FA Cup

Tickets for Rovers FA Cup Fourth Round tie at Ewood Park, against Sunderland who beat Bolton at the Stadium of Light tonight, go on sale from tomorrow for season ticket holders.

In what is reported as a scrappy game all the goals where scored in extra time. Final score 2 - 0.

For ticket details follow link to official Rovers web site.

http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/today....00.html

FA Youth Cup

Rovers youth go through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup, after beating Exeter youth 6 - 0 at Ewood Park tonight. Exeter were reduced to ten men after a bad challenge on Alex Bruce.

Scorers...Gary Harkins. Jemal Johnson. Peter Corvino  & Paul Gallagher 3.

FA Youth Cup

Rovers youth squad take on Exeter in the FA Youth Cup at Ewood Park tonight. Kick off 7pm.

Rovers have injury worries regarding Paul Galagher and Jerome Watt, whilst Jay McEverley is excused due to his promotion to the first team squad.

Rovers Reserves

Rovers reserves beat Bolton reserves away last night 2-0, with goals from Matt Jansen and Jonathan Douglas. Jansen scored from the penalty spot just before half time after Douglas was fouled in the area.

Douglas sealed the win for the Rovers with a well taken goal 3 minutes in to the second half.

FA Cup

Rovers await the result of tonights replay between Sunderland and Bolton at the Stadium of Light, to know who will be their opponents in the next round of the FA Cup.

Transfer Gossip

Speculation in the media are linking Ciccio Grabbi with a move to Italian clubs Brescia and Piacenza, and suggestions are that the Rovers have had 2 enquiries about Alan Mahon

Meanwhile Rovers are being linked with Celta Vigo full backJuan Fran Garcia

Rovers right back Lucas Neill has had his yellow card, issued in the first leg of the Worthington Cup semi final against Manchester United, recinded by match referee, Uriah Rennie, which means he will now be available for second leg visit of Manchester United at Ewood Park next week.

Rennies initial report indicated that Neill was booked for diving, however the FA have confirmed that Rennie had a rethink after seeing video footage of the incident.

Graeme Souness is quoted as saying.

"I am absolutely delighted with the decision.

"I was always quietly confident because Uriah is one of the better ones around and he was looking at the incident from behind.

"I felt that if he looked at it again, then he would see it how we saw it."

Sunderland v Rovers

In his after match interview, Rovers boss Graeme Souness was disappointed that forwards, Cole and Yorke failed to make the most of chances created at the Stadium of Light. Souness is quoted in the media as saying

"We think we've dropped two points today.

"I think we've had some very good chances falling to the right people, and on a normal day, Andy or Dwight would have put at least one of them away.

"I'm disappointed because I think we did enough to win the game, but I think I have to be happy with the way we played at times."

Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes has signed a two-year extension to his current contract, as manager of Wales. Hughes, capped more than 70 times by Wales, retired from playing at the end of last season after being released by Rovers.

Marc Richards

Swansea City report that twenty-year-old Blackburn striker Marc Richards has been given permission to stay on loan with Swansea City until the end of the season, after former Rovers forward James Thomas, who is currently Swanseas top goal scorer, suffered a leg injury. Since joining Swansea on loan Marc has scored 1 league goal in 4 appearances.

Darren Dunning

Macclesfield Town report on their web site that they are set to complete the loan signing of Blackburn Rovers midfielder Darren Dunning. Dunning recently returned to Ewood after a loan spell with Third Division Torquay.

Result    0 - 0

Although Rovers had most of the possession, they had to settle for a point in a dire goal less draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

As a result of Manchester Citys win against Leeds, Rovers drop to 9th in the league.

Teams

Sunderland: Sorensen, Williams, Babb, Craddock, McCartney, Proctor, (Stewart 76) McCann, Thirlwell, Oster, (Arca 59). Phillips, Flo. Subs not used: Macho, Bjorklund,  Kyle,

Blackburn Rovers: Freidel, Neill, (Mahon 73) Todd, Taylor, Johansson, Tugay, Flitcroft, Duff, (Jansen 78 ) Thompson, (Gillespie 56) Yorke, Cole. Subs not used: Kelly, Ostenstad,

Referee          M. Riley

Yellow cards. Tugay, Todd, Thompson

                      Williams

Attendance 36,529

Other scores

Bolton 0-0 Fulham

Chelsea 4-1 Charlton

Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa

Man City 2-1 Leeds

Middlesbrough 2-2 Southampton

Sunderland 0-0 Blackburn

West Brom 1-3 Man Utd

West Ham 2-2 Newcastle

Blackburn go in to tomorrows game against Sunderland, hoping to extend their unbeaten run of 7 games - 4 Prem, 2 WC, 1 FAC [4 wins, 3 draws]. their last defeat being away at Everton on the 14 December.

Rovers go in to the game with the return from injury of defender Craig Short (hamstring) and midfielder Damian Duff (hamstring) plus Wednesday nights goal hero David Thompson (ankle).

Rovers Squad

Friedel, Neill, Todd, Taylor, McEveley, Johansson, Short, Tugay, Duff, Flitcroft, Gillespie, Thompson, Yorke, Ostenstad, Cole, Danns,  Jansen, Mahon, Kelly.

Sunderland Squad

Macho, Sorensen, Gray, Bjorklund, McCartney, Williams, Babb, Craddock, Thome, McCann, Kilbane, Thirlwell, Arca, Proctor, Phillips, Flo, Stewart, Kyle.

Referee

The referee for tomorrows game is Mike Riley, who issued yellow cards to 2 Rovers players in the game against Chelsea at Ewood Park. In 12 Premier games this season Riley has issued 44 yellow cards and 2 red cards.

Interesting Fact

Simon Garner scored 4 of Blackburn's goals against Sunderland in the 6-1 victory at Ewood Park in the old Second Division on 6 September, 1986.

In an interview with Sky TV Blackburns manager Graeme Souness has indicated that Blackburns England midfielder may be on his way out of the club. Souness is quoted as saying.

"I had a meeting with David Dunn's agent two weeks ago and at that meeting I did express an opinion that if we did get an offer we would listen to what they had to say."

"If he left here, we would be reluctant sellers, but at this stage of his career maybe he needs someone else to be talking to him - maybe he needs to hear different things."

Souness added: "He's not come anywhere near his standards this season and we have been disappointed with him."

"Maybe in David's case there are other things going on in his life that have made him take his eye off the ball.

"That is not something I'm prepared to accept."

Above quotes are extracts taken by the author of this post from tv and radio coverage

Lucas Neill

Reports this afternoon would suggest that Uriah Rennie has not rescinded the yellow card issued to Blackburns Australian right back Lucas Neill. The card collected by Neill in the first leg Worthington Cup semi final was his fifth yellow card and he will therefore miss the return leg at Ewood Park on the 22 January.

Souness

Graeme Souness will appeal against the recently issued charge of misconduct, and has requested a personal hearing with the FA. The charge was issued after Souness was sent to the stands following his discussions with the fourth official regarding a disputed corner during Blackburns Worthington game with Wigan.

Leonard

Rovers have failed in the acquisition of Belgian Philippe Leonard after the defenders descision to stay at Monaco.

Treatment Room

Whilst local hero David Dunn is to see a specialist regarding his recurring calf injury there is better news regarding centre half Craig Short and winger Damian Duff who are both recovering from their hamstring injuries. Tuesday nights goal hero David Thompson is having treatment on his ankle injury and is expected to be available for Rovers away game against Sunderland on Saturday.

Worthington Cup Tickets

Season ticket holders have untill the 11 January to claim their seat for the second leg of the Worthington Cup Semi final against Manchester United. See link.

http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/match....00.html

Blackburn go one step nearer to a return to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff following a 1-1 draw in the 1st Leg of the Worthington Cup Semi Final at Old Trafford.

After a goal less first half, United, against the run of play, took the lead in the 57 min through a scrappy goal from Scholes off Beckhams cross, but Rovers were level within 3 min thanks to David Thompsons diving header from Gillespies right wing cross.

Tugay, controlled the midfield and won Skys Man of the Match award, however  Blackburns young defence deserved praise for an outstanding display of concentration up to the last minute when 17 year old McEverley cleared off the line.

Once again Blackburn Old Trafford jinx occurred when Lucas Neill was booked for a dive, when a tv replays indicated that Silvestre brought Neill down in the penalty area.

Teams.

United.

Barthez, G.Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Silvestre, Beckham, Veron, P.Neville, (Forlan 82min) Giggs,(Solskjaer 73min) Scholes, Nistelrooy.

Subs not used. Ricardo, Blanc, Oshea.

Rovers

Friedel, Neill, Taylor, Todd, McEverley, Thompson,(Jansen 65 min) Tugay, Flitcroft, Dunn,(Gillespie 18min) Cole, Yorke.

Subs not used. Kelly,Ostenstad, Johanssen.

Ref.   U. Rennie.

Yellow card. McEverley 44min Neill 87 min

                 P.Neville 55min

Half Time 0 - 0.

Goal scorers

Scholes 57 min

Thompson 60 min

Full Time 1 - 1

Worthington Cup Semi Final.

Reports would suggest that Manchester United midfield dynamo Roy Keane will miss tomorrows first leg match against Rovers due to a damaged hamstring.

New Defender.

Although to date there has been no confirmation from the club, Rumours in national and local press, would indicate that an imminent signing is due at Ewood Park.

It has been widely reported that Belgian International defender Philippe Leanard has had talks with the club regarding a move from Monaco.

Dwight Yorke and Matt Jansen each scored twice as Rovers beat Aston Villa to reach the FA Cup fourth round.

Juan Pablo Angel's scored on 41min for Villa to level the score after Matt Jansen had put Rovers in the lead in the 17min. After the break it was all Blackburn with Jansen scoring his second in the 60 min, in between to strikes by Dwight Yorke on 52 min and 71 min.

The match was an emotional event in different ways for both sets of supporters. For Villa it was a sad day being knocked out of the cup by old boy Yorke, who score twice in front of the Holte End, whilst Rovers supporters were on a high, mainly due to the return of last seasons top scores Matt Jansen after being seriously injured in a road accident during the close season.

This being a first of 2 cup matches in 4 days Graeme Souness made a number of changes, resting player prior to next weeks Worthington Cup Semi final against Manchester United.

Todays team.

Friedel, Neill, Todd, Taylor, McEveley, Danns, (Gillespie) Flitcroft, Yorke, (Douglas) Dunn, Ostenstad, (Tugay) Jansen. Subs not used Kelly, Johansson,

Rovers have named a squad of 18 players for tomorrows FA Cup tie at Villa Park.

Friedel, Neill, Taylor, Johansson, McEverley Thompson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Danns Cole, Yorke, Kelly. Ostenstad, Todd, Dunn, Gillespie, Curtis and Jansen.

There is a fitness doubt regarding Thompson, (groin muscle) and he  will have tests tomorrow morning before the team is announced.

Villa have not yet named their squad, but reports suggest that they will be unchanged from the team beat Bolton on New Years Day.

The man in the middle tomorrow is Jeff Winter, who will also preside over Blackburns home leg in the Worthington Cup against Manchester United.

Tomorrow will allow fans to see their favourite old boys, Rovers fans - Alan Wright who left Rovers for Villa  in 1991, and Villa fans - Dwight Yorke who left Villa for United in 1998.

ROVERS 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 0

Attendance 23,413.

Dwight Yorkes left foot strike from 6 yards out in the 57 min gave Rovers a well deserved win at Ewood Park this afternoon to move them up to eight in the Premier League. This represents a total of 8 points from a possible 12 over the Christmas period. Today saw Souness  play two of the academy developed  players, McEverley and Danns ahead of established  first team players.  McEverley getting special praise from Souness in the post match interview, as did Andy Cole who won the Man of the Match Award.                                      

Friedel, Neill, Taylor, Johansson, McEverley Thompson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Danns Cole, Yorke

Subs Kelly. Ostenstad, Todd, Dunn, Gillespie

Middlesbrough

Schwarzer Parnaby, Southgate, Ehiogu, Queudrue Geremi, Wilson, Job, Greeening Maccarone, Boksic.

Subs, Crossley. Vidmar, Wilkshire, Nemeth, Windass

Yellow / Red Cards   0

Once again Souness has not been able to pick his strongest team for Rovers  New Years Day match against Middlesbrough.  Due to hamstring injuries it looks as if the team will be without Short and Duff for up to 4 weeks, missing both legs of the Worthington Cup Semi Finals against Manchester United and the FA Cup match against Aston Villa.

Bjornebye is also absent from the Middlesbrough squad due to a foot injury. However on the bright side Dunn has recovered from his injury and Lucas Neill has returned to the squad following his one match suspension.

The full squad for tomorrows game according to the official site is.

Friedel, Neill, McEverley, Johansson, Taylor, Todd, Thompson, Flitcroft, Tugay, Danns, Gillespie, Dunn, Douglas, Cole, Yorke, Ostenstad, Jansen and Kelly.

The referee for tomorrows game is David Pugh from Merseyside, who reportedly has issued 13 yellow cards in the 4 Premier League games that he has officiated in this season.

Lets hope tomorrows game isnt a repeat of the away fixture when  Middlesbrough scored in the last minute to win 1-0 or a repeat of last seasons fixture when Rovers lost 1-0 to a bizarre Boksic goal.

I suspect a repeat of Rovers 9-0 defeat of Middlesbrough in the 1954-55 season is to much to ask for. For the statisticians the gate for that game was 29,189.

Not only did Rovers lose two valuable points yesterday, but it would appear that they have lost the services of two of their star player, Duff and Short.

The official site http://www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk/today....00.html indicates that both players are suffering from hamstring problems and could be doubtfull for the Middlesbrough game on New Years Day.

Can we give this a rest, Paul has in the past and still puts a lot of work to keep this site alive.

I would draw everyones attention to the final paragraph of the board rules.

The moderators decision is final.

Sometimes moderators will make decisions that they feel are for the good of the site. This includes choosing to close a thread if they feel it can no longer be discussed in a friendly manner.

If a moderator is forced into making such a decision they wont have done it lightly. Please accept their decision even if you dont agree with it.

Bloody hell this reminds me of Johny Vagas. And the new comers award.

Dont know whats gone on, and at this time of night(gmt) is the xmas eve drink kicking in, when all said and done we are all BLACKBURN ROVERS SUPPORTERS.

If people feel agrieved, by any action by the mods/admin then message appropriate mod/admin. We will then discuss and action as necessary.

Christmas Shopping !

It feels like Christmas morning, when I was a kid.

Woke up early, cant wait.

See you all at Ewood, for the party tonight.

I'm I correct to think that the bars inside the ground are closed for UEFA cup matches.

Does this also affect the Blues Bar.

Alan's getting worried

Ill probably park near the ground then walk into town (if i can remember my way - it has been 6 years)

1.First move your left leg forward

2.Now move your right leg forward.

3.Back to ITEM 1.

RB

God knows what people on here would say if we were getting the 6,000 attendances of the 70's, early 80's.

Them were great days, Saturday 3pm kick off, parking next to the ground, cheep beer, walk straight in to the ground, being able to get back to Ossy without traffic jambs at Guide, standing behind Jim Smith in the Enclosure giving him a load of abuse, swimming throught the urine in the 1 stall loe, getting soaked from the overflowing gutters, getting verbal and physical abuse from travelling supporters, no tv coverage except if we played in the cup.

When you've experienced the "good old days" you are greatfull for every moment of glory, sometimes we forget that thanks to Uncle Jack we have come a long way, in a short period of time.

Mr Grey Slacks and Grey Slip Ons

I resent that comment, they go well with my blue and white cardigan that auntie made me.

Good point about Radio advertising.

Radio is one of the best means of advertising, even if people dont listen to the radio at home or workplace, most people have the radio on in the car.