FNQ

16 hours ago, Red-Robbo said:

 

It does read like something David Brent would draw up.

Reminds me of a story told to me by a friend who used to work for recruitment agency, Brook Street.

They held a conference which everyone from within the company was obliged to attend. On arrival, they were serenaded by a Tina Turner soundalike bellowing a version of Simply The Best, but with the lyrics changed to denigrate rivals Office Angels, Read etc.  Then they all had to casually jog on stage one at a time and karate chop a length of balsa wood while shouting "I'm unbeatable!".  

Well, don’t get me wrong, I hate them and him with a passion, frankly wish they would just fold… but, in fairness he would have sat in a few decent changing rooms over his playing career and have would have been mentored by a few good managers. It’s not just the words that are written it’s also and more importantly the verbal delivery of the message.. with his playing reputation he probably made a few of those ragged gas heads feel about 5 foot 3 tall before they went onto the pitch.. they didn’t do bad. He’s entitled to enjoy this one.

12 hours ago, Harry said:

I actually think him playing as an impact sub would see him scoring more goals. That would add value. 

Hmm.. David Fairclough vs Ian Rush.

3 minutes ago, Harry said:

 

These 2 posts kinda sum up how I feel about the best way to use Semenyo at the moment. 
I mentioned in another thread during the week how I feel we should use the 5 subs in a more tactical sense. 
Semenyo, for me, is best at the moment being the ‘impact’ player to come on and brutalise a tired defence. 
When we say that we are struggling for a ‘switch-up’ I think Semenyo should be that switch up. Let Wells, Conway and Weimann tire the defenders out for and hour with their superior movement and energy and then hour mark, unleash hell. 
 

Agreed, but if we want to sell him on in January (which we probably do) then he needs to be in the shop window. Who will pay £10m plus for a player that can’t hold down a position in the current Bristol City side?

Reading (away) Swansea (home)

Both teams currently above us, both teams conceded pretty much the same amount of goals, both teams scored fewer goals than us. So, 6 points? Why not? Even @Top Robin should give us half a chance..although probably not. 

1 minute ago, firstdivision said:

This league is mad. And unpredictable. Only two teams have lost more than Blackburn and they are top (won nine, lost seven).

 

Not looking forward to playing them away… oh, hang on..

10 minutes ago, AppyDAZE said:

Looked offside, we'll take it

We????

13 minutes ago, Slippin cider said:

Play like they did Saturday and it could be a very long evening indeed.

Play like we did at Blackburn and we’ll win… with the exception of Naismith we will likely field the same team too now that MJ is available. Lot of home pressure on West Brom.. 1-3.

55 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Thing is, Scott is back then and potentially James so I think the equation is different 

Well if we win and HNM puts in a shift and plays as well as he did against Lurton and Cardiff then I would hope (expect) that he ‘keeps the shirt’ for Birmingham regardless of who else is available… 

3 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Klose is fit, he strikes me as pretty decent CB cover & when Kalas is back we will be far stronger there.

We have Tanner & Wilson for RWB, Pring for LWB, Williams, Massengo & King in centre mid & Semenyo & Martin (who you appear to have forgotten) up front. O’Leary & Bajic in goal.

That seems to be pretty decent options to me.

So far we have barely had an injury, James has missed a couple but that’s it, seeing as Kalas has been out since March & Benarous since May.

I think our squad strength is far better than our squad depth, which is the right way around.

Should also include Sam Bell… Tinnion mentioned on Robins TV before the Norwich game that in his opinion Sam and Tommy Conway were “at the same level”.. 

19 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

I’ll repeat , some of the best , if not the best football 8ve seen us play at this level yet people fixated on defensive errors 

The simple solution is keep all the football and attacking intent and don’t make errors

Or we could go back to the utter s**** of the last few years , or most the ‘football’ we’ve played at this level for the last 4/5 decades 

Iknew this would happen , we’ve made such an improvement that now people are changing the goalposts , losing the plot over ‘dropped points’  damaging our chance of promotion or top 6 apparently

My suggestion is to enjoy the most entertaining and excellent football , we’ve played at this level in many a year , Or decade , whilst fielding 3 of the best players we’ve produced in 50/60 years 

 

100% agree, and no one will be hurting more than Kal tight now, bring on the Burnley game. And here’s another positive, how about Brian Tinnions pre match comments where in his opinion he considers Tommy Conway and Sam Bell to be at the same level! Just think about that for the future.. Giddyup!

1 minute ago, EstoniaTallinnRed said:

Evening all!   Anybody having trouble getting on to robins TV all I get is error 403!

All good at my end.. good luck!

6 minutes ago, Wanderingred said:

I’ve got a funny feeling about this one… Something unusual is going to happen.

Do you think that we’re going to score 6?

Great write up again JB! If we play anywhere near like we did away to Blackburn (who have just beaten Watford by the way) then we’ll be too good for Norwich too… 1-3 COYR’s. 

5 hours ago, Taz said:

More apt...

I think you got it… just somehow need to show the bottom of the bowl in blue quarters..

40 minutes ago, CiderJar said:

Since they are so proud of the nickname do you think consideration will be given to any of the badge designs below?

 

On 02/09/2022 at 19:12, Jerseybean said:

It’s 198 miles each way from Ashton Gate to Ewood Park, so well done to the legendary members of the Cider Army who will make the long trip and hope to see us extend our unbeaten run of seven games in all competitions. 

Formerly known as Ewood Bridge, Ewood Park has been permanent home to Blackburn Rovers since 1890, after they moved from their previous ground, Leamington Street. The stadium underwent a number of developments, most significantly under Jack Walker, when Ewood Park became one of the most advanced stadiums in the country.

Indeed, the biggest stand is named after former club owner Jack Walker, who did so much for them during his time at the club. This has 11,000 seats and also contains the home and away dressing rooms as well as the media facilities. There is also a statue in his honour which is situated behind the Ronnie Clayton Blackburn end.

Away fans visiting Ewood Park are located in the Bryan Douglas Darwen End, usually taking up around three quarters of the stand with an allocation of around 4,000 tickets.

Tony Mowbray left at the end of last season after a five year tenure, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61382412

His successor is Dane Jon Dahl Tomasson. In his playing days he was a forward, his most notable run of football came in his first stint at Feyenoord, with whom he won the 2002 UEFA Cup, and Italian club AC Milan, with whom he won the UEFA Champions League in 2003 and reached the final in 2005. He also played top-flight football in England, Germany and Spain. He is the joint all-time top goalscorer for the Denmark national team with 52 goals in 112 games and was also honoured with the Danish Player of the Year award in both 2002 and 2004. He played at the UEFA European Championship in 2000 and 2004 and the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2010.

After his playing career, Tomasson went into coaching, being both assistant and manager in the Netherlands, before becoming assistant manager in the Denmark national team under Åge Hareide. In 2020, Tomasson became the manager of Malmö FF and left two years later after winning the Swedish championship for two consecutive seasons. In June 2022 he signed a three-year deal at Blackburn Rovers.

This ten minute video is well worth a watch, it’s entitled ‘how Blackburn Rovers shocked the Premier League’:

 

 

Given SLs recent comments here is a timely and sobering reality check re foreign ownership!

Last season Rovers Trust called on owners Venky’s to engage in ‘face-to-face dialogue’ to discuss the future direction of the club. The Trust said they welcomed the financial support of the owners, but that their absentee ownership is ‘an unacceptable situation’.

The Trust published a letter stating: “It is now eight years since the Venky’s, the owners of Blackburn Rovers, last stepped foot in Ewood Park. That visit was not even to watch football, it was to host The Queen who was giving out Easter Maundy Thursday monies at Blackburn Cathedral in 2014.”

“While the Supporters Trust welcome the financial support the Venky’s put into Rovers to support the Academy and keep the club afloat it is an unacceptable situation.  A visit was promised this season but has yet to materialise with only two home games left.”

Venky’s took over ownership of Rovers in November 2011, with the club remaining reliant on their funding, net liabilities of the club, as detailed in the club accounts to June 2021, stood at £135m. Losses were cut to £5m, but only due to the sale of the Senior Training Centre at Brockhall to a newly-formed company of the owners.

On Monday they signed Coventry defender Dom Hyam for an undisclosed fee (rumored to be £1.5m) the 26-year-old centre-half, who made 192 appearances in five years since leaving Reading for the Sky Blues in May 2017, has signed a three-year deal. Rovers director of football Gregg Broughton said: "Our initial approach to Coventry City in July was met with a clear message that he was not for sale."However, when it became apparent this week that their stance had changed, we had no hesitation."

They also signed Leicester City striker George Hirst on a season-long loan, with an option to buy.

On deadline day they signed defender Clinton Mola from German Bundesliga side Stuttgart on a season-long loan with an option to buy. The 21-year-old began his career with Chelsea and won the FA Youth Cup as part of their academy setup.

Mola was their last signing, following earlier deals for Tyler Morton, on a season-long loan from Liverpool (the 19 year old midfielder bolsters Jon Dahl Tomasson's midfield options), Callum Brittain - Barnsley, undisclosed, Ethan Walker - Preston North End, free and Sammie Szmodics - Peterborough, undisclosed.

Star man Ben Brereton Diaz has apparently declared he wants a new challenge. Everton and Leeds were both reported as being interested and Nice reportedly made a £10 million bid for him, though that was rejected by Blackburn. So, he is staying at club for now as the £20 million asking price hasn't been met despite rumored bids from Fulham and Everton of £12 million.

After opening the season with three straight wins they then lost their next three games, then on Wednesday they won 1-0 away at Blackpool. After 7 games they are in 5th place on 12 points.

Over the years we have a decent record against them having won 21, lost 16 and drawn 13. Last season we drew at our place and beat them at theirs.

 

 

Referee Tim Robinson, assisted by Andrew Fox and Craig Taylor. Fourth official John Busby.

Here is hopefully a good omen! Last Sunday Bristol City marked their first home game of the Barclays Women's Championship season with a 2-0 win after a dominant display against Blackburn Rovers. First-half goals from Shania Hayles and Emily Syme secured Lauren Smith’s side all three points at the Robins High Performance Centre.

Pubs

• The Fernhurst, 466 Bolton Road, Blackburn, BB2 4JP. Closest away dedicated pub to Ewood Park. Provides match day parking for £5, a 5 minute walk to the stadium.
• Navigation Inn, Canal Street, Blackburn, BB2 4DL, https://www.facebook.com/navigation.inn1/ 17 minute walk from Ewood Park.
• The Golden Cup, 610 Blackburn Road, Darwen, BB3 0AJ, https://goldencupdarwen.co.uk
• The Postal Order,15-19 Darwen Street, Blackburn, BB2 2BY (Spoons) https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/lancashire/the-postal-order-blackburn
• Oyster and Otter, Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, BB2 5DQ, https://oysterandotter.co.uk/ About a ten minute drive from the ground. Distinctive clapboard and stone building in modern New England style; open-plan interior with cushioned dining booths by big windows on one side, other cosy seating areas divided by shoulder-high walls and large central hearth, end part with comfy sofas, good food including signature fish/seafood from open kitchen, Marstons Wainwright, a guest ale and over 30 wines by the glass; background music; children welcome, seats on decking above road, open (and food) all day.

Away guide with thanks to Jack Phillips:

Tickets:

The club have been given an allocation of 1,012 tickets which includes 10 pairs of wheelchair tickets.

The pricing is as follows:

Adults: £25

Senior 65+: £20

Aged 18-23: £15

Under 18: £10

Under 12: £7

Supporters coaches are £22 for season ticket holders, and £27 for non-season ticket holders.

Coaches leave Ashton Gate at 8:45am, you can park in Ashton Gate car park but remember to register your car on the screen in Kofi Lounge.

Parking:

Ewood Park:

Can be booked in advance or paid on the day

£10

Car parks B, H and F

Fernhurst Lodge Pub:

BB2 4JP

5 minute walk to Ewood Park

£5

Pub welcomes away fans

Traffic post-match can be bad

Darwen Vale High School:

BB3 0AL

£5, money donated to East Lancashire Hospice

15 minute walk to Ewood Park

Trains:

Mill Hill is the closest station to Ewood Park, around a 15 minute walk. You’ll have to travel via Manchester Victoria to get here however.

Blackburn’s main train station is a 33 minute walk from Ewood Park.

Food:

Romero's is the best fast food place to go in Blackburn (try the Grill Thrill Pizza).Romero's is right outside the stadium (BB2 4HY).

Alternatively, there is a McDonald's nearby too (BB2 4LQ).

If you want a decent pie try Leavers. This shop is opposite Ewood Park and is a must visit for pie lovers. Even on non-match days you are likely to have to get in the queue for one of the traditional pies on offer. The steak and meat and potato pies are particular favourites although there is a wide selection usually available on a daily basis.

Now the transfer window is closed we can concentrate solely on playing well and picking up points. For those City fans in attendance be loud and proud and have a great day, here’s to a great City performance and three points, COYR.

 

 

 

 

)

Great write up again JB.. 2-0 to us. 

1 hour ago, Malago said:

Before we get carried away with the self congratulation, may I remind everyone that last year we only took 3 points out 36 against the clubs who finished in the top 6, and have yet to play a team who are likely to finish in this year’s top 6.  

We will have a much better idea of the merits of this squad in a few weeks, when we play Norwich and Burnley away.

But there again… may I remind you that last year we scored the most goals outside of the top 6.. this year we seem even more potent with TC adding even more fire power. You got to admit, it is exciting to watch at the moment.

defendively we were crap and amongst the worst performers last year.. this season while acknowledging that we still have a lot to work on, we are miles ahead of where we were.. Norwich and Burnley will be taking us very seriously this year.

14 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

It very much is.

The thread is about the Blackburn game on Saturday, not tomorrow’s game..

30 minutes ago, Fordingbridge Pirate said:

Sadly, I can't disagree with this. Even seeing 'Manager: Joey Barton' on the programme must make literally any opposition fans think we are a disgrace.

OK, that’s enough… get yourself down to Ashton Gate and get hold of a proper football shirt. ( what with the colour and style, plus the super impressive stadium you’ll feel like you’re watching Arsenal on steroids every week).. enjoy the rest of your life.

HNM to start ahead of James on Weds? I certainly hope so… hope he signs a new contract too, but realise that he won’t.. he’s a good young player and will have a great future somewhere else..

1 hour ago, Never to the dark side said:

Happened over night between the manchester bar and the ground. Loads of fire engines in the area, MIGHT cause a few traffic delays in the area please  be warned and let  others know if they are heading to blackpool 

Photo opportunity?

46 minutes ago, Never to the dark side said:

Last seasons photos,

will post fresh photos for saturdays games,but there is only so many photos you can take of the same place.

Suggestions/thoughts any one?

How about having another crack at a photo of the scoreboard? It’s sure to look better this time around..

10 minutes ago, leader said:

What part of wales were they from ???

Cardiff..

6 hours ago, Malago said:

We’ll if you want cheering down, Vyner was fast asleep when Watters made the run just before we scored, and compounded the error by not tracking back.  
Rob Atkinson twice gave the ball away in dangerous position when under no pressure.  Another day, and another team, and we get punished for these errors.

Great day, thrilled with the overall performance, but defensively we’ve still get lots to work on.

In other news… Man City conceded three today..