Can Steve Kean satisfy Blackburn's Indian owners by keeping his side clear of a relegation battle?
Hopes and fears
Amid all the chicken jokes, it’s been an uncertain start to the Venky’s era. When the Indian poultry firm bought the club for £23million last November from the Jack Walker Trust, they promptly dumped boss Sam Allardyce on grounds of style and were bullish about “landmark” transfer targets. After a quiet January, however, it took late wins over Bolton and Wolves to confirm their survival. After that rude awakening, it appears ambitions have been scaled back somewhat…
Amid all the chicken jokes, it’s been an uncertain start to the Venky’s era. When the Indian poultry firm bought the club for £23million last November from the Jack Walker Trust, they promptly dumped boss Sam Allardyce on grounds of style and were bullish about “landmark” transfer targets. After a quiet January, however, it took late wins over Bolton and Wolves to confirm their survival. After that rude awakening, it appears ambitions have been scaled back somewhat…
You’re the boss
Quietly-spoken Scot Steve Kean is certainly a contrast to the larger-than-life Allardyce, but took the job boasting an excellent reputation as a coach. Formerly no.2 to Chris Coleman at Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry City, Kean was offered a three-year contract in January, and after last-term’s firefight must spend wisely to create his own, progressive Rovers side.
Quietly-spoken Scot Steve Kean is certainly a contrast to the larger-than-life Allardyce, but took the job boasting an excellent reputation as a coach. Formerly no.2 to Chris Coleman at Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry City, Kean was offered a three-year contract in January, and after last-term’s firefight must spend wisely to create his own, progressive Rovers side.
Who’s the man?
An injury-hit spell at Birmingham aside, local boy David Dunn has long provided the creative spark; he may now be the wrong side of 30, but Rovers fans still look to his wand of a left foot to unlock defences.
An injury-hit spell at Birmingham aside, local boy David Dunn has long provided the creative spark; he may now be the wrong side of 30, but Rovers fans still look to his wand of a left foot to unlock defences.
Young guns
Canadian-born winger Junior Hoilett, just 21, started to hit his stride last season. He boasts searing pace and his stunning last-day goal at Molineux effectively sealed Rovers’ survival.
Canadian-born winger Junior Hoilett, just 21, started to hit his stride last season. He boasts searing pace and his stunning last-day goal at Molineux effectively sealed Rovers’ survival.
In and outs
Current SPL young player of the year David Goodwillie has arrived from Dundee United. Phil Jones, of course, now plays in Red.
Current SPL young player of the year David Goodwillie has arrived from Dundee United. Phil Jones, of course, now plays in Red.
Away-day heaven or hell?
The trip is short… the fingernails often similarly so. Two years ago we blew it with a stalemate; last term a draw delivered title heaven.
The trip is short… the fingernails often similarly so. Two years ago we blew it with a stalemate; last term a draw delivered title heaven.
Well I never…
Blackburn were FA Cup kings in the 1880s, winning the trophy five times between 1883 and 1891.
Blackburn were FA Cup kings in the 1880s, winning the trophy five times between 1883 and 1891.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire