rovermadrees
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Rovers Revolution
I have been reading stories written by users for some time now, and felt like doing my own. I’m 3 and a bit seasons into the game, I’m gonna bring you all up to speed with how things are looking and how seasons have progressed, an then I’m gonna carry on from there. Here's my first season for you!
Season One
On the 5th June 2011, Blackburn Rovers made a huge announcement. Anuradha Desai released a statement declaring that Steve Kean had been sacked from his post as manager, and the club decided to take things in a new direction. The club have announced the new manager as Rees Walker, a 25 year old manager with little experience. Rees Walker has never managed a team in the Premier League, and some fans may be scratching their heads as to why the club has chosen to make this drastic move, but fans are curious about the local lad. Walker, born in Blackburn and lifelong Rovers fan only had this to say “I’ve watched this team for many years now, I’ve seen the highs and lows, and I’m here to prove myself. I’ve been in football for some time now, and this is my opportunity to bring success back to Blackburn”
Pre-Season and Transfers
In and Out
View attachment 233990
Total cash spent = £1,050,000 Total cash received = £4,425,000
The first step into the transfer market that Rees Walker made, was stepping in to sign free agent Biel Ribas. Ribas, who previously played for the Spanish Second Division team Salamanca, joins as backup to Paul Robinson, as Rovers receive 2m for Mark Bunn who heads to Southampton. Another departure is Myles Anderson, who has had a brief spell at the club after joining last summer. The second signing saw Walker dip into the transfer market to sign another free agent, Ahmed Soukana. Soukouna, who was a free agent after leaving Toulouse, joins as a much needed option in attack. Rovers also saw Jason Roberts leave for a small fee of 525k to make room for the incoming striker. Nick Blackman, Josh Morris and Amine Linganzi all left the club for brief spells on loan at Peterborough, Colchester and Preston respectively. Among the other summer signings for Rovers were South African hero Siphiwe Tshabalala, the 27 year old joining from Kaizer Chiefs for a small sum of 350k. Wayne Bridge also arrived from Man City on a season long loan deal, with Stuart Parnaby signing on a free to add to the weak right back spot. Edinho moved to Rovers in a part exchange deal, with Bruno Ribeiro heading to Malaga, Rovers also received 1.9m as part of the deal to take the Brazilian to the Anchovies. Walker then moved quickly to bring young strikers Yaya Sanogo and Artem Kravets in to bolster the attack, both players signing on loan. Experienced midfielders Maniche and Mahamadou Diarra are brought in to strengthen the midfield and provide reliability.The shrewd business of Rees Walker see’s Rovers spend just over 1m, bringing in four players on free transfers, and also see’s a return of almost 4.5m. This could either see Blackburn cement their place again in the Premier League, or head for a relegation battle. The new manager had declared that his expections for the season was to seal Rovers future in the Premier League, and build for the future. He expressed that he had a four year vision to get the club into the Champions League, similar to which Steve Kean has failed to live up to. If Walker can pull this off, it will be somewhat of a miracle. With the way things look for the club, the future looks unsure for the team.
Pre-Season
View attachment 233991
The first friendly of Rovers pre-season, saw them face the reserve team in a training match, which saw the game finish 0-0. Eyebrows were raised as many fans had expected more from the game, this didn’t help when the team faced Celtic at the Kyocera Stadion as part of a Friendly Clup. The team lost 2-1 in a game many thought fans would do better in. The summer saw Walker bring in a fresh assistant manager, Fausto Salsano from Man City, the Italian being known for his attacking mentality expressed no concern, issuing a statement which said “The fans do not need to be worried, this is early pre-season. The main thing is getting the lads out there fit. Do not worry for results now. Worry at end of the season” Bouncing back from a defeat and a draw, saw the team beat Port Vale 4-1, proving that any doubters of the team may have to think twice. They then won their next 4 games, beating Argentinean side Velez Sarsfield 3-1. The last fixture of pre-season saw Rovers face Roma, a game in which ended a 0-0 draw. Walker declared that the pre-season had given the team a much needed boost, and the lads were fighting fit.
August to January Transfer Window
View attachment 233992
View attachment 233993
The first game of the season saw Rovers face Fulham at the Craven Cottage, in which many thought would show them what the team were capable of. In an eagerly anticipated game which ended a 2-2 draw, saw Junior Hoilett take the lead for Blackburn on the 21st minute, before Clint Dempsey scored two in the 51st and 55th minute. Rovers looked down and out until Yakubu popped up at the far post to nod home to seal the draw late on. The word about Walker was good. The team had shown a desire, a passion to come back from behind and the supporters were signing the name of star striker Yakubu. The next game saw Rovers face Newcastle and at home and draw 0-0, fans left the stadium feeling disappointed after seeing a goal scored by Hoilett chalked off for offside, only for replays to reveal the goal as being onside. Rovers beat Oldham in the League Cup and picked up 3 valuable points against Sunderland. A game against Man City saw Walkers men walk away with all 3 points, winning 3-1 in somewhat of a thriller. Rovers responded to an Edin Dzeko goal by scoring 3 goals in the last 10 minutes of the game. Rovers then go on to draw with United in their next game, recovering from a goal down again. The team then lose to Everton 3-0, Blackburns first defeat of the season. They then record wins against Liverpool and Arsenal before losing to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Blackburn progress to the League Cup Semi-Finals after beating Villa 4-1, as well as beating Wolves in a goal fest ending 5-3 and then thumping QPR 6-1.Rovers go into the New Year on the back off two defeats and two draws against teams they could well have beat. In the teams opening 23 games, one thing the fans can not complain about is the input of new signing Ahmed Soukouna, who has is the clubs top goal scorer with 8 goals. Yakubu, Hoilett and Ryan Nelsen have contributed to the cause, each scoring 4 goals. New signing Soukouna has hit the headlines as he scores goals whenever he seems to play, leaving fellow signing Yaya Sanogo on the bench.
January Transfers
Ins and Outs
View attachment 233994
Total Spent = £2,050,000 Total Received = £0
Two summer signings were shown the door in January, with Stuart Parnaby and Edinho leaving. Walker found that the players were merely fringe players, and after signing them on short term deals, decided to cut them short and agreed to let the players leave on a free transfer. Walker then strengthened his midfield, signing Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie. Walker announced that he hoped Guthrie could provide resistance to the team, and then moved swiftly to sign Jordan Rhodes from Huddersfield. The Scottish striker had been in magnificent form for the League 1 team, scoring 18 goals in 25 appearances. The club let Jordan Slew go to Shrewsbury on a 6 month loan deal, with summer signing Maniche also deciding to leave the club in February, a mutual decision from both sides according to the player.
January to May
View attachment 233995
View attachment 233996
The start of the year saw the Rovers beat Fulham 3-0 at Ewood Park, in a game where top scorer Soukouna stole the show with a 30 yard screamer. Blackburn then picked up wins in the League Cup semi-final against Swansea and Sunderland in the FA Cup. The following game saw Newcastle entertain Blackburn at St James Park, a game in which Newcastle outplayed and outclassed the opponents and knock 3 past them. Rovers rebounded by beating Sunderland in the league and Swansea in the second leg of the League Cup, a game which saw Blackburn take part in their first final since winning the then Worthington Cup in 2001. The next game saw Rovers progress to the FA Cup 5th round but then lost away to West Brom 2-0. Rovers then lost to Man City 3-0 and drew to Birmingham in the FA Cup 5th round. Rovers next two games saw them up against in form team Man Utd, as well as taking on 2nd placed Chelsea in the League Cup Final. Blackburn went into the tie with United on the back of a draw to Championship side Birmingham in the FA Cup, a game most fans would have rather avoided replaying. Rovers however turned up on the day, and won convincingly, they then followed up beating Chelsea at Wembley, in a 5-3 thriller. Scott Dann and Steven N’Zonzi scoring the fourth and fifth in the last 5 minutes of the game. Walker had brought silverware to Lancashire in his first season, and fans were chanting his name. Blackburn were a team on the up, however they then lost the replay to Birmingham and lost away to Liverpool. They then dropped points against Everton and were outclassed against Arsenal and Tottenham. Local rivals Bolton added to fans misery by beating Rovers 2-1. Blackburn responded with an excellent 6-1 win against win, as well as beating QPR 4-0 and going on to win their last 5 games, beating Chelsea 3-2 in a dramatic finale.The season saw loanee signing Artem Kravets burst onto the scene for Rover s in January. Walker chose to freshen up his side, and thought that Kravets was ready for the first team. The Ukrainian went on to score 20 times in 23 games, finishing the clubs top scorer. Fellow summer signing Ahmed Soukouna scored 10 goals helping the teams cause as well as captain Christopher Samba scoring 8 from the back. The real star performer of the season has to go to Artem Kravets, making such a big contribution with 8 man of the match performances. The fans feel as though the club has made progress this season, with new manager Walker guiding the team to their first trophy since 2001. Many fans thought that the team would be facing relegation, but with wins against the so called ‘top 4’ under their belt and consistent performances
saw the club have a good season, and finished above expectations.
View attachment 233997
The club finished 8th in a season many fans believe to be a success. Rovers fans have been delighted with the way the team have been attacking lately, and have expressed great joy at the football the team have been playing, scoring 65 goals in the season. Blackburn finished 2 points behind Arsenal in 7th place, with West Brom 5 points away from 8th place. The season saw Man United win the league with some ease in the end, thumping West Brom 6-0 on the last day of the season to seal their place on Premier League history once again. Man City finished third with Tottenham in fourth. Sunderland, Norwich and QPR were all relegated into the championship, with Bristol City, Cardiff and Blackpool all being promoted.
I have been reading stories written by users for some time now, and felt like doing my own. I’m 3 and a bit seasons into the game, I’m gonna bring you all up to speed with how things are looking and how seasons have progressed, an then I’m gonna carry on from there. Here's my first season for you!
Season One
On the 5th June 2011, Blackburn Rovers made a huge announcement. Anuradha Desai released a statement declaring that Steve Kean had been sacked from his post as manager, and the club decided to take things in a new direction. The club have announced the new manager as Rees Walker, a 25 year old manager with little experience. Rees Walker has never managed a team in the Premier League, and some fans may be scratching their heads as to why the club has chosen to make this drastic move, but fans are curious about the local lad. Walker, born in Blackburn and lifelong Rovers fan only had this to say “I’ve watched this team for many years now, I’ve seen the highs and lows, and I’m here to prove myself. I’ve been in football for some time now, and this is my opportunity to bring success back to Blackburn”
Pre-Season and Transfers
In and Out
View attachment 233990
Total cash spent = £1,050,000 Total cash received = £4,425,000
The first step into the transfer market that Rees Walker made, was stepping in to sign free agent Biel Ribas. Ribas, who previously played for the Spanish Second Division team Salamanca, joins as backup to Paul Robinson, as Rovers receive 2m for Mark Bunn who heads to Southampton. Another departure is Myles Anderson, who has had a brief spell at the club after joining last summer. The second signing saw Walker dip into the transfer market to sign another free agent, Ahmed Soukana. Soukouna, who was a free agent after leaving Toulouse, joins as a much needed option in attack. Rovers also saw Jason Roberts leave for a small fee of 525k to make room for the incoming striker. Nick Blackman, Josh Morris and Amine Linganzi all left the club for brief spells on loan at Peterborough, Colchester and Preston respectively. Among the other summer signings for Rovers were South African hero Siphiwe Tshabalala, the 27 year old joining from Kaizer Chiefs for a small sum of 350k. Wayne Bridge also arrived from Man City on a season long loan deal, with Stuart Parnaby signing on a free to add to the weak right back spot. Edinho moved to Rovers in a part exchange deal, with Bruno Ribeiro heading to Malaga, Rovers also received 1.9m as part of the deal to take the Brazilian to the Anchovies. Walker then moved quickly to bring young strikers Yaya Sanogo and Artem Kravets in to bolster the attack, both players signing on loan. Experienced midfielders Maniche and Mahamadou Diarra are brought in to strengthen the midfield and provide reliability.The shrewd business of Rees Walker see’s Rovers spend just over 1m, bringing in four players on free transfers, and also see’s a return of almost 4.5m. This could either see Blackburn cement their place again in the Premier League, or head for a relegation battle. The new manager had declared that his expections for the season was to seal Rovers future in the Premier League, and build for the future. He expressed that he had a four year vision to get the club into the Champions League, similar to which Steve Kean has failed to live up to. If Walker can pull this off, it will be somewhat of a miracle. With the way things look for the club, the future looks unsure for the team.
Pre-Season
View attachment 233991
The first friendly of Rovers pre-season, saw them face the reserve team in a training match, which saw the game finish 0-0. Eyebrows were raised as many fans had expected more from the game, this didn’t help when the team faced Celtic at the Kyocera Stadion as part of a Friendly Clup. The team lost 2-1 in a game many thought fans would do better in. The summer saw Walker bring in a fresh assistant manager, Fausto Salsano from Man City, the Italian being known for his attacking mentality expressed no concern, issuing a statement which said “The fans do not need to be worried, this is early pre-season. The main thing is getting the lads out there fit. Do not worry for results now. Worry at end of the season” Bouncing back from a defeat and a draw, saw the team beat Port Vale 4-1, proving that any doubters of the team may have to think twice. They then won their next 4 games, beating Argentinean side Velez Sarsfield 3-1. The last fixture of pre-season saw Rovers face Roma, a game in which ended a 0-0 draw. Walker declared that the pre-season had given the team a much needed boost, and the lads were fighting fit.
August to January Transfer Window
View attachment 233992
View attachment 233993
The first game of the season saw Rovers face Fulham at the Craven Cottage, in which many thought would show them what the team were capable of. In an eagerly anticipated game which ended a 2-2 draw, saw Junior Hoilett take the lead for Blackburn on the 21st minute, before Clint Dempsey scored two in the 51st and 55th minute. Rovers looked down and out until Yakubu popped up at the far post to nod home to seal the draw late on. The word about Walker was good. The team had shown a desire, a passion to come back from behind and the supporters were signing the name of star striker Yakubu. The next game saw Rovers face Newcastle and at home and draw 0-0, fans left the stadium feeling disappointed after seeing a goal scored by Hoilett chalked off for offside, only for replays to reveal the goal as being onside. Rovers beat Oldham in the League Cup and picked up 3 valuable points against Sunderland. A game against Man City saw Walkers men walk away with all 3 points, winning 3-1 in somewhat of a thriller. Rovers responded to an Edin Dzeko goal by scoring 3 goals in the last 10 minutes of the game. Rovers then go on to draw with United in their next game, recovering from a goal down again. The team then lose to Everton 3-0, Blackburns first defeat of the season. They then record wins against Liverpool and Arsenal before losing to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Blackburn progress to the League Cup Semi-Finals after beating Villa 4-1, as well as beating Wolves in a goal fest ending 5-3 and then thumping QPR 6-1.Rovers go into the New Year on the back off two defeats and two draws against teams they could well have beat. In the teams opening 23 games, one thing the fans can not complain about is the input of new signing Ahmed Soukouna, who has is the clubs top goal scorer with 8 goals. Yakubu, Hoilett and Ryan Nelsen have contributed to the cause, each scoring 4 goals. New signing Soukouna has hit the headlines as he scores goals whenever he seems to play, leaving fellow signing Yaya Sanogo on the bench.
January Transfers
Ins and Outs
View attachment 233994
Total Spent = £2,050,000 Total Received = £0
Two summer signings were shown the door in January, with Stuart Parnaby and Edinho leaving. Walker found that the players were merely fringe players, and after signing them on short term deals, decided to cut them short and agreed to let the players leave on a free transfer. Walker then strengthened his midfield, signing Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie. Walker announced that he hoped Guthrie could provide resistance to the team, and then moved swiftly to sign Jordan Rhodes from Huddersfield. The Scottish striker had been in magnificent form for the League 1 team, scoring 18 goals in 25 appearances. The club let Jordan Slew go to Shrewsbury on a 6 month loan deal, with summer signing Maniche also deciding to leave the club in February, a mutual decision from both sides according to the player.
January to May
View attachment 233995
View attachment 233996
The start of the year saw the Rovers beat Fulham 3-0 at Ewood Park, in a game where top scorer Soukouna stole the show with a 30 yard screamer. Blackburn then picked up wins in the League Cup semi-final against Swansea and Sunderland in the FA Cup. The following game saw Newcastle entertain Blackburn at St James Park, a game in which Newcastle outplayed and outclassed the opponents and knock 3 past them. Rovers rebounded by beating Sunderland in the league and Swansea in the second leg of the League Cup, a game which saw Blackburn take part in their first final since winning the then Worthington Cup in 2001. The next game saw Rovers progress to the FA Cup 5th round but then lost away to West Brom 2-0. Rovers then lost to Man City 3-0 and drew to Birmingham in the FA Cup 5th round. Rovers next two games saw them up against in form team Man Utd, as well as taking on 2nd placed Chelsea in the League Cup Final. Blackburn went into the tie with United on the back of a draw to Championship side Birmingham in the FA Cup, a game most fans would have rather avoided replaying. Rovers however turned up on the day, and won convincingly, they then followed up beating Chelsea at Wembley, in a 5-3 thriller. Scott Dann and Steven N’Zonzi scoring the fourth and fifth in the last 5 minutes of the game. Walker had brought silverware to Lancashire in his first season, and fans were chanting his name. Blackburn were a team on the up, however they then lost the replay to Birmingham and lost away to Liverpool. They then dropped points against Everton and were outclassed against Arsenal and Tottenham. Local rivals Bolton added to fans misery by beating Rovers 2-1. Blackburn responded with an excellent 6-1 win against win, as well as beating QPR 4-0 and going on to win their last 5 games, beating Chelsea 3-2 in a dramatic finale.The season saw loanee signing Artem Kravets burst onto the scene for Rover s in January. Walker chose to freshen up his side, and thought that Kravets was ready for the first team. The Ukrainian went on to score 20 times in 23 games, finishing the clubs top scorer. Fellow summer signing Ahmed Soukouna scored 10 goals helping the teams cause as well as captain Christopher Samba scoring 8 from the back. The real star performer of the season has to go to Artem Kravets, making such a big contribution with 8 man of the match performances. The fans feel as though the club has made progress this season, with new manager Walker guiding the team to their first trophy since 2001. Many fans thought that the team would be facing relegation, but with wins against the so called ‘top 4’ under their belt and consistent performances
saw the club have a good season, and finished above expectations.
View attachment 233997
The club finished 8th in a season many fans believe to be a success. Rovers fans have been delighted with the way the team have been attacking lately, and have expressed great joy at the football the team have been playing, scoring 65 goals in the season. Blackburn finished 2 points behind Arsenal in 7th place, with West Brom 5 points away from 8th place. The season saw Man United win the league with some ease in the end, thumping West Brom 6-0 on the last day of the season to seal their place on Premier League history once again. Man City finished third with Tottenham in fourth. Sunderland, Norwich and QPR were all relegated into the championship, with Bristol City, Cardiff and Blackpool all being promoted.
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