Ticket Office Rovers have announced ticket details for the home premier league game against Manchester City on March 1st. City have been allocated the whole of the Darwen End. Tickets will go on sale from Monday the 10 February. See link. http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/today....00.html Defenders Return ? After appearing for Rovers reserves against Sunderland last week, fit again Hemming Berg stands by for a recall to first team duty, in Wednesday nights FA Cup replay with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Also back in contention is Lucas Neill who has served his 1 match suspension for picking up 5 yellow cards. £3.5 million Loss It is being reported that Rovers next league opponents Southampton have announced a loss of £3.5 million for the 6 months up to November 2002. Exciled Rovers Former Rover, Hartlepool Manager Mike Newell has won the January Manager of the Month Award for Third Division. On loan Rovers midfielder Darren Dunning played the full 90 min yesterday for Macclesfield and his free kick to Welch resulted in Macclesfield only goal in their 2-1 defeat by York. Dunning was booked in the 47 min for unsporting behaviour.

Result 3-0 With enforced changes to their defence, Rovers back four were over run by a rampant Aston Villa, who where looking for revenge for their defeat by Blackburn in the FA Cup last month. As early as the first minute Villa took the lead through Dion Dublin, and from there on in, Rovers never got to grips with the Villa attack, with Dublin increasing the lead on 39 minutes to go in at half time with a 2-0 lead. Rovers made a change at half time bringing on Ostenstad for Curtis, but it wasnt going to be Blackburns day, with only one shot on target, and two corners to deal with Villas keeper had a quiet afternoon. Souness attempted to change things in the 70 minute by bringing on Gillespie, and Jansen in the 78 minute, but Villa made sure of all three points when Gareth Barry made it 3-0 in the 80 minute. In his post match interview, Souness stated that he was angry with the performance, as he knew they could play better, and that it was time that the players started to stand up and act like the professionals that they are. One factor that Souness was pleased with, was the performance of debutant Gresko, who although playing out of position, and not fully match fit, had a sound game. Teams Villa. Enckelman, Delaney,( Staunton 83) Mellberg, Barry, Dublin, Vassell, Hitzlsperger, Johnsen, Samuel, Moore,( De la Cruz 79) Gudjonsson,( Hendrie 90) Subs not used., Postma, , Crouch Goals. Dublin 1, 39. Barry 80. Yellow cards Barry 33 Rovers. Friedel, Curtis, (Ostenstad 46) Taylor, Johansson, McEveley, Thompson,( Gillespie 70) Flitcroft, , Tugay, Gresko,( Jansen 78) Cole, Yorke, Subs not used. Kelly, Douglas Yellow cards Thompson 10, Johansson 36 McEveley 45 Taylor 64 Flitcroft 85 Referee. Mike Dean Attendance 29,171

Villa. Enckelman, Delaney, Mellberg, Barry, Dublin, Vassell, Hitzlsperger, Johnsen, Samuel, Moore, Gudjonsson, Subs. Hendrie, Staunton, Postma, De la Cruz, Crouch Rovers. Friedel, Curtis, Taylor, Johansson, McEveley, Thompson, Flitcroft, , Tugay, Gresko, Cole, Yorke, Subs. Kelly, Jansen, Ostenstad, , Gillespie, Douglas Referee. Mike Dean

Search Goes On Although Rovers have acquired the services of Parma's Slovakian international Vratislav Gresko on loan until the end of this season, it is reported in the media, that Souness's search for a left back is still on going. Souness in recent months has been linked with, Juanfran, Silvinho at Celta Vigo, Sylvain Armand at Nantes, Nicolas Escude at Rennes, and Matthew Taylor of Portsmouth. Rednaps rejection of Souness's inquiry for Taylor could be the reason for the failure of John Curtis moving in the opposite direction. It is reported by various media sources that Souness has not seen Gresko play, and has signed the player based on recommendations from Gresko's former team mate at Parma, Hakan Sukar. The Rovers manager is also reported to have said that it is unlikely Rovers could afford to buy Gresko, as the price Inter wanted for him was ridiculous and the best chance for Rovers to retain his services would be to extend the players loan period for another season. Financial Report 2002 Rovers have announced their annual report for 2002, which shows for the first time years a nominal operating profit. John Williams Rovers Chief Executive is reported as saying, the £24,000 profit represented a £13 million turnaround in the club's fortunes from the previous season. Exciled Players Rovers midfielder Alan Mahon on loan at Cardiff City won the Man of the Match award, in Cardiffs 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic on Friday night. In his first season as a manager former Rovers forward Mike Newells Hartlepool have extended their lead at the top of division 3, with a 3-2 win against Torquay. Whilst second placed Rushden & Diamonds failure to capture all 3 points against bottom club Swansea,who had former Rover, James Thomas and Lenny Johnrose playing, with on loan Rovers striker Marc Richards sat on the bench.

With Craig Short out injured and both Lucas Neill and Andy Todd suspended new defender Vratislav Gresko, is expected to play against Aston Villa this weekend. Rovers have obtained international clearance and the defender had already qualified for a work permit is free to face Villa on Sunday. The 25 year old Parma player who can play at either full back or as a central defender, has signed initially on a 3 months loan for a nominal fee, with Rovers having the option to buy at the end of the season. With Damien Duff and David Dunn still out with hamstring injuries Souness has named a squad of 18 players, which includes John Curtis and youngster Jonathan Douglas who will be competing for the suspended Neills right back berth. Blackburn: Friedel, Kelly, Robinson, Gresko, Taylor, McEveley, Johansson, Curtis, Jansen, Ostenstad, Gillespie, Tugay, Flitcroft, Thompson, Cole, Yorke, Douglas, Danns. Graham Taylor in the meantime has named a 19 man squad, hoping to reverse the FA Cup result where Rovers won 4-1. Villa : Enckelman, Delaney, Mellberg, Johnsen, Samuel, Hitzlsperger, Gudjonsson, Barry, S. Moore, Dublin, Vassell, Hendrie, Staunton, Postma, De la Cruz, Taylor, Wright, Allback, Angel. Referee. Mike Dean, who also refereed Rovers 0-0 draw against Villa at Ewood Park earlier in the season, when he issued 3 yellow cards. In his 13 premier games this season has issued 5 red and 55 yellow cards.

Rovers reserves 1 Sunderland reserves 2 Rovers welcomed back Hemming Berg, in last nights reserve game at Morcambe. The return from a 3 months Archilles injury by Berg was the only highlight of the night as Rovers lost 1-2 to Sunderland. Rovers single goal being scored by Cicco Grabbi in the last minute.

West Ham 2 Rovers 1 In first half dominated by West Ham, Rovers took the lead on 37 min. With Gillespie running at West Hams defence for the first time he was fouled by Winterburn and Thompsons resultant free kick from the right hand side, was hit home by Yorke from 6 yards out. Half time 0-1 Within 12 min of the start of the second half Rovers lost possession in midfield, Di Canio collecting the ball ran into the area to be brought down by Todd, who conceaded a penalty. Di Canio putting the penalty past Friedel to equalise on 57 min. With a minute to go before the end of the game West Ham took the lead when Defoe collected a pass from J.Cole to shoot past Friedel from 18 yards. Final score 1-2 West Ham. James, Winterburn,(Defoe 83) Repka, Pearce,Johnson, Lomas, J.Cole, Carrick, Bowyer, Ferdinand (Kanoute 58) Di Canio.( Sinclair) Subs not used. Gouw, Schmmel. Yellow cards J.Cole (14) Rovers. Friedel, Neill, Taylor, Todd, McEveley,( Jansen 90) Gillespie,(Johansson 69) Flitcroft, Tugay, Thompson, Cole, Yorke.( Ostenstad 83) Subs not used Robinson, Douglas. Yellow cards McEveley (6) Referee Alan Wiley Attendance 34743

West Ham v Rovers. 29-1-2003 Blackburn (from): Friedel, Robinson, Curtis, Neill, Johansson, Douglas, McEveley, Taylor, Todd, Gillespie, Ostenstad, Jansen, Flitcroft, Thompson, Tugay, Yorke, Cole. West Ham (from): James, Lomas, Johnson, Breen, Dailly, Repka, Pearce, Minto, Winterburn, Bowyer, Cole, Carrick, Sinclair, Hutchison, Garcia, Defoe, Di Canio, Kanoute, Ferdinand, van der Gouw. Referee Alan Wiley

My daughter asked my son. "How old will you be next birthday" "26" he replied "why" "well dad must be 52, next birthday, because he's twice as daft as you"

Vratislav Gresko Rovers hope to complete the signing of Vratislav Gresko before the transfer window closes. It is understood that the Slovakian defender will arrive at Ewood Park tomorrow for a medical, and that if things go to plan, Sounesss may include him in the squad to play Villa on Sunday. This could be a timely signing for Souness, with the imminent suspensions to Todd and Neill, and Bergs on going injury, Rovers have further defensive problems due to Short picking up a calf injury. Souness has reportedly stated that Gresko can play either centre-half or full-back and will give him the options he have been looking for. Jay McEveley As reported on this site yesterday Rovers young defender Jay McEveley has been called up for the England U20 squad to play Germany on the 6 February, However Rovers have been given permission by the FA to withdraw him due to Rovers FA Cup replay with Sunderland on the 5 February. Rovers have also gained permission to withdraw McEveley from the U20 World Championships, because Souness has indicated that the young defender is very important to the club and very much a first team player. Rovers will however release Jay for an international tournament in Toulun this summer. Lucas Neill Further international news was evident at Ewood Park today with the call up of Rovers full back Lucas Neill to the Australian squad to play England at Upton Park on the 12 February.

Rovers defender James McEveley, has been called up to the England U20 squad to play Germany in a friendly on the 6 February at the Majeski Stadium, Reading.

Todays draw for the FA Cup should give the Rovers enough insentive to go the Stadium of Light on the 5 February and beat Sunderland, as next weeks winners will have home advantage against First Division Watford, who knocked Premier League West Brom out of the cup on Saturday 1-0. The next round games will take part on either the 15 or 16 February. Rovers have been allocated 1000 tickets for the game against Sunderland, and they go on sale to season ticket holders on Wednesday 29 January. Prices £17 Adults. £8 Juniors and senior citizens.

We have recently had comments regarding the age of contributors. So that members have an idea of the age gap that this message board serves I have started this poll. The younger ones might then be more tollerant of us older ones, and the older ones might not be so puzzled by the technical issues.

Rovers v Sunderland FA Cup This was, what a neutral supporter would call a classic FA Cup match, full of action, agony and ecstasy. From the first minute to final whistle this was straight from a Roy of the Rovers script. The home team going behind on two occasions to come back to gain a replay in injury time. Within 2 min of kick off Rovers lost possession on their right hand side allowing Marcus Stewart to fire home a Julio Arca cross. However within 10 min a fluent move down Rovers left by Dunn let in Neill whose pass was slotted home from the narrowest of angles by Andy Cole. Rovers now in command went close to taking the lead a minute later but Sunderlands keeper managed to save Matt Jansen shot. Half time 1-1 Within 10 minutes of the restart Sunderland took control of the game and Rovers again went behind, when Todd lost possession in his own penalty area, allowing Procter to shoot past Friedel. On 70 minutes Sunderland went further ahead when Phillips scored from close range. Some excellent work by Friedel kept the visitors at bay until Cole collected a one two from Yorke to slot the ball home past Sorensen. Rovers now with a Cole, Yorke and Ostenstad up front pushed for the equaliser, with Johansson, who had come on for the injured Dunn, coming close with a shoot straight at the keeper. Sunderland relying on the break away came close to sowing the match up, but were denied by Lucas Neill throwing himself to protect an empty net. With time running out Yorke sprung the offside trap, and prodded the ball home under the diving Sorensen. Final Score 3-3 Rovers Friedel, Douglas (Ostenstad 59), Todd, Taylor, Neill, Jansen (Gillespie 45), Thompson, Tugay, Dunn (Johansson 83), Cole, Yorke. Subs not used: Short, Robinson. Yellow card. Dunn. Sunderland Sorensen, Gray, Babb, Craddock, Clark, Proctor, McCann, Kilbane, Arca, Phillips, Stewart. Subs not used: Thome, Kyle, Medina, Oster, Macho. Yellow card. Kilbane. Referee: D Elleray Attendance: 14,315

Graeme Souness has reported that Damian Duff will be out of action for a least 2 weeks with a hamstring injury and will miss tomorrows FA Cup game against Sunderland at Ewood Park. Alan Kelly is also missing from the squad due to injury, his place being taken on the bench by Ryan Robinson. On the brighter side David Dunn has recovered from his injury to be included in Sounesss 17 man squad for tomorrow game. Souness has been very discreet regarding his team plans, and gave no hint as to whether last round 2 goal hero Matt Jansen will start the game tomorrow. Squad details. Friedel, Robinson, Neill, Todd, Taylor, Short, McEveley, Johansson, Thompson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Dunn, Cole, Jansen, Yorke, Gillespie, Ostenstad, Sunderland have their own injury worries, Tore Andre Flo (ankle) Stephen Wright (hamstring) Darren Williams and Sean Thornton (both thigh) are all rated doubtful, whilst Paul Thirlwell is definitely out with calf and hernia problems. Referee. David Elleray

Rovers Italian striker Cicco Grabbi laid claim for a first team recall, finding the back of the net twice this afternoon in a reserve gave away at Newcastle. Grabbi scored his first from open play on 30 min, and his second from the penalty spot, just before half time, after Newcastle keeper Steve Harper was sent off for a foul on Rovers midfielder Corbett. Rovers defender Gordon Greer was sent off in the second half after recieving 2 yellow cards. Final score. Newcastle res 1 Rovers res 2

Despite taking the lead through Andy Cole, Rovers went out of the Worthington Cup last night, 1-3 (2-4 on aggregate) to Manchester United. The Rovers supporters hopes were raised in the 12 min, when Cole collected a through ball from Tugay, and chipped Barthez. However joy was short lived when Scholes got a lucky bounce of the ball to equalise on the half hour. Within 4 min Rovers hopes where further dented when Damian Duff limped off, with a reoccurance of his hamstring injury, and was replaced by Gillespie. With half time in sight, Rovers went behind in the 42 min, when Scholes again popped up to score from Nevilles cross. For a period after the break Rovers attempted to put the pressure on United, but lacked the killer instinct to beat Barthez. In the other goal mouth Friedel was kept busy making top class saves. With United dominating the game and relying on attacking breaks, they got their third goal in the 76 min. From a Keane through ball Van Nistelrooy out paced Rovers defence and was brought down down in the area as he attempted to go round Friedel. The resultant penalty being put away by Van Nistelrooy. Whilst Rovers defence had dealt with the striking partnership of Nistelrooy and Giggs they failed to pick up Scholes sitting in the hole behind the forwards and in his post match interview Souness admitted: "We didn't deal with Paul Scholes. He's a very, very special player particularly playing in that position behind the frontmen." Teams. Rovers. Friedel, Neill, Todd, Taylor, McEveley, Thompson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Duff,(Gillespie) Cole, Yorke Subs Not Used: Short,Jansen, Ostenstad, Robinson. United Barthez, G.Neville, Veron, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre,Beckham, Giggs, Keane, Scholes,(Butt) Van Nistlerooy(Forlan) Subs not used. P.Neville, Ricardo, Oshea. Referee Jeff Winter Attendance 29,048 Result. 1-3 (2-4 on aggregate) The biggest worry for Rovers now is how long Irish international Damiam Duff will be out. As Souness said in his post match interview. "That's a double whammy for us. Damien has got another hamstring and losing him is frankly worse than losing a semi-final.

As reported yesterday defender Andy Todd retains his place in Souness's squad for tomorrows semi final, despite his sending-off against Birmingham. Up front it looks as if strikers Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke will face their former club, as Rovers attempt to retain the trophy they won in Cardiff last season. Both managers have named their respective squads for Wednesday night and will choose from. Rovers Friedel, Kelly, Neill, McEveley, Todd, Taylor, Thompson, Johansson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Gillespie, Duff, Cole, Short, Ostenstad, Jansen, Yorke, Grabbi. United Barthez, Ricardo, Carroll, O'Shea, G Neville, Brown, Blanc, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Beckham, P Neville, Scholes, Keane, Veron, Butt Giggs, Van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer, Forlan, Richardson.

Reports in the media would suggest that having failed in signing Juan Fran from Celta Vigo, Souness hopes to sign Slovakian defender Vratislav Gresko on loan from Italian club Palma, with a view to a permanent deal being agreed at the end of the season.

Souness Appeal Rovers manager Graeme Souness appeal against the charges of improper conduct will be heard by FA on the 18 February. Souness has appealed against FA charges of the use of "improper conduct and abusive and/or insulting language" towards match officials during Rovers' Worthington Cup quarter-final at Wigan in December. Andy Todd Reports suggest that Andy Todd will retain his place in Wednesday nights Worthington Cup semi final against Manchester United despite being sent off on Saturday for kicking Birminghams Duggary Super Brad After his exploits in the World Cup Brad Friedel has been named United States Player of the Year 2002. Full Back Search It is being reported that Graeme Souness is still looking to sign a new left back before the end of the month, but moves for Celta Vigo defended Juan Fran have been shelved. Alan Mahon As reported on this site, last Friday, Rovers have now confirmed that Alan Mahon is to join Cardiff City on a 3 month loan. Ticket Office Worthington Cup Semi Final. Those who havent yet purchased their ticket for Wednesday nights game against Manchester United are advise to check with the ticket office, for availability. As this game looks to be a sell out. FA Cup. Tickets for Rovers FA Cup match against Sunderland on Saturday are now on sale to non-season ticket holders. See link for full details. http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/match....00.html

After Irish international Damian Duff had score on 20 minutes Rovers looked as if they would gain all 3 points against a struggling Birmingham City side, however thinks changed 10 minutes later when Andy Todd was sent off, following a clash with Birminghams Dugarry. Duffs goal was a well worked move, involving Neill, Cole and Yorke, whose cross found Duff, allowing the midfielder to shoot past the helpless Bennett in the Birmingham goal. On the half hour Todd clashed with Dugarry and appeared to kick the Frenchman, leaving referee Clive Wilkes no option than to show Todd a red card. Up until this point Rovers had been in control of the game, but after the sending off they came under increased pressure as Birmingham gained confidence pressing forward against a defiant 10 man Rovers. Rovers even made a number a chances to make the game secure, however Birmingham managed to create the chance, that resulted in Stern John getting the equaliser 10 min before the end. Final Score 1-1 Rovers Friedel, Neill, Todd, Taylor, McEveley, Thompson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Duff, Cole (Jansen 73), Yorke (Johansson 35). Subs Not Used: Gillespie, Ostenstad, Kelly. Birmingham Bennett, Kenna (John 75), Vickers (Devlin 35), Michael Johnson (Kirovski 65), Clapham, Damien Johnson, Cisse, Savage, Lazaridis, Dugarry, Morrison. Subs Not Used: Coly, Vaesen. Referee. Clive Wilkes, Red cards. Todd (30). Yellow cards Neill, Tugay. Dugarry, Clapham, Lazaridis. Attendance: 23,331 Sponsors Man of the Match Friedel.

After their impressive 6-0 win against Exeter in the FA Youth Cup earlier this week, Rovers will now play Leeds United away in the next round. Leeds qualified to play Rovers following their defeat of Cambridge United 4-2 last night.

Although there is no official word from Blackburn, Cardiff City have announced on their web site this afternoon, that they are to sign Rovers Irish midfielder Alan Mahon on loan for 3 months. According to reports from Cardiff, it is hoped that he will be signed in time to play against Port Vale in midweek.

Injured defenders Lucas Neill and Jay McEverley have both passed fitness tests and are available for selection for tomorrows visit of Birmingham City and are included in Graeme Sounesss 19 man squad, which also includes Alan Mahon and Cicco Grabbi, both of who have been the subject of transfer speculation this week. Birmingham Steve Bruce includes Rovers old boys Jeff Kenna and Damian Johnson, in his squad of 18 players. Rovers from Friedel, Neill, Taylor, Todd, Short, Johansson, McEverley, Tugay, Thompson, Flitcroft, Duff, Cole, Yorke, Gillespie, Ostenstad, Jansen, Mahon, Grabbi, Kelly. Birmingham from Vaesen, Coly, Vickers, M Johnson, Kenna, D Johnson, Savage, Cisse, Clemence, Clapham, Dugarry, John, Morrison, Bennett, Grainger, Devlin, Kirovski, Hutchinson. Referee Clive Wilkes, who has issued 16 yellow cards and 2 reds in 6 premier games that he has officiated in this season. Rovers go into tomorrows game unbeaten in five Premiership games whilst Birmingham have not won in five. Rovers have won their last four League clashes with Birmingham including this seasons away win at St Andrews when local villain Dwight Yorke scored the only goal of the game. Tomorrows game will be mile stones for Tiny Taylor and Tugay who if selected will be making their 50th premier league appearances for the club. Many supporters will have fond memories of Rovers v Birmingham in the 1999-2000 promotion, season especially Duffs goal of the season at St Andrews. Rovers biggest win in a home fixture against Birmingham (then known as Small Heath) was 9-1 on 5 January, 1895 in their first ever League meeting. Attendance 2000

David Dunn Media and internet news sources report that Blackburns midfielder David Dunn is determined to prove Rovers manager Graeme Souness wrong. Dunn is quoted as saying "Whatever might have been written about me, my heart and soul is still firmly in Blackburn Rovers. People sometimes forget I'm a Blackburn lad so I'm a supporter of this club just as much as I'm a player as well." It is reported that although he doesnt agree with Sounesses comments last week, Dunn is determined to prove Souness and a few other people wrong. Dunn is also quoted as saying that Graeme is the manager and you've got to respect what he says. Treatment Room After battling his way back to fitness from a career threatening eye injury Rovers left back Stig Inge Bjornebye faces a further spell on the sidelines following an operation on his foot. Midfielder David Dunn could be out of action for a further 2 weeks with his calf injury. Full back Lucas Neill has missed training due to an injured knee and will have tests before Souness names his squad for Saturdays game against Birmingham at Ewood Park. Transfer Gossip Following yesterdays revelations that Alan Mahon was the subject to an enquiry from Burnley, press speculation today are linking John Curtis with Portsmouth and Ipswitch, whilst transfer speculation regarding a move out of Ewood by Cicco Grabbi to hotter climates are cooling. Ticket Office http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/match....00.html Worthington Cup. Manchester United Tickets are selling fast and it looks like being a sell out crowd next Wednesday night. FA Cup. Sunderland Tickets are now on sale to season ticket holders, remaining tickets will go on sale from Monday the 20 January. FA Youth Cup After their 6-0 win against Exeter Rovers youth have been drawn away against the winners of Cambridge v Leeds tie.