Sunday May 18th Kick Off 4pm

Season Ticket Holders have untill 5-30pm Thursday 10th April (tomorrow) to claim their own seats.

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Adults                                         £12

Seniors/Juniors                              £6

Young Adult Season Ticket Holders   £6

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Simon Garner in his own words.

Rovers are playing down speculation regarding interest in Frank de Boer, with John Williams telling Radio Lancashire, that Souness did talk to one of his many contacts about the player, it was merely a question about when de Boer's contract ended.

Although at present it is only speculation, it is being reported that Frank De Boer admits he'd be happy to listen to a firm offer from the Rovers. And is quoted in the media as saying.

"I am aware that Graeme Souness has been in contact with my representatives about a move to Blackburn this summer and I am honoured by his interest,"

"I have not yet spoken to him personally because this is a very busy time for me because of Barcelona's preparations for our Champions League quarter-final against Juventus but I am happy to hear about the discussions so far.

"They have a good style and some exciting young players with good technique and talent.

"Blackburn look to me to be a team moving forwards not backwards. Mr Souness has a good reputation as a manager and I can see myself playing for him.

"I want to know what my future holds by the end of this month and I have always said I would be very interested in a move to England if I was to leave Spain."

Hignett

As reported last night Rovers reserves, drew 2-2 with Sheffield Wed last night. A game that saw Craig Hignett return, after breaking his leg, to play a full 90 minutes and get a deflected goal, off Morgans 85th minute shot on goal.

Mahon

Rovers on loan midfielder Alan Mahon scored Cardiff's second goal last night in their 4-0 win at Wycombe. Cardiffs other goals were scored by Andy Legg and former Rover, Peter Thorne who scored 2.

A goal 5 min before the final whistle by Morgan gave Rovers an away draw at Hillsbrough tonight.

Wednesday took the lead on 23 minutes with a headed goal by Holte, however 3 minutes into the second half, Ostenstad raced through the Wednesday defence and rounded the keeper to equalise for the Rovers.

Wednesday took the lead again on 76 minutes when Wood fired home from 15 yards. With time ticking down Morgan blasted home to give Rovers a share of the points.

Final Score 2-2

Team.

Renton, Bruce, McEveley,(Pelzner79)Hignett, Fitzgerald, Johansson, Donnelly,(Harkins72)  Danns, Gallagher, Ostenstad, Morgan.

Subs not used. Black, Taylor, Johnson,

Sukur

Reports would suggest that Graeme Souness is determined to sign Hakan Sukur during the summer after Sukurs Man of the Match display in front of the Sky cameras at Loftus Road last night.

As the press and media praised Sukur, who showed his international pedigree with 2 class goals in Rover's 4-0 defeat of Fulham. Souness was making plans to secure Sukur's signature, as the Rovers manager starts  planning for next seasons premiership challenge.

Reserves at Hillsbrough

Craig Hignett makes his return from injury, in the reserves tonight at Sheffield, after recovering from a broken leg, an injury he received whilst on loan at Coventry.

Team.

Renton, Bruce, McEveley, Hignett, Fitzgerald, Johansson, Donnelly, Danns, Gallagher, Ostenstad, Morgan.

Subs, Black, Harkins, Taylor, Johnson, Pelzner

Kick off 7pm

In a scrappy first half, which was not for the footballing conisuerre neither keeper was forced into action until the 30 minute, when Friedel got down well to beat out a shot from Marlet, which allowing Berg to clear the danger.

Five minutes later a cross by Garry Flitcroft was hit right footed first time by Andy Cole against the crossbar. The rebound being crossed back into the area again by Flitcroft, which resulted in Lee Clark handling the ball whilst in flight.

David Dunn slotting the resultant penalty, right footed in to the bottom right hand side of Taylors goal.

Four minutes before half time Lucas Neill crossed from the right, deep into the Fulham area to allow Hakan Sukur to chest down the ball, turn and slot the ball left-footed from six-yards past Taylor.

Half time Fulham 0 Rovers 2.

Within 10 minutes of the restart Rovers went three up with a goal from Duff. Collecting a back flick from Cole, Duff cut in from the left to drill a left footed shot under the diving Taylors body. A minute later Sukar scored Rovers fourth and his second with a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area after fine work by Cole.

Shortly after Sukars second goal, Lucas Neill, who had been booked in the 12 minute, was replaced by Martin Taylor.

With Rovers in command Souness substituted Tugay, shortly after Tugay had been booked, with Gillespie, allowing Dunn to move into his favoured central midfield role. With a minute of normal time left, Gillespie, who had earlier taken a knock on his ankle, was replaced by Grabbi.

For the remainder of the game Fulham attempted to musle their way through the Rovers midfield, but were frustrated by a resolute Rovers defence. With Rovers looking the more likely to extend their lead.

Full time Fulham 0 Rovers 4.

Fulham.

Taylor, Finnan, Marlet (Legwinski), Clark(Hammond), Boa Morte,Malbranque, Knight, Djetou, Saha, Goma, Harley,

Subs not used. Herrera, Melville, Sava,.

Rovers.

Friedel, Neill (Taylor) Berg, Short, Gresko, Dunn, Tugay(Gillespie)( Grabbi), Flitcroft, Duff, Sukur, Cole,

Subs not used. Kelly, Yorke.

Yellow cards. Neill, Short, Tugay.

Referee.

Graham Poll

Sky Man of the Match Hakan Sukar.

Attendance 14,017

After a season of quoting, that staying in the premier league was his main objective, Graeme Souness is quoted in tonight's Lancashire Evening Telegraph that Rovers main objective now is to qualify for Europe.

With seven remaining games Souness believes that four wins, starting at Fulham tonight, Rovers should be able to qualify for the UEFA Cup competition next season.

The team details for tonight's televised game from Loftus Road will be announced here at around 7-30pm.

For full details of Lancashire Evening Telegraph report see.

Boss sets Rovers Target

Den.

Miller has been out of action since he suffered a slipped disc, a result of a freak training ground accident shortly before Christmas.

After the accident he had an operation and has had months of intensive treatment, but has failed to make a full recovery and he's now taken the decision to quit on medical advice.

Miller had a similar problem with his back about 10 years ago.

Matt Jansen

Matt Jansen joins Carlisle supporters Sunday as he returns to the Millennium Stadium, to watch his home  town club take on Bristol City in the LDV Van Trophy Final. Six years after helping Carlisle to their first Wembley win as a 19-year-old, when they lifted the Auto Windscreens Shield at the Twin Towers in April 1997, in a penalty shoot-out victory over Colchester.

U17 Success

A draw in their final group, play-off game against Southampton on the 26th April, will be enough to put Rovers in the quarter- finals of the U17 Championship. Having beaten Spurs 2-1 and Liverpool 4-0 Rovers lead their group by 2 clear points of second placed Southampton, who beat Spurs 4-2 and drew 0-0 with Liverpool.

Stig the Scout

Reports would suggest that Stig Bjornebye is to continue his involvement with Rovers after his recent announcement to retire from competitive football. The LET are reporting that discussions are underway to appoint Stig as a scout for the club in Scandinavia.

this is lancashire

Following on from this weeks news that Rovers are not going to extend goalkeeper Ryan Robinsons contract, news has been released today that keeper Alan Miller has been forced to retire due to a back injury.

Miller signed from West Brom by Tony Parks, has decided after medical advice to retire from professional football.

May I behalf of all Rovers fans wish Alan the best for the future.

Lucas Neill interview.

For those who dont subscribe to Rovers World, briefly Lucas states that he is looking forward to playing again after his enforced absence due to suspension. Lucas states it was a great honour to play for his country, and esspecially to be part of the team that beat England.

His main ambishion is to establish himself in the Rovers team, which he believes has great possibilities of achieving something in the future, and would like to aim for european qualification spot this season.

On the transfer rumours Lucas states, he is more than happy at Rovers, and wants to establish himself as a regular in the national team. He wants to do his best for the club and has high praise for Souness the rest of the team

With no players returning injured from international duty Graeme Souness has a full squad of players available for Monday nights away game against Fulham.

Returning to the squad after a suspension will be Lucas Neill, who today on Rovers World confirmed his commitment to the club.

Rover Official Site

Teams

Fulham from:

Taylor, Finnan, Ouaddou, Melville, Goma, Knight, Harley, Legwinski, Goldbaek, Djetou, Malbranque, Inamoto, Wome, Saha, Sava, Marlet, Boa Morte, Herrera.

Blackburn from:

Friedel, Kelly, Taylor, Berg, Neill, Gresko, Short, Todd, Johansson, Tugay, Flitcroft, Duff, Gillespie, Sukur, Grabbi, Cole, Dunn, Yorke, Ostenstad.

Referee.

Graham Poll

Numerous web sites are reporting that, Rovers midfielder Tugay has denied making death threats to Beckham and Rio Ferdinand during Wednesday nights game againsts England.

Tugay was quoted as saying that the England duo are going "to die" when England play the return game in October. However Graeme Souness insists Tugay did not make the threats

Souness is quoted on numerous sites and on Sky Sports News.  "I have spoken to the player and he said he did not say anything like that at all to David Beckham or any other player, I believe him and I would ask the public to believe him as well.

Souness went on to say Tugay didnt speak to any English Journalist and that people know he doesnt give interviews.

News Update

Tugay has released a statement to the Press Association rejecting claims that he made death threats to David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand.

Tugay has insisted he has never threatened a player during his career and had in fact received Beckham's thanks after telling him to cool it following the England captain's yellow card.

Tugay is quoted as saying:Death has no place in football. Throughout my career I have never threatened another player, football is a game not a war.

After his booking I told Beckham to calm down for which he later thanked me. At no time did I mention he was going to die.

With the exception of David Thompson, who is recovering from his Knee operation, Graeme Souness should have a full complement of staff available for the away game at Fulham next Monday night.

With the return of right back Lucas Neill from his two game suspension, Rovers medical staff should also be pleased to hear reports, that all players on international duties will return free of injuries, and that Egil Ostenstad returning from injury, played a full 90min in the reserves, against Manchester City.

Following on from yesterdays news that Keith Gillespie, is resigned to leaving Ewood Park this summer, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph are reporting that reserve keeper Ryan Robinson is to be released by the club.

Keith Gillespie puts himself in the shop window tonight, when Northern Ireland play Greece, knowing that a good display will help his future ambitions as a player, having failed so far to be offered a new contract by Rovers.

Damian Duff once again being rumoured to be a target of Manchester United, starts up front along side Robbie Keene for the Republic of Ireland in Albania.

Early indications would suggest that Tugay will start for Turkey against England tonight. Turkey have yet to confirm whether Hakan Sukar will be included in the starting line up.

Alan Kelly

After first revealing on this sites news section back on the 13th March, Contract Negociations numerous other sites are today confirming  that Alan Kelly has agreed to extending his contract for a further 12 months.

Reserves in action Tonight

For those north west supporters wanting to see Paul Gallagher in action, then pop along to Christie Park tonight, where the reserves meet Manchester City. Rovers include a number a young stars in the line up along side senior pros Andy Todd and Egil Ostenstad.

Kick off 7pm.

Damian Duff this afternoon tormented the Georgian defence to help the Irish Republic to a first half lead and take control the first half of the game. Inter-passing between Kilbane and Duff lead to Kilbane crossing to Lee Carsley, whose shot hit the post, allowing Duff, to stab home the rebound. Final score Georgia 1 Irish Republic 2.

Marc Richards (on loan) helped Swansea to a 3-2 win over Oxford last night when he was given too much space on the half hour mark allowing him to fire home an equaliser from the edge of the box. Former Rover Lenny Johnrose headed Swansea into the lead on 55 minutes and three minutes later Richards added another from the penalty spot.

James Corbett (on loan)helped Darlington to a 3-1 win against Bury this afternoon when in the 18min he drilled an 18 yard left-footed shot to the bottom-right of goal to bring Darlington level 1-1 with Bury, after Bury had taken an 11th min lead.

Darren Dunning's (on loan) pass from left hand side, lead to John Miles scoring the first goal for Macclesfield in their 2-0 win against Kidderminster this afternoon.

Tickets for the Simon Garner Testimonial game are now on sale. Season Ticket holders have untill the 10th April to reserve their own seat for the game.

Tickets for the Easter Moday derby against Bolton go on sale from Wednesday 2nd April.

For further details Rovers Ticket Office

Registration required to enter official Rovers site

Following yesterdays news regarding the loaning out of players.Loan Transfers Rovers today loaned out another two players.

Gordon Greer has joined Stockport, and Micheal Taylor has joined Rochdale. Whilst Jimmy Corbetts loan spell at Darlington has been extended.

Ex-Rover Ben Burgess sold to Stockport in the summer has today been sold on to Hull City.

Meanwhile with their playoff hopes over Burnley have loaned Glen Little to promotion chasing Reading.

Rovers midfielder Jonathan Douglas has joined Chesterfield on loan until the end of the season.

After recently being on loan to Darlington, Rovers defender Darren Hockenhull is poised to go on loan to Stockport County for the remainder of the season.

Matt Jansen who scored his first goal for Coventry on Saturday is to stay at the club until the end of the season and the Coventry boss has allegedly indicated that Jansen will play in all remaining fixtures, in order that he gets match practice, prior to his return to Ewood.

It would appear that the summer has come early at Ewood Park, with a hot climate of transfer speculation.

As reported early this morning on this sites message board, Rovers are been tipped to sign Jody Morris on a free transfer from Chelsea.  With further speculation during the day in the media revealing that Duff and Yorke, are targets for other clubs.

However talking on the Rovers Official web site Chief Executive John Williams is quoted as saying that although Rovers have not received any new bids for Damien Duff, they are expecting another summer of transfer speculation.

Williams is reported to have said that Souness and the board are keen to take the club forward and it is very likely there will be transfer activity as the club looks to trade in what is a difficult financial football environment.

Williams went on to say that Souness has already identified players he believes would improve the squad and there were those within the existing squad that might be moved out if the circumstances arose.

Web links to above stories.

Jody Morris BBC Sport.

Williams on transfer speculation. Registration of Official Rovers Site required to read full interview

International Squad Call Ups

Henning Berg for Norway against Luxembourg next Wednesday.

Damian Duff for the Republic of Ireland against Georgia on Saturday and Albania on Wednesday.

Tugay and Sukar for Turkey against England next Wednesday.

Gillespie for Northern Ireland against Armenia and Greece.

Johansson for Sweden against Hungary.

McEveley for England U21 against Portugal U21 and Turkey U21.

Title Win for Rovers

Rovers U19 have won the Group B, U19 Football Academy League with a 1-0 win away at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. (scorer Jerome Watt) With 3 games left to play Rovers lead the league with 13 points.

Meanwhile Rovers U17 have beaten  Spurs U17, 2-1 with goals from Serge Peters and Keith Barber in the first of three play off matches. Their next game being against Liverpool on the  5th April at Brockall

Flitcroft Contract Extension

Various web sites are quoting an interview by Souness in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, where he states that he wants to hang on to Rovers Captain, Gary Flitcroft.

Souness is reported to have had a meeting with Flitcroft and his agent and is hopefull that the matter can be resolved.

Graeme Souness has defended Dwight Yorke's angry reaction to being substituted by Andy Cole in yesterdays game against Newcastle. Souness is quoted as saying on various media and web sites that he hasnt any problem with Yorke's reaction. Yorke just wasn't happy at being taken off, which is what Souness want from his players.

"The gist of it was he didn't think he should have been the one to come off. I want that from my players."

With regards to the game itself, Souness is reported to be unhappy with the defending, stating that he thought for 75 minutes we gave them a game but in the last 15 minutes, we had too many people who didn't do their jobs.

"Obviously Newcastle will look at their goals and take the positives out of the game, but there were some goals they scored that any decent defender would have stopped.

After his enforced absence due to illness Matt Jansen made an impact for Coventry yesterday when he scored within 1 minute of coming on from the bench in Coventrys 1-2 defeat against high flying Leicester.

It is being reported in the local midlands press and various web sites that due to financial problems Coventry need to reduce their playing squad, with strikers Julian Joachim, Dean Holdsworth and Youssef Chippo possibly leaving the club, which would result in Matt being Coventry's main striker for the rest of the season.

Coventry manager Gary McAllister is being quoted as saying "We've got three or four players whose wages we can't afford to pay and so we're going to have to try and pay them off. They may even leave the club before the end of this season.

Rovers came back to earth with a bang this afternoon at St James's Park, when they were beaten by Newcastle United 5-1.

Despite going down to a Solano goal in the 24th minute Rovers held their own for the first half and equalised on 54 minutes with a shot from Damian Duff that had Given well and truly beaten.

However Rovers went behind again within 10 minutes when Newcastle took the lead through a Robert free-kick. Shortly afterwards Souness subbed Yorke with Cole, a decision that didnt appear go down well with Yorke.

With a further three goals for Newcastle, through Jenus, Gresko(og) and Bellamy in the last 5 minutes, Rovers experienced their biggest defeat of the season and also severely dented their European ambitions.

Final Score 5-1.

Newcastle:

Given, Griffin, Woodgate, Bramble, Hughes, Solano,(Jenuas 64) Dyer, Speed, Robert,(Viana 76) Shearer,(Ameobi 85) Bellamy.

Subs not used: Harper, O'Brien.

Yellow cards. Bramble

Rovers:

Friedel, Taylor, Berg, Short, Gresko, Gillespie,(Dunn 45) Flitcroft, Tugay,(Grabbi 69) Duff, Sukur, Yorke (Cole 62).

Subs not used: Kelly, Todd.

Yellow cards. Gresko

Referee: N Barry

Attendance 52106

Report based on Radio Commentary

And now the Good News

70th minute substitute Matt Jansen scored within 60 seconds of his introduction for Coventry in this afternoons game against Leicester.  Final score Coventry 1 Leicester 2.