Andy Cryer column: Early signs good as Berg makes mark at Blackburn Rovers

3:30pm Thursday 8th November 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter

HENNING Berg may not have the points return many would have been hoping for from his first two games in charge - but there are finally signs of hope for the long-suffering Blackburn Rovers’ faithful.

Just a single point from trips to Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace does not represent an obvious instant impact from the new boss, but anyone at the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday will know it was a world of difference to what we have seen a lot this season.

Saturday was a real baptism of fire for the new man as a lethargic and passionless Rovers were steam rolled by an in-form Palace. It was fairly hopeless.

Berg was honest in his post match appraisal and on Tuesday night we saw an improvement in all the things that were so wrong about the display at Palace.

Rovers finally pressed their opponents all over the field, they retained possession better and they all looked as though they cared - something that hasn’t been that obvious among some this season.

Henning himself led by example. He was on his feet, urging his troops forward, berating the officials and showing everyone how much it meant to him. That can’t fail but to have a knock on effect to the players.

It has to be said a lot of the ground work had already been done by caretaker boss Eric Black. He was the one who had to tackle Rovers’ abysmal early defensive woes and who laid the platform for Berg to attempt to strike the right offensive balance.

It must be noted this is still very early days. Berg has proved nothing yet and a poor performance and defeat on Saturday will see the mood quickly turn once more.

It is refreshing though to have a man at the helm who says things as they are and who sounds like he has been watching the same game as the majority of the supporters. Black did similar, but for the previous two years the same can’t be said.

What was nice was to hear the Rovers faithful finally sing their manager’s name again from the stands. It was also nice to see the manager respond with a wave.

The relationship between the supporters and the manager is important. Henning obviously realises that, while the supporters are showing they are ready to give him a fair chance.

Berg still has a massive job ahead of him. He needs to mould an unbalanced squad into a promotion-winning collection of players.

He has already shown he knows what needs doing, now it is a case of making that a reality.

Comments (23)

4:01pm Thu 8 Nov 12

jinkyjase says...

So, what does Colin Hendry do?
So, what does Colin Hendry do? jinkyjase

4:02pm Thu 8 Nov 12

RTID says...

The major thing he has done is give players a chance who weren't getting a look in before: Henley, Rosado, Simon. And played Rochina.

So at least he is using the talent available to him!

With Fabio Nunes, Nuno Gomes, Dunn and Givet to come back. And eventually Leon Best we should certainly be able to finish in the play-offs.
The major thing he has done is give players a chance who weren't getting a look in before: Henley, Rosado, Simon. And played Rochina. So at least he is using the talent available to him! With Fabio Nunes, Nuno Gomes, Dunn and Givet to come back. And eventually Leon Best we should certainly be able to finish in the play-offs. RTID

4:07pm Thu 8 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

jinkyjase wrote:
So, what does Colin Hendry do?
Counts his money with the rest of them!!
[quote][p][bold]jinkyjase[/bold] wrote: So, what does Colin Hendry do?[/p][/quote]Counts his money with the rest of them!! smellthecoffee

4:17pm Thu 8 Nov 12

French Rover says...

Early days yes, but already Berg is showing that Blackburn Rovers are at long last in sound managerial hands.

Black needs some credit too for keeping things steady in his caretaker role and making sure we were still in a decent league position for when Berg came in.

Not sure about Hendry, he may well be doing a decent job on the training pitch with the team - despite all the off-field stuff that we know about. I think that it is probable that the off-pitch stuff has caused too much damage for Berg to consider keeping him at the Rovers?
Early days yes, but already Berg is showing that Blackburn Rovers are at long last in sound managerial hands. Black needs some credit too for keeping things steady in his caretaker role and making sure we were still in a decent league position for when Berg came in. Not sure about Hendry, he may well be doing a decent job on the training pitch with the team - despite all the off-field stuff that we know about. I think that it is probable that the off-pitch stuff has caused too much damage for Berg to consider keeping him at the Rovers? French Rover

4:31pm Thu 8 Nov 12

Ray Gunn says...

French Rover wrote:
Early days yes, but already Berg is showing that Blackburn Rovers are at long last in sound managerial hands. Black needs some credit too for keeping things steady in his caretaker role and making sure we were still in a decent league position for when Berg came in. Not sure about Hendry, he may well be doing a decent job on the training pitch with the team - despite all the off-field stuff that we know about. I think that it is probable that the off-pitch stuff has caused too much damage for Berg to consider keeping him at the Rovers?
FR...i think its a bit early to be saying "sound managerial hands"...but i hope to god that you're right...however i still have my doubts as to whether Berg has complete control of things at ewood...with olly refusing to even talk to rovers due to the venkys one has to wonder what powers has berg had to submitt to get the job....i would love to be more positive but whilst the venkys and their puppet 'singh' are still running things i find it hard to be....C'MON U BLUES
[quote][p][bold]French Rover[/bold] wrote: Early days yes, but already Berg is showing that Blackburn Rovers are at long last in sound managerial hands. Black needs some credit too for keeping things steady in his caretaker role and making sure we were still in a decent league position for when Berg came in. Not sure about Hendry, he may well be doing a decent job on the training pitch with the team - despite all the off-field stuff that we know about. I think that it is probable that the off-pitch stuff has caused too much damage for Berg to consider keeping him at the Rovers?[/p][/quote]FR...i think its a bit early to be saying "sound managerial hands"...but i hope to god that you're right...however i still have my doubts as to whether Berg has complete control of things at ewood...with olly refusing to even talk to rovers due to the venkys one has to wonder what powers has berg had to submitt to get the job....i would love to be more positive but whilst the venkys and their puppet 'singh' are still running things i find it hard to be....C'MON U BLUES Ray Gunn

4:43pm Thu 8 Nov 12

makaveli96 says...

Did any of you go Huddersfield or Palace?

We were poor in both games and didnt show any improvement.

Its early days, but things need to improve quickly
Did any of you go Huddersfield or Palace? We were poor in both games and didnt show any improvement. Its early days, but things need to improve quickly makaveli96

6:00pm Thu 8 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

Andy...how can you possibly say there is HOPE?? Surely YOU must know what is going on here...? I hope this is a ruse because if you're serious then I think you may be misinformed.
Andy...how can you possibly say there is HOPE?? Surely YOU must know what is going on here...? I hope this is a ruse because if you're serious then I think you may be misinformed. smellthecoffee

6:05pm Thu 8 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

Berg had 4 votes in the LET poll out of over 700 fans...he has 2 points from his last 10 games as a manager. The club is plummeting down the leagues with either wholly incompetent owners and/or corrupt owners hell bent on making a quick buck and milking the club for all it's worth. Out of that evidence, where is the HOPE?
Berg had 4 votes in the LET poll out of over 700 fans...he has 2 points from his last 10 games as a manager. The club is plummeting down the leagues with either wholly incompetent owners and/or corrupt owners hell bent on making a quick buck and milking the club for all it's worth. Out of that evidence, where is the HOPE? smellthecoffee

6:38pm Thu 8 Nov 12

Mike Oxsore says...

Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game?
With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game.

Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!!
Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!! Mike Oxsore

7:23pm Thu 8 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

Mike Oxsore wrote:
Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!!
I hope Mr Cryer hasn't been "got at"....there is absolutely no chance of a long term Rovers future under this arrangement. When I first started supporting the club (back in 78) we didn't have any money but at least we knew the management were in it for the right reasons...and there was none of this PR stuff going on!! I just hate thought of Jack's fantastic gesture to his beloved club being abused.
[quote][p][bold]Mike Oxsore[/bold] wrote: Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!![/p][/quote]I hope Mr Cryer hasn't been "got at"....there is absolutely no chance of a long term Rovers future under this arrangement. When I first started supporting the club (back in 78) we didn't have any money but at least we knew the management were in it for the right reasons...and there was none of this PR stuff going on!! I just hate thought of Jack's fantastic gesture to his beloved club being abused. smellthecoffee

10:49pm Thu 8 Nov 12

Forever Blue & White says...

I don`t make many post on here but I`m really p***ed off with all th cr*p that "smellthecoffe" comes out with. My god what a whinger! All you seem t do is slag off anything and anyone be it the team, the manager, the club, or other fans who don`t agree with the tripe you come out with! Why don`t you get a life outside posting commets on this web site. Clearly you don`t have a life otherwise you wouldn`t be constantly posting inane rubbish on here! Can I suggest you go and smell somethin stronger than coffee so you fall to sleep and give us all a rest from the constant cr*p you come out with!
I don`t make many post on here but I`m really p***ed off with all th cr*p that "smellthecoffe" comes out with. My god what a whinger! All you seem t do is slag off anything and anyone be it the team, the manager, the club, or other fans who don`t agree with the tripe you come out with! Why don`t you get a life outside posting commets on this web site. Clearly you don`t have a life otherwise you wouldn`t be constantly posting inane rubbish on here! Can I suggest you go and smell somethin stronger than coffee so you fall to sleep and give us all a rest from the constant cr*p you come out with! Forever Blue & White

11:46pm Thu 8 Nov 12

AndyW says...

jinkyjase wrote:
So, what does Colin Hendry do?
Signs on the dole queue in a couple of weeks ;)
[quote][p][bold]jinkyjase[/bold] wrote: So, what does Colin Hendry do?[/p][/quote]Signs on the dole queue in a couple of weeks ;) AndyW

12:56am Fri 9 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

Forever Blue & White wrote:
I don`t make many post on here but I`m really p***ed off with all th cr*p that "smellthecoffe" comes out with. My god what a whinger! All you seem t do is slag off anything and anyone be it the team, the manager, the club, or other fans who don`t agree with the tripe you come out with! Why don`t you get a life outside posting commets on this web site. Clearly you don`t have a life otherwise you wouldn`t be constantly posting inane rubbish on here! Can I suggest you go and smell somethin stronger than coffee so you fall to sleep and give us all a rest from the constant cr*p you come out with!
Been out by any chance?? Shouldn't you be making preparations for the game on Saturday instead of getting p1ssed??
[quote][p][bold]Forever Blue & White[/bold] wrote: I don`t make many post on here but I`m really p***ed off with all th cr*p that "smellthecoffe" comes out with. My god what a whinger! All you seem t do is slag off anything and anyone be it the team, the manager, the club, or other fans who don`t agree with the tripe you come out with! Why don`t you get a life outside posting commets on this web site. Clearly you don`t have a life otherwise you wouldn`t be constantly posting inane rubbish on here! Can I suggest you go and smell somethin stronger than coffee so you fall to sleep and give us all a rest from the constant cr*p you come out with![/p][/quote]Been out by any chance?? Shouldn't you be making preparations for the game on Saturday instead of getting p1ssed?? smellthecoffee

1:01am Fri 9 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

Mike Oxsore wrote:
Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!!
Don't worry Mike Oxsore it's not you, you are absolutely right....you only get thumbs down from the greedy chums who created numerous accounts and are ripping the heart and soul out of the club. I should think anyone with half a brain will know who they are by now.
[quote][p][bold]Mike Oxsore[/bold] wrote: Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!![/p][/quote]Don't worry Mike Oxsore it's not you, you are absolutely right....you only get thumbs down from the greedy chums who created numerous accounts and are ripping the heart and soul out of the club. I should think anyone with half a brain will know who they are by now. smellthecoffee

4:59am Fri 9 Nov 12

MxMave says...

Mike Oxsore wrote:
Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!!
i disagree, i thought we were much improoved on tuesday night, the main reason being the team selection.
[quote][p][bold]Mike Oxsore[/bold] wrote: Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!![/p][/quote]i disagree, i thought we were much improoved on tuesday night, the main reason being the team selection. MxMave

7:41am Fri 9 Nov 12

Bazzer says...

MxMave wrote:
Mike Oxsore wrote: Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!!
i disagree, i thought we were much improoved on tuesday night, the main reason being the team selection.
We were much improved at Huddersfield, but we could hardly have been worse than we were at Palace. We are increasingly being found out now following the early season run - which most of us knew was deceiving.
The truth lies somewhere between the angry despair of Smelly and the optimism of French Rover. I fear it is far closer to the doom laden scenario of Smelly.
Yet we are still in the Play Off spots! Up Rovers!
[quote][p][bold]MxMave[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Mike Oxsore[/bold] wrote: Oi Cryer, Just how many cans of Special Brew did you drink before Tuesday nights game? With a report like that you were clearly under the influence whilst watching it because I, along with the majority there, saw a totally different game. Listen to Makaveli96, he's talking sense !!![/p][/quote]i disagree, i thought we were much improoved on tuesday night, the main reason being the team selection.[/p][/quote]We were much improved at Huddersfield, but we could hardly have been worse than we were at Palace. We are increasingly being found out now following the early season run - which most of us knew was deceiving. The truth lies somewhere between the angry despair of Smelly and the optimism of French Rover. I fear it is far closer to the doom laden scenario of Smelly. Yet we are still in the Play Off spots! Up Rovers! Bazzer

8:05am Fri 9 Nov 12

spike t says...

Agent Berg 2 points in his last ten games! Soccer genius!
Agent Berg 2 points in his last ten games! Soccer genius! spike t

9:26am Fri 9 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

spike t wrote:
Agent Berg 2 points in his last ten games! Soccer genius!
Shhh!!! Be careful they come loaded with thumb downs!!
.
The "powers that be" want to keep all that quiet with their bogus accounts on here, especially with Berg's first home game tomorrow. They want to control the masses and take all the money from within the club. Remember...bankrupts aren't allowed to own football clubs...neither are agents!! In order to control transfer policy and agent fees they needed a front...which came in the form of a chicken conglomerate from India. Funny how Venky's sponsor Sports in India and have a close relationship with ESPN. Now....Who used to work for ESPN before being potted??
[quote][p][bold]spike t[/bold] wrote: Agent Berg 2 points in his last ten games! Soccer genius![/p][/quote]Shhh!!! Be careful they come loaded with thumb downs!! . The "powers that be" want to keep all that quiet with their bogus accounts on here, especially with Berg's first home game tomorrow. They want to control the masses and take all the money from within the club. Remember...bankrupts aren't allowed to own football clubs...neither are agents!! In order to control transfer policy and agent fees they needed a front...which came in the form of a chicken conglomerate from India. Funny how Venky's sponsor Sports in India and have a close relationship with ESPN. Now....Who used to work for ESPN before being potted?? smellthecoffee

9:31am Fri 9 Nov 12

smellthecoffee says...

ronnie clayton wrote:
AndyW wrote:
jinkyjase wrote: So, what does Colin Hendry do?
Signs on the dole queue in a couple of weeks ;)
Hendry ,keeps out the way hoping he does not get noticed , he knows that he is neither needed ,nor wanted ,nor can offer anything at Rovers, and he hopes if he is invisible he will keep getting his big fat pay cheques as long as possible , and then he meets up with his mate Kean they then spend the afternoon at the bookies, and then off to the pub together for 14 pints every night.
Quite right....two failed managers together!! Makes you wonder why Hendry got sacked from Blackpool now and why Karl Oyston no longer deals with agents. Have we been here before??
[quote][p][bold]ronnie clayton[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]AndyW[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]jinkyjase[/bold] wrote: So, what does Colin Hendry do?[/p][/quote]Signs on the dole queue in a couple of weeks ;)[/p][/quote]Hendry ,keeps out the way hoping he does not get noticed , he knows that he is neither needed ,nor wanted ,nor can offer anything at Rovers, and he hopes if he is invisible he will keep getting his big fat pay cheques as long as possible , and then he meets up with his mate Kean they then spend the afternoon at the bookies, and then off to the pub together for 14 pints every night.[/p][/quote]Quite right....two failed managers together!! Makes you wonder why Hendry got sacked from Blackpool now and why Karl Oyston no longer deals with agents. Have we been here before?? smellthecoffee

2:55pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Ripley 7 says...

Looking forward to going to Ewood tomorrow and cheering Rovers on again at last. Hoping for a positive atmosphere and no booing even if things aren't perfect on the pitch yet
Looking forward to going to Ewood tomorrow and cheering Rovers on again at last. Hoping for a positive atmosphere and no booing even if things aren't perfect on the pitch yet Ripley 7

6:33pm Fri 9 Nov 12

madrover says...

smellthecoffee you are a b***end who talks utter s***e .
smellthecoffee you are a b***end who talks utter s***e . madrover

11:13am Sat 10 Nov 12

tugaycomeback says...

RTID wrote:
The major thing he has done is give players a chance who weren't getting a look in before: Henley, Rosado, Simon. And played Rochina.

So at least he is using the talent available to him!

With Fabio Nunes, Nuno Gomes, Dunn and Givet to come back. And eventually Leon Best we should certainly be able to finish in the play-offs.
Spot on.

The Championship is no mickey mouse league but until now too many players have been left out in favour of the more tried and tested ones.

It always baffled me that Kean used Rochina so sparingly and don't get me started on Vuckevic, he had about 3 months where he actually was given a chance to adapt to the PL before being pretty much frozen out, even more bizarre being that he was Kean's recruit!

It's absolute rubbish to say that we don't have a squad capable of promotion. As you say, once Best comes back, there really is no excuse.

I have faith that Berg will use the squad to its full potential and I think dropping Orr for Henley straight away is a perfect example.
[quote][p][bold]RTID[/bold] wrote: The major thing he has done is give players a chance who weren't getting a look in before: Henley, Rosado, Simon. And played Rochina. So at least he is using the talent available to him! With Fabio Nunes, Nuno Gomes, Dunn and Givet to come back. And eventually Leon Best we should certainly be able to finish in the play-offs.[/p][/quote]Spot on. The Championship is no mickey mouse league but until now too many players have been left out in favour of the more tried and tested ones. It always baffled me that Kean used Rochina so sparingly and don't get me started on Vuckevic, he had about 3 months where he actually was given a chance to adapt to the PL before being pretty much frozen out, even more bizarre being that he was Kean's recruit! It's absolute rubbish to say that we don't have a squad capable of promotion. As you say, once Best comes back, there really is no excuse. I have faith that Berg will use the squad to its full potential and I think dropping Orr for Henley straight away is a perfect example. tugaycomeback

10:28pm Mon 12 Nov 12

handyamBRFC says...

Well played BRFC.
A lot of positives from the game, although just a draw.
We should have won but its football.
many players looked better then what they have of late.

However, the issue of tired players remains a big issue.
Many are talking about the issue of fitness.....!
yes that is a problem but.....is it the only issue......
I would say that its the age of many BRFC players that's the real cause of the problem.
We have too many old or slow players at the club.
Football is a fast game and we require players capable of playing for 90 minutes.
Unfortunately, we cant expect older players to last that long.
Hence, in my view we need to find players in the age range of 20- 27.
These days clubs are increasingly keen to lower the average age of their players, with an eye on future sell-on value in the transfer market, but experience is still important if a club is to be successful. Which clubs have got the balance right and which are veering to far in one direction?

These days top clubs are increasingly keen to lower the average age of their players, with an eye on future sell-on value in the transfer market, but experience is still important if a club is to be successful. BRFC need to do the same. We should not be buying older players but just keep the ones that are older within the club to give much needed experience for other younger players. The average age of footballers in my opinion should be around 25 - 27 and in my view the clubs that have got the balance right are successful. e.g Man Utd, Liverpool...etc.
The teams with too many older statesmen in the long run are veering to far in one direction? and that is a losing position to have in football.

what do you think...let us know........HB is keen to know your thoughts....i'm sure....ha...ha...!!
Well played BRFC. A lot of positives from the game, although just a draw. We should have won but its football. many players looked better then what they have of late. However, the issue of tired players remains a big issue. Many are talking about the issue of fitness.....! yes that is a problem but.....is it the only issue...... I would say that its the age of many BRFC players that's the real cause of the problem. We have too many old or slow players at the club. Football is a fast game and we require players capable of playing for 90 minutes. Unfortunately, we cant expect older players to last that long. Hence, in my view we need to find players in the age range of 20- 27. These days clubs are increasingly keen to lower the average age of their players, with an eye on future sell-on value in the transfer market, but experience is still important if a club is to be successful. Which clubs have got the balance right and which are veering to far in one direction? These days top clubs are increasingly keen to lower the average age of their players, with an eye on future sell-on value in the transfer market, but experience is still important if a club is to be successful. BRFC need to do the same. We should not be buying older players but just keep the ones that are older within the club to give much needed experience for other younger players. The average age of footballers in my opinion should be around 25 - 27 and in my view the clubs that have got the balance right are successful. e.g Man Utd, Liverpool...etc. The teams with too many older statesmen in the long run are veering to far in one direction? and that is a losing position to have in football. what do you think...let us know........HB is keen to know your thoughts....i'm sure....ha...ha...!! handyamBRFC

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