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You’re a smart bloke Rev, surely you can’t believe that a few hundred less people in a ground that’s 2/3rds empty anyway will do anything? We usually can’t agree amongst ourselves on here the attendance to the nearest thousand. “Turn off the taps” to billionaires? They get richer each minute by more than you and I have spent on Rovers in our lives. Now, a chicken on the pitch every week would make the news globally, and might, just might, get through to them because it mocks them, and their stewardship of the club, personally.

Gueye was there over summer too.

Seems a fairly honest interview, although the final paragraph does make me wonder if a non disclosure agreement from his contract cancellation is in place https://medium.com/@roversalltheway95/exclusive-interview-with-former-blackburn-rovers-winger-arnór-sigurðsson-0ce7b13adb55 In an open and honest conversation, Arnór Sigurðsson reflects on his time at Blackburn Rovers from the excitement of arriving in England to the challenges of injuries, difficult decisions, and his eventual departure. Speaking with clarity and emotion, the Icelandic international shares memories of special moments at Ewood Park, relationships with managers and teammates, and how he now looks back on his Rovers journey. In this exclusive interview with RoversXtra, Arnór Sigurðsson opens up about his move to Blackburn Rovers, his standout moments in blue and white, the challenges he faced with injuries, his relationships with managers and teammates, and the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure from the club, before reflecting on life after Ewood Park and his fresh start at Malmö. A Dream Move to England Sigurðsson’s transfer to Blackburn came together quickly, but it was a move that meant everything to him. “My transfer to Blackburn happened very quick. I talked to John Dahl Tomasson and Greg Broughton at the time. They described how Blackburn was playing at that time. Possession based football and it looked very nice. When I signed it was my dream to play in England so it was a dream come true. It was huge for me my family and it was a quick progress and I was really happy when it went through.” Moments That Will Never Be Forgotten Despite difficult periods, Sigurðsson looks back on his time at Rovers with genuine warmth, recalling moments that will stay with him forever. “There were a lot of beautiful memories from my time at Blackburn. I think what stands out is obviously my debut. My goal it sweeps away. Then, the goals against QPR when the fans chanted my name. It was unbelievable and that’s a moment I will never forget. “Then there is one match that stands out when we lost to Newcastle on penalties. The fans were unbelievable again and that game was one of my favourites. It was just because our fans were absolutely buzzing and singing the whole day. The stadium was like shaking. So it was a great experience.” Relationship with Jon Dahl Tomasson Sigurðsson spoke openly about his close working relationship with Jon Dahl Tomasson and the trust between them. “My relationship with Jon Dahl Tomasson was really good and I’m really thankful for what he’s done for me. He helped me a lot coming into England. It’s not an easy step but I managed to adapt really quickly. We had a good relationship all the way through. “He was doing everything to help me to get the best out of me. He had communication, trust, gave me support. But he also knew it was a big step. So we also took our time to get into things.” He also reflected on how injuries affected his momentum. “Obviously when I came I got injured but he always had my back through and when I was coming back from injury I hit the ground running. Got these goals and then obviously the team was struggling in December 2023. So I was struggling as well. But that’s just football isn’t it. Championship is a tough league. It’s got its ups and downs but overall my relationship with Jon Dahl and Greg was really good.” Jon Dahl Tomasson vs John Eustace Having worked under two very different managers, Sigurðsson explained how their approaches contrasted. “Both Eustace and Jon Dahl were amazing just in a different way. Jon Dahl was more tactical. He had his philosophy and we had to follow that. He was very strict in how he wanted to play and we really enjoyed playing in that system. He put pressure on us and himself so it was a good and professional environment. “I didn’t play much under Eustace because of injury. Also when he came in I had my stomach problems so it was a lot but he was always easy to talk to. He also backed me up and all the staff really.” Ultimately, he felt one system suited him more personally. “So even though I wish it went a different way but for me Jon Dahl had a better system which was suited for me. John Eustace was a bit more basics and tackling which worked but as I say for me personally I developed more under Jon Dahl cause I was injured most of the time under John Eustace.” Injury, Illness, and Mental Battles Sigurðsson detailed the extremely difficult period that followed, both physically and mentally. “It was 2024 after the summer break. I obviously got the stomach problems which put me away for a while. I was recovering from that and it was an absolutely disaster. If I ate something I just threw it back up. So it was going on for one or two months if I’m not mistaken. “It was really tough. It was tough mentally and also coming back from that. I had no energy.” He explained how the staff supported him through it. “The coach and the gaffer at the time used to speak to me there. He said there was no pressure from him because he knew how bad it was. Then I had some injuries, setbacks in the end of 2024 with my calf which took longer than we thought. “It was really hard mentally especially not being able to be out there with the team fighting in front of our fans.” Being Left Out and Leaving Blackburn When asked about the moment he found out he would not be registered, Sigurðsson was honest but measured. “When I found out, I don’t want to go into whose decision that was. Obviously I was shocked and sad cause I knew how much I could help the team. The players and the coach knew that as well. I was sad and absolutely did not want that to happen. “I was injured at the time and we really didn’t know how long I was going to be out for. I want to believe that is the reason for it.” He was clear that it was not something he wanted. “It was not a relief. I was working my ass off to get back. So I’m obviously happy where I am now, don’t get me wrong but I didn’t want it to end like that. I wanted to finish the season and help the team fight for the playoffs.” Did Fans See the Best of Him? Sigurðsson reflected honestly on whether Blackburn supporters ever saw his full potential. “I think the Blackburn fans saw the best of me in some parts it was just not all the time. They saw a really Arnór Sigurðsson at the beginning. Like I said the team was struggling in December so was I. “My stats in my first season in England was really good for a player with how many minutes I played. Did they see the best of me probably some moments but not week in week out which I wanted.” He added context about his situation. “Sometimes I wasn’t getting the run of games. I was on the bench for two games then starting then bench especially after the new gaffer.” A Special Bond with the Fans Despite everything, Sigurðsson’s appreciation for the Blackburn supporters is clear. “I think the passion from the Blackburn fans is truly special. Blackburn just breathe football and it’s a special feeling. When I look back sometimes I feel like I don’t appreciate the fans. I look back and see it so differently now. “My time at Blackburn was truly beautiful I’m really thankful for that and for the supporters that backed me. It’s just pure appreciation.” Advice to Andri Guðjohnsen Before Andri Guðjohnsen joined the club, Sigurðsson made sure to share his own experience. “I spoke to Andri Guðjohnsen about how the team is and how the guys are. Obviously it’s a completely new team and the players have left the club but I told him that everyone around the club, the physio team that I worked with they are really good and are like a family. “They cared about me and I’m happy to see him achieving and getting his goals. I know he’s a goalscorer and it makes me happy seeing him doing well at Blackburn. I follow Blackburn games regularly and so i told him to join so the Blackburn fans can thank me.” Dressing Room Culture Sigurðsson also reflected on the group he was part of during a challenging season. “We had a lot of leaders. We had a fantastic group of leaders and you can see that they are now playing in different clubs now in the Championship and are doing extremely well. “We always backed each other but we all respect each other in a way. So being part of it I’ve learned a lot from some of the characters that were in the dressing rooms. How they acted in difficult spells and under pressure.” Support Behind the Scenes The medical and physio staff left a lasting impression on him. “The medical staff and the physios are really the best. They helped me so much. Not just when I was injured but on and off the pitch as well with the mental thing. “They were always there and there was banter around in the physio room so I felt 110% of their support. I have nothing bad to say about them, I really appreciate them and what they did for me.” Life After Blackburn Now at Malmö, Sigurðsson is honest about how tough the transition has been but also hopeful. “My time at Malmo has been tough. I have been struggling with injuries. Mentally, physically very tough year. I will surely look back and see how much I’ve learnt and to appreciate things. “I’m really happy where I am at today. I’m at a massive club in Sweden playing in the Europa League. Beautiful people around the club here. The fans around, the locals.” He ended on a hopeful note. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running next season and hopefully stay fit because that’s what’s most important. I’m really enjoying life in Malmo.” During the interview, Arnór Sigurðsson chose not to speak in detail about matters involving club ownership, senior executives, and internal decision-making at Blackburn Rovers. He made it clear that this was a personal decision and asked for understanding and respect regarding those topics.

Think we can safely say it will be Crawley and Duckett opening the batting in the summer… it should be difficult to get in an international team, not out of it

I think that big smile is a bit of a front. He has underperformed even by his own standards and let his teammates and fans down by not training how he should as a professional footballer.

Superb player. The way he jockeyed Jaizinho in the 1970 Brazil World Cup game should be shown to all young defenders. Jairzinho would have been faster than Moore running backwards and had plenty of room but Moore was smarter. He stood off moving backwards and kept just enough space between him and Jaizinho. The second Jairzinho showed just a little bit too much of the ball Moore nipped in and had the ball off him in a flash. An object lesson in coolness under pressure. Look up “ Bobby Moore v Brazil 1970 “ on YouTube if you want to see it.

Not playing a shot. Smith run out ! We keep finding new ways to lose games when we’re handily placed !

Regardless of what’s happening with him, always has that big smile. Love the guy but ability, we all know…

'Nobody can get hold of him' - what happened to David Batty?

He uploaded a video of him on instagram and he was shooting. Of course he missed the first shot 😅.

Yeah, it’d be the equivalent of somebody signing Carter. He’s no stranger to the treatment room.

I watched that game Phillip. He played every minute. There was no sign of a “ deep gash”, no blood soaked sock etc. Maybe he slipped in the showers !

I was at the game but was only 11. My dad let me know how big a deal it was to see Moore's last game in English football!

Rodney Marsh on the back row I think ?

If he stays in this country, he will end up at another lower end Premier League team or a Championship team with parachute money

Apparently the local paper in Doncaster has a higher opinion of O'Riordan than what's been showing in his post match grades lately (from the LT): It's no exaggeration to say he's probably been one of the best players for Rovers in the first half of the season - probably only skipper Owen Bailey beats him to that title. Safe to say the majority of Rovers fans were gutted when the news of his recall was officially confirmed by Grant McCann. He looked a Rolls Royce at times. Just so calm and unflustered on the ball and dominant aerially. At first glance it's hard to spot any weaknesses. He has the height, recovery pace and defensive nous certainly to make an impression at Championship level. Perhaps against more physical forwards he may have a job on his hands, and there's the obvious issue of second tier experience (or lack of), but that only comes with being given the chance - and it seems he'll certainly get that back at Blackburn in the second half of the season.

The difference between us and Wednesday was they repeatedly stopped playing the players. Therefore boycott action to remove the owners was also seen to be supporting the players. I imagine it made it a much easier decision for match attendees to miss a game. Even then, they still had people that turned up.

As I’ve said previously, I think there’s a lack of understanding of match goers and their motivations. The lads around me aren’t particularly the happy clapper, turn up to Ewood to watch a team in blue and white and don’t think much else of if till the next game types (like some certainly are), they think the owners have been a disaster, we’ve had many a discussion about it. However, despite them, they see themselves as fans, as ST holders and as such they go and support the team. If you told them that they are ‘complicit’ because they are choosing to sit in a seat they’ve paid for to try and help the team stay out of the third division they’d see it as a very odd descriptor of them. As Herbie says above, only one winner from the looks of this thread.

Yep I can certainly see that and in many respects I agree, it is just in reality name calling...but I firmly believe attendance really is just justifying the status quo to those in their ivory towers. This is about a show of force; that fans have had enough. I suppose my overriding feeling is of sadness that some will not make a tiny sacrifice for the greater good.

Seen Gueye is training away from Rovers - think where Dolan was?

There was one article saying Everton have an interest in Alebiosu and that makes you think he has gone? Moyes has said Everton are unlikely to be signing anyone this January. I don't think they will sell Alebiosu this window, and not at the 4 million suggested.He be gone in the summer

The last Group game in which he got a deep gash which kept him out of the Round of 16 and might not be healed by Saturday.

Nah, we lack an Alebiosu equivalent at LWB and pace at CF.

He's muck 9 games out of 10

You made some good points in your initial post. But whether folk attend or not is a personal decision for them alone, and is no one else's business. Calling them 'complicit' should they choose to attend, is basically just name calling and serves no purpose.