transitions on the pedestrianised Church Street, or (especially when it’s dark) Simon Watkinson’s magical light-sculpture The Braid at Suddell Cross. 8. The Leeds Liverpool Canal. The waterway and the towpath alongside it give different perspectives of the town and its surroundings, from industrial landscapes to quiet countryside. The section between Whitebirk and Rishton is particularly scenic. 9. Really scraping the barrel now just inside the top 10 which just goes to show that even in what most of us consider a decrepit run down slum of a town, which I am sure it is not, a football club makes it into one of the top 10 attractions. It proves the relative worth, even if the place has improved, of a town desperate to attract visitors.. The bound to rise again Blackburn Rovers Football Club, where last season a manager of the month award was due to anyone lasting that long. Ewood Park, the club’s home since 1890, is a fine stadium of Premier League standard where in 1995 that competition’s domination by London and Manchester clubs was interrupted by this proud East Lancs institution. 10. And as if to labour the point this is literally what the Lancashire Telegraph placed at number 10:- There’s free on-road parking on Saturdays! I mean really, come on fellas. Oh well. To all those making the tedious journey via the battle of the M5/M6 interchange we all salute you. It truly is a magnificent effort even if it is a bank holiday today or perhaps that makes it more magnificent; Watch out for those north bound Winnebagos and caravans heading back to their homes up north from Easter breaks in the south and west. By the way, I saw again a rather jovial yet boisterous QPR fan last night who was adamant that his team would end higher than City. Still moody from his teams loss to ours on Friday he was boastful that such an endeavour would be completed with consummate ease. I made a rather paltry bet with him which only made him more confident. Later in the evening he remarked that QPR would never be a big team like Chelsea because 'our ground is tin pot and small'. At least he was modest of his ambitions beyond beating us in the table I thought. p.s. I believe I have set this up rather well for Big Tone and others to come up with 10 good reasons not to visit the town; far from me to besmirch an industrial heartland that gave Britain and the world so much in our gloriously industrial past. All I know is that the folks in such quarters are salt of the earth hospitable. God bless us all. UTC. Edited April 17, 2017 by havanatopia 20 Quote Link to comment
Septic Peg Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Morning Hav and all... Got a niggle in my belly again. It might be down to the curry I had last night or it might be because I think we will lose 2-1... This really should have 2-2 draw written all over it though... we shall see... 1 Quote Link to comment
Jerseybean Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Thank you Hav for an entertaining and educational start to my day. Good day City fans everywhere I fancy we will win 2-1 today although 2-2 (as SP mentions) might indeed be the outcome. Whatever the score I salute all the City travelling support and hope the team play really, really well and give 100% - can not ask for anymore than that. COYR! 2 Quote Link to comment
Sweeneys Penalties Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Just hope people leave enough time to get to the match. It took 13 hours to get to Edinburgh on Good Friday. M5 was good, but the M6 was a pigging nightmare Quote Link to comment
Malago Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 See this as a free shot. Lose and it's still in our hands. Let's hope the team play without fear and really go for it. Quote Link to comment
Lanterne Rouge Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Just now, Malago said: See this as a free shot. Lose and it's still in our hands. Let's hope the team play without fear and really go for it. It is what we`ve earned by winning the last two to a certain extent. if we were to lose though, let it only be by the odd goal as we don`t want our `extra point` screwed again like it was at PNE. Quote Link to comment
Miggy Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Travelled up last night and staying in Manchester. Gonna catch the train for Blackburn in a bit, I heard the Fernhurst is a good pub for away fans. Is that the general consensus? Hoping the travel will be worth it for us today! 1 Quote Link to comment
Major Isewater Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Well done to H and all the posters , all been said so I don't have to post ... but I'll just add today's game very much depends on which teams turn up for each club . I think we have more firepower than Rovers if we attack from the off and get our noses in front I'm pretty certain that we will win . However , If they score first will we crumble and play like a bunch of tarts ? Hmmm , crumble, tart ... Go on les babbers Sing for City and King Harry ( Dolman ) . Crush those chicken nuggets and bring the three points home to their rightful place . 1 Quote Link to comment
cityexile Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Real must win for them, wheras the first real chance for us to put this season to bed. We have the poorest away form next to Rotherham, so hopefully we are not to passive, and actually try and play some football. Feels like 1-1 will be the highest score likely, but who knows. We are in the margin of error region now in terms of a chance taken or missed, a mistake, a 25 yard cracker, a decision given or not. Hopefully falls our way today. Birmingham to beat Burton please. Enough of this 'better to have as many involved as possible' stuff. Just want the teams with fewest points to lose now. No surprises wanted at Brighton v Wigan - want to keep that Cat away from being put amougst any pigeons, and Cardiff to beat Forest. 1 Quote Link to comment
miloemily Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 0-1 boring game. Lots of nerves and it won't be pretty but 3 points is all we want. Come on you reds Quote Link to comment
AirlieBeachRed Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 0-1 or 0-2. COYR Quote Link to comment
Son of Fred Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 27 minutes ago, Septic Peg said: Morning Hav and all... Got a niggle in my belly again. It might be down to the curry I had last night or it might be because I think we will lose 2-1... This really should have 2-2 draw written all over it though... we shall see... I have a similar niggle in mine,and it wasn't Mrs R's chicken casserole- am concerned that Lee will 'tinker',and with that will come 'one up top'... Quote Link to comment
Kid in the Riot Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Difficult to be confident with our abysmal away record. Get out of there with a point and it's nearly job done in terms of survival. 3 Quote Link to comment
42nite Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 A clean sheet for us first and formost please. Anything gained at the other end will be an added bonus. Quote Link to comment
Silvio Dante Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 7 minutes ago, cynic said: A win would be excellent. A draw would be good. A defeat wouldn't be a disaster. Ergo - go for it, two up top and full on attack. 100%. Any team changes, unless enforced, would be moronic and indicate the tombola is fixed. Theres a decent understanding in the team at the moment. Two up top and carry on 2 Quote Link to comment
Esmond Million's Bung Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Our record against the teams around us is pretty good. Rotherham H & A = 4 points. Wigan H & A = 6 points. Burton H & A = 4 points. Florest H & A = 3 points And we beat Blackburn at home. However traditionally this is the sort of game that I would expect us to lose, bottom line if we are not up for it we will lose, I will sit on the fence and say draw, but have little confidence with that prediction to be honest, despite our slight upturn in form. Quote Link to comment
Super Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Massive game would take a point now. COYR. Quote Link to comment
cityexile Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 8 minutes ago, Esmond Million's Bung said: Our record against the teams around us is pretty good. Rotherham H & A = 4 points. Wigan H & A = 6 points. Burton H & A = 4 points. Florest H & A = 3 points And we beat Blackburn at home. However traditionally this is the sort of game that I would expect us to lose, bottom line if we are not up for it we will lose, I will sit on the fence and say draw, but have little confidence with that prediction to be honest, despite our slight upturn in form. All the way back in October we beat Blackburn 1-0 with at 88th minute Wilbs goal. Not sure we deserved it that day, but what a crucial goal that might still turn out to be. Put them in the relegation zone, and put us in 6th. 23 points from 14 games. Quote Link to comment
Septic Peg Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 32 minutes ago, Robert the bruce said: I have a similar niggle in mine,and it wasn't Mrs R's chicken casserole- am concerned that Lee will 'tinker',and with that will come 'one up top'... Oh please not one up top... surely LJ has realised that now... 3 Quote Link to comment
lenred Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 With respect, I don't buy into the 'free shot' point of view shared by some on here. A win for them would give them a huge boost following their win against Florist and with Brighton up next for us we could be right in the mire come 5pm next Saturday. I would be massively happy with a point right now and Im confident we can get it. 2 Quote Link to comment
Major Isewater Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 (edited) 5 minutes ago, JonDolman said: I was angry with us conceding that goal Saturday. Easily avoidable. And can't imagine letting in a last minute goal does a lot for the confidence of our defence. It might just give them a little reminder to stay concentrated to the final whistle. Everybody knows how important today's match is. I fancy us to shade it . If we score first it will be hell for Rovers . Mowbray Out Melton Mowbray . Edited April 17, 2017 by Major Isewater Quote Link to comment
Gillies Downs Leeds Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 1 hour ago, lenred said: With respect, I don't buy into the 'free shot' point of view shared by some on here. A win for them would give them a huge boost following their win against Florist and with Brighton up next for us we could be right in the mire come 5pm next Saturday. I would be massively happy with a point right now and Im confident we can get it. We have Barnsley next before Brighton, but get your drift. 1 Quote Link to comment
Red Army 75 Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 49 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said: Difficult to be confident with our abysmal away record. Get out of there with a point and it's nearly job done in terms of survival. This . Our away form has been shocking. I would take a point definitely. Surely we're due an away performance. The fans who travel definitely deserve one . Come on city let's put this to bed 1 Quote Link to comment
Son of Fred Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 8 minutes ago, lenred said: With respect, I don't buy into the 'free shot' point of view shared by some on here. A win for them would give them a huge boost following their win against Florist and with Brighton up next for us we could be right in the mire come 5pm next Saturday. I would be massively happy with a point right now and Im confident we can get it. Nothing 'free' about it-would put massive pressure on Barnsley home with all its 'connotations'-not to mention Brighton away to follow. If Lee sets us up defensively today,as in 'not to lose' that will be indefensible (if you know what I mean). 1 Quote Link to comment
lenred Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Gillies Downs Leeds said: We have Barnsley next before Brighton, but get your drift. Ah, what a donut! Too much booze this weekend. Puts a different slant on things. Still feel we need to halt any Blackburn fight back today though if we can. Edited April 17, 2017 by lenred Quote Link to comment
Ashtonwurzel Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 Hold out for a point and run like the wind !! Quote Link to comment
Wanderingred Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 If we lose today it would 100% mean going to Brighton with safety still not assured (even with a perfect set of results on Saturday) That situation must be avoided at all costs. Quote Link to comment
Nogbad the Bad Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 17 minutes ago, Ashtonwurzel said: Hold out for a point and run like the wind !! Hopefully our most flatulent fans are attending today and will make a concerted effort to relieve the pressure should we take the lead. Quote Link to comment
MelksRed Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 I am concerned about Blackburn today... They will have a little bit of confidence about them after their win last week. It is imperative that we play our football (not all out defence and try not lose) and get an early goal (or three) to knock that out of them. My heart wants us to win today but my head says it wouldn't be City if we made it easy for ourselves.,, COYRS.....I know that you can put it to bed.....please don't choke today.....lets send them down! Quote Link to comment
kevthered Posted April 17, 2017 Report Share Posted April 17, 2017 (edited) A lot of em oop north think they got it in the bag due to our bad away form..This comment from they're forum.. They're even worse than us way from home. http://www.soccerstats.com/homeaway.asp?league=england2 We won't have a better chance than this to put pressure on the teams above us by getting 3 points. I'm going for 1-3 on account that they're crap and play in blue and white and the initials of BRFC. Abraham and Taylor and Patterson to do the damage COYR Edited April 17, 2017 by kevthered Quote Link to comment
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