Hardmen of Ewood Park

[Tim Southampton Rover]

Growing up watching Rovers in the 90s, it felt like we always had at least a few players in each team who made you think: “Yeah… I wouldn’t want to mess with them!” Players like Batty come to mind, and of course Shearer, Hendry, and even Newell looked like they could certainly handle themselves.

Fast‑forward to the 00s and… well… Andy Todd arrived. A man who seemed to specialise in elbows and the occasional bit of diplomacy delivered via the boot. The famous moment he turned round and kicked Christophe Dugarry up the derrière is still one of those classic memories that feels impossible to forget. We also had players like Bellamy, big Chris Samba, and Admiral Ryan Nelsen - lads who were always up for a scrap on the pitch but gentlemen off it (well, Samba and Nelsen anyway!). You could even say that Robbie Savage would always back up a teammate, even if he wouldn’t quite make the “hardman of Ewood” shortlist.



But looking at the most recent Rovers squads… I don’t really see a proper “don’t mess with him” figure anymore. Perhaps football has changed. Maybe that edge gets coached out of them. They all seem nice. Friendly. Media‑trained. Professional. But not exactly the type to put the fear of Ewood into anyone. Am I being fair? Who would you say has that bit of bite in today’s team?

I’d love to know who you’ve watched over the years, in particular from those who watched pre-Premier League football. I bet there are some tough players back in the day! Maybe there are some players who may not be the absolute hardman but deserve a mention. 

The main question is this:

Who deserves the crown as the ultimate Hardman of Ewood Park? 🦾

[G Somerset Rover]

In my time following the club (start of the 90s), I’d probably go with Andy Todd. Not only was he tough as nails but he had the combination of that and being slightly unhinged at times. Enough to frighten his own teammates let alone the opposition!

Oh for an Andy Todd in the side today.

[MarkBRFC]

Faz, Keeley, Moran, Batty, Todd, Mokoena.

Next rung down would be players like Hendry, Shearer, Newell, Reid, Nelsen.

Can't think of many in the venkys era that you would put in that list.

[broadsword]

Nicky Reid, not Stephen? Or maybe Stephen?

Maybe my memory is failing me, but I don't remember Batty being hard. How about John McNammee (probably spelt his name incorrectly)

[Wheelton Blue]

Mick Speight?

[London blue]

I always thought Ooijer gave off this vibe, I loved him.

[LeftWinger]

50 minutes ago, broadsword said:

Nicky Reid, not Stephen? Or maybe Stephen?

Maybe my memory is failing me, but I don't remember Batty being hard. How about John McNammee (probably spelt his name incorrectly)

Roy Keane listed Batty as one of his toughest opponents and called him 'nasty'.

I'd have Batty down as being hard.

[Miller11]

Wasn’t a regular fixture, or here for very long, but Andy Morrison probably tops the list.

[MarkBRFC]

19 minutes ago, Miller11 said:

Wasn’t a regular fixture, or here for very long, but Andy Morrison probably tops the list.

Great shout, probably only played about 5 games for us.

Nicky Marker another one that could look after himself.

[LeftWinger]

Salgado was tough as well.

Steve McManaman said of Salgado:
"The hardest person in the world. A genuine psychopath, even in training."

[Penwortham Blue]

2 hours ago, Wheelton Blue said:

Mick Speight?

Loved Mickey Speight, hard as nails and a cannonball of a shot on him.

[Penwortham Blue]

2 hours ago, MarkBRFC said:

Faz, Keeley, Moran, Batty, Todd, Mokoena.

Next rung down would be players like Hendry, Shearer, Newell, Reid, Nelsen.

Can't think of many in the venkys era that you would put in that list.

Good old Jim Brannigan liked a bit of scuffle and needle as well.

[M_B]

36 minutes ago, Penwortham Blue said:

Loved Mickey Speight, hard as nails and a cannonball of a shot on him.

Would have been my choice, always remember him by his picture on the front of the programme, clenched fist in the air. 

[M_B]

Going from Speight to modern day, always thought I'll bet nobody messes with Rankin-Costello in training. Hard lad that on the quiet. 

[TimmyJimmy]

Keeley. Can still visualise the challenge on an icy Ewood pitch that sent the player into a vertical 180 landing on his head. I'm still wincing.

Todd though has to be capo di tutti i capi. Genuinely terrifying.

[GHR]

I'll second Andy Todd. Of more recent Rovers maybe Bradley Johnson? Per the OP though, not in the same league!

[Tim Southampton Rover]

I know very little about Speight. What was he like in general? Good player? Who would you compare him to in the post-Prem era?