Blackburn Rovers challenge excites Appleton

1:20pm Friday 18th January 2013 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter

MICHAEL Appleton wants to bring ‘normality’ back to Ewood Park and is adamant he does have the experience needed to become a success as Blackburn Rovers manager.

The 37-year-old arrives at a club who have been shrouded in chaos and uncertainty during Venky’s reign two year reign but, at his unveiling at Ewood yesterday, he was adamant he was relishing the challenge ahead.

While Venky’s remain under fire from large sections of Rovers fans, some have also questioned whether Appleton is experienced enough to cope.

But, ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Charlton, the former Portsmouth and Blackpool boss was quick to play down suggestions that Rovers had appointed an inexperienced boss – having quit as Blackpool manager just two months after being appointed.

He said: “Relations within the football club and between the football club and its fans will improve the more stability we can bring. The football club just needs a bit of normality and to focus on what is the most important thing and that, obviously, is the football.

“I did make a footballing decision to come here and leave Blackpool. I’d be amazed, take away the top six managers in the country, if there was another manager who would have made a different decision. I understand the experience thing. People use experience with me because of my age, but they don’t realise how long I have been in the coaching and management side.

“I last kicked a ball in anger when I was 25, did two years of rehab and retired at 27. I am 37 now, so 10 years on having worked at every level of a football club.

“This is my third management role, I have been an assistant manager to the England manager (Roy Hodgson) and to a Champions League winner (Roberto Di Matteo). They are probably a little bit naive when talking about experience and that is due to my age.”

Appleton becomes Rovers’ fifth manager already this season, with many eyebrows raised at his decision to join what has been a disastrous regime under Venky’s.

But, having experienced crisis management during a turbulent spell at cash-strapped Portsmouth, Appleton insists he is ready for what is to follow.

“The experience I had at Portsmouth, I’d be surprised if there was any other manager in the country who had that sort of experience,” he said.

“Within the space of 12 months the things I had to deal with redundancies, deferrals on wages, losing your best players, points deductions, budgets that were given to you one month and within two or three weeks reduced by 20 per cent.

“Having to deal with players who could not repay their mortgages, having cars repossessed, not being able to get into your own training ground because the company who owned it locked the gates.

“Being away on a pre-season tour on your way to a game and told you are going to be liquidated in the morning.

“Having to deal with players and agents who, had they put in their 10-day notice, would have finished the football club, so having to massage egos.

“When people talk about pressure, there is pressure in every job, but I have come here and think it is hardly the pressure we had at Portsmouth.”

So why did Appleton quit his post at Bloomfield Road in favour of Ewood Park?

Rumours of a fall out with chairman Karl Oyston and frustration at a lack of transfer activity have been aplenty, but Appleton insists it was just an opportunity he could not turn down.

He said: “It’s a fantastic football club with great traditions. One of only five clubs to win the Premier League. I think that pretty much says it all.

“With being a northern lad myself I’m very well aware of the great history, players and managers this club has had over a period of time since the Premier League has been going.

“I’m privileged to be part of that group and hopefully I can be a successful one rather than unsuccessful.

“I genuinely believe that with the owners and with their ambitions that I will be allowed to do that.”

Comments (42)

1:30pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Terrier man says...

He does talk well doesn't he. He sounds like a straightforward guy with his head screwed on but, above all, a fighter.
He does talk well doesn't he. He sounds like a straightforward guy with his head screwed on but, above all, a fighter. Terrier man

1:33pm Fri 18 Jan 13

LittleRonnieHildersley says...

I'm going to back him until proven otherwise. Interesting piece here took advice fom Roy Hodgson before taking the job http://www.independe
nt.co.uk/sport/footb
all/football-league/
roy-hodgson-advised-
michael-appleton-to-
take-disaster-shipwr
eck-job-at-blackburn
-8457586.html
I'm going to back him until proven otherwise. Interesting piece here took advice fom Roy Hodgson before taking the job http://www.independe nt.co.uk/sport/footb all/football-league/ roy-hodgson-advised- michael-appleton-to- take-disaster-shipwr eck-job-at-blackburn -8457586.html LittleRonnieHildersley

1:47pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Is Eckersley playing? says...

I hope the Indians have now arrived in Blackburn and are finding the climate to their taste, not.
I hope the Indians have now arrived in Blackburn and are finding the climate to their taste, not. Is Eckersley playing?

2:14pm Fri 18 Jan 13

MxMave says...

I give him 3 months until he's fired.
I give him 3 months until he's fired. MxMave

2:26pm Fri 18 Jan 13

silowe29 says...

Any truth in the rumor about Bentley coming back on loan for the rest of the season? Worth a gamble and could reignite his former talent. Imagine some quality crosses coming in for Rhodes...!
Any truth in the rumor about Bentley coming back on loan for the rest of the season? Worth a gamble and could reignite his former talent. Imagine some quality crosses coming in for Rhodes...! silowe29

2:27pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Harwoodstblue says...

Is Eckersley playing? wrote:
I hope the Indians have now arrived in Blackburn and are finding the climate to their taste, not.
If they have they might have realised now why were tough b****rs round here.
[quote][p][bold]Is Eckersley playing?[/bold] wrote: I hope the Indians have now arrived in Blackburn and are finding the climate to their taste, not.[/p][/quote]If they have they might have realised now why were tough b****rs round here. Harwoodstblue

2:29pm Fri 18 Jan 13

bburnrover says...

Well heres hope he can captain the ship back to port then as I have te feeling with the aquistion of wo or three players he can make a good manager for Rovers.
Well heres hope he can captain the ship back to port then as I have te feeling with the aquistion of wo or three players he can make a good manager for Rovers. bburnrover

2:33pm Fri 18 Jan 13

owd nick says...

Excellent interview, I am really hoping this is a turning point for the club as a whole.

He has done nothing so far but talk sense, he has set targets and from what he is saying the players know and understand what they are.

Some of the experienced players he is rumoured to be looking at are ideal for this league.

I for one am 100% behind him and looking forward to tomorrow now, lets hope the weather and / or the boo boys don't ruin it.
Excellent interview, I am really hoping this is a turning point for the club as a whole. He has done nothing so far but talk sense, he has set targets and from what he is saying the players know and understand what they are. Some of the experienced players he is rumoured to be looking at are ideal for this league. I for one am 100% behind him and looking forward to tomorrow now, lets hope the weather and / or the boo boys don't ruin it. owd nick

2:42pm Fri 18 Jan 13

noddymcleod says...

Perfect cv from Pompey - redundancies, deferral of wages, financial difficulties, absent owners, losing best players, relegation. You can see why he's been hired.
Wasn't Black a straight forward guy ? So was Berg.
So too was Tony Blair.
Good luck Apple
Perfect cv from Pompey - redundancies, deferral of wages, financial difficulties, absent owners, losing best players, relegation. You can see why he's been hired. Wasn't Black a straight forward guy ? So was Berg. So too was Tony Blair. Good luck Apple noddymcleod

2:43pm Fri 18 Jan 13

harwoodblue says...

Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net.

Kean

Olsson
Dann
Hanley
Kane

King
Lowe
Murphy
Richards

Rhodes
Gomes
Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net. Kean Olsson Dann Hanley Kane King Lowe Murphy Richards Rhodes Gomes harwoodblue

2:55pm Fri 18 Jan 13

CARover says...

"Just wins games is all I ask and get us promoted"
"Just wins games is all I ask and get us promoted" CARover

3:01pm Fri 18 Jan 13

harwoodblue says...

harwoodblue wrote:
Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net. Kean Olsson Dann Hanley Kane King Lowe Murphy Richards Rhodes Gomes
Player not place, must have been thinking of Rhodes the Greek island.
[quote][p][bold]harwoodblue[/bold] wrote: Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net. Kean Olsson Dann Hanley Kane King Lowe Murphy Richards Rhodes Gomes[/p][/quote]Player not place, must have been thinking of Rhodes the Greek island. harwoodblue

3:05pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Ralph Jones says...

Lets give him a fair chance, he sounds like a knowledgable person,lets pack the stands and cheer him on,
Lets give him a fair chance, he sounds like a knowledgable person,lets pack the stands and cheer him on, Ralph Jones

3:09pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Is Eckersley playing? says...

Looking at the wider picture, I must say the sacking of the Southampton manager beggars belief. This kind of action will do nothing to encourage managers to have loyalty to a club. Their attitude must be to 'get it while you can' The game is going stark, staring bonkers led by foreign owners who are complete strangers to a sense of honour and trust. Everton fans should count themselves fortunate to have the set-up they have -and isn't that partnership paying off for them?
Looking at the wider picture, I must say the sacking of the Southampton manager beggars belief. This kind of action will do nothing to encourage managers to have loyalty to a club. Their attitude must be to 'get it while you can' The game is going stark, staring bonkers led by foreign owners who are complete strangers to a sense of honour and trust. Everton fans should count themselves fortunate to have the set-up they have -and isn't that partnership paying off for them? Is Eckersley playing?

3:17pm Fri 18 Jan 13

gleechy says...

I for one am very happy that he has laid his cards on the table. When he said how good Venks were it was as good as saying
"my brain has been tampered with"

I think Mr Shaw has to pull a string somewhere behind his ears before he speaks.
I for one am very happy that he has laid his cards on the table. When he said how good Venks were it was as good as saying "my brain has been tampered with" I think Mr Shaw has to pull a string somewhere behind his ears before he speaks. gleechy

3:30pm Fri 18 Jan 13

noddy57 says...

lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,
lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon, noddy57

3:39pm Fri 18 Jan 13

French Rover says...

noddymcleod wrote:
Perfect cv from Pompey - redundancies, deferral of wages, financial difficulties, absent owners, losing best players, relegation. You can see why he's been hired.
Wasn't Black a straight forward guy ? So was Berg.
So too was Tony Blair.
Good luck Apple
good luck apple. ? that.sounds like a case of sour grapes from you noddy!
[quote][p][bold]noddymcleod[/bold] wrote: Perfect cv from Pompey - redundancies, deferral of wages, financial difficulties, absent owners, losing best players, relegation. You can see why he's been hired. Wasn't Black a straight forward guy ? So was Berg. So too was Tony Blair. Good luck Apple[/p][/quote]good luck apple. ? that.sounds like a case of sour grapes from you noddy! French Rover

3:42pm Fri 18 Jan 13

blueblooded says...

noddy57 wrote:
lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,
Maybe we are. but at least we support our team.
[quote][p][bold]noddy57[/bold] wrote: lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,[/p][/quote]Maybe we are. but at least we support our team. blueblooded

3:55pm Fri 18 Jan 13

noddymcleod says...

'Allo, French Rover. I've never forgotten your eulogy for Modeste. Modeste by name, Modeste by talent.
At least you look like getting Gael the Warrior over there, for Evian.
Keep taking the water.
Where are you en France ?
'Allo, French Rover. I've never forgotten your eulogy for Modeste. Modeste by name, Modeste by talent. At least you look like getting Gael the Warrior over there, for Evian. Keep taking the water. Where are you en France ? noddymcleod

3:58pm Fri 18 Jan 13

8 Ball Deluxe says...

Gael the warrior only plays one half, then chickens out
Gael the warrior only plays one half, then chickens out 8 Ball Deluxe

4:00pm Fri 18 Jan 13

owd nick says...

noddy57 wrote:
lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,
Sadly there won't ever be another Jack Walker as far as Rovers are concerned so there is absolutely no point whatsoever continuously harping on about the past, it's gone.

All that's left are the record books.

At the end of the day we fans are stuck with what we have got in front of us now, that's realism.

So each and every one of us has a very simple choice, follow the team through thick and thin or choose your point in time and walk away.

I have supported Rovers almost as long as you yet over the last three or four years I have looked for excuses to walk away, I couldn't stomach Allardyce anymore, and as for Venky's, well enough has been said on that matter.

But I suspect that I will be "Rovers till I die", irrespective of who owns us, manages us, plays for us, or what league we are in.
[quote][p][bold]noddy57[/bold] wrote: lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,[/p][/quote]Sadly there won't ever be another Jack Walker as far as Rovers are concerned so there is absolutely no point whatsoever continuously harping on about the past, it's gone. All that's left are the record books. At the end of the day we fans are stuck with what we have got in front of us now, that's realism. So each and every one of us has a very simple choice, follow the team through thick and thin or choose your point in time and walk away. I have supported Rovers almost as long as you yet over the last three or four years I have looked for excuses to walk away, I couldn't stomach Allardyce anymore, and as for Venky's, well enough has been said on that matter. But I suspect that I will be "Rovers till I die", irrespective of who owns us, manages us, plays for us, or what league we are in. owd nick

4:05pm Fri 18 Jan 13

JPainter90 says...

noddy57 wrote:
lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,
I agree 100%. I thought perhaps relegation was a blessing in disguise and a chance to clear out and start fresh, obviously not. I also thought Kean's resignation was a chance to get someone in who can build a promotion-worthy team, obviously not. There is nothing to suggest things will improve and until Venkys are gone, I doubt it will. The real question is what will Venkys leave behind them when they do go?

I would love for us to bounce back, believe me, but is it going to happen? Looks unlikely. I will continue to support the team no matter what but it seems to be a dying cause.
[quote][p][bold]noddy57[/bold] wrote: lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,[/p][/quote]I agree 100%. I thought perhaps relegation was a blessing in disguise and a chance to clear out and start fresh, obviously not. I also thought Kean's resignation was a chance to get someone in who can build a promotion-worthy team, obviously not. There is nothing to suggest things will improve and until Venkys are gone, I doubt it will. The real question is what will Venkys leave behind them when they do go? I would love for us to bounce back, believe me, but is it going to happen? Looks unlikely. I will continue to support the team no matter what but it seems to be a dying cause. JPainter90

4:13pm Fri 18 Jan 13

RoversSwiss says...

Sounds a sensible bloke, done his apprenticeship and seen plenty of downs and occasional ups. Hope the boo-boys don't ruin tomorrow, his first home game.

Nigel Adkins sacked for a man who got sacked at Espanol for taking them to the bottom of the Spanish league, the merry go round at Chelsea, disasters at Leeds, Portsmouth and Birmingham etc shows that owners almost everywhere struggle to find a winning formula with no regard for fans. Jack Walker made all the decisions at Rovers with no input from fans, he was much better than most owners, but not infallible. Football has been like that for the last 20 years and it will stay like that.
Sounds a sensible bloke, done his apprenticeship and seen plenty of downs and occasional ups. Hope the boo-boys don't ruin tomorrow, his first home game. Nigel Adkins sacked for a man who got sacked at Espanol for taking them to the bottom of the Spanish league, the merry go round at Chelsea, disasters at Leeds, Portsmouth and Birmingham etc shows that owners almost everywhere struggle to find a winning formula with no regard for fans. Jack Walker made all the decisions at Rovers with no input from fans, he was much better than most owners, but not infallible. Football has been like that for the last 20 years and it will stay like that. RoversSwiss

4:14pm Fri 18 Jan 13

leitchy says...

Words..Words...Words
....!!

Lets do it on the pitch...then talk aferwards!!

Good Luck !!
Words..Words...Words ....!! Lets do it on the pitch...then talk aferwards!! Good Luck !! leitchy

4:17pm Fri 18 Jan 13

merlinrabbit says...

8 Ball Deluxe wrote:
Gael the warrior only plays one half, then chickens out
Only following the example of the fans. Thousands of them have chickened out of games
[quote][p][bold]8 Ball Deluxe[/bold] wrote: Gael the warrior only plays one half, then chickens out[/p][/quote]Only following the example of the fans. Thousands of them have chickened out of games merlinrabbit

5:33pm Fri 18 Jan 13

Colne lads back says...

merlinrabbit wrote:
8 Ball Deluxe wrote:
Gael the warrior only plays one half, then chickens out
Only following the example of the fans. Thousands of them have chickened out of games
Look t'wrovers so called fans are extracting they're own urine out of themselves quality.

Comedy Central
[quote][p][bold]merlinrabbit[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]8 Ball Deluxe[/bold] wrote: Gael the warrior only plays one half, then chickens out[/p][/quote]Only following the example of the fans. Thousands of them have chickened out of games[/p][/quote]Look t'wrovers so called fans are extracting they're own urine out of themselves quality. Comedy Central Colne lads back

5:33pm Fri 18 Jan 13

truebluelady says...

Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance.
I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen.
Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues!
Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance. I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen. Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues! truebluelady

5:36pm Fri 18 Jan 13

vicn1956 says...

Look at what's happening at Notts Forest. Look familiar?
I feel for them.
Look at what's happening at Notts Forest. Look familiar? I feel for them. vicn1956

6:18pm Fri 18 Jan 13

blueblooded says...

Anyone who can't see that a stable club, vying for promition is more important than what we have had to this point, needs to stand back and think about the kind of club you want left to support.

Appleton seems to recognise the need for stability. That has to come first and foremost before a push for premiership glory. I would much rather we built a team that played with conviction and hunger that looked like it was capable of challenging for promotion and then continuing that success IN the premiership, than a lucky play-off win and a disastrous premiership run.

That may or may not happen this season, but its what needs to happen.

If you can't get behind a team that's working hard to challenge for a return to the premiership and a manager that clearly seems to understand that he's got his work cut out to make it happen, just because you can't stand the owners then maybe its time to hang up your boots and do something more meaningful with your life than sitting on the internet dragging down everyone else with your constant whining about the glory days and doom mongering every bit of news as propaganda, adding further division and disharmony between fans.

The team right now needs the support of the fans, now more than any other time. We've had to deal with ridiculous amounts of the wrong kind of press, indecision, flash decisions and panic decisions to contend with (yes, all created by Venky's and co. for the benefit of the gloomies).

Appleton has been given the freedom and time to make it happen. As long as he gets the funds and the backing from the owners, theres little reason for anyone to look for excuses why he can't make it happen and keep focusing on what could or could not happen should we not get promoted this season - especially since, so far the dodgy dossier and corruption allegations have still yet to materialise from those who have recently themselves shown their true colours. (Mr Mullen).

Time for the doomies to either show up, or shut up.
Anyone who can't see that a stable club, vying for promition is more important than what we have had to this point, needs to stand back and think about the kind of club you want left to support. Appleton seems to recognise the need for stability. That has to come first and foremost before a push for premiership glory. I would much rather we built a team that played with conviction and hunger that looked like it was capable of challenging for promotion and then continuing that success IN the premiership, than a lucky play-off win and a disastrous premiership run. That may or may not happen this season, but its what needs to happen. If you can't get behind a team that's working hard to challenge for a return to the premiership and a manager that clearly seems to understand that he's got his work cut out to make it happen, just because you can't stand the owners then maybe its time to hang up your boots and do something more meaningful with your life than sitting on the internet dragging down everyone else with your constant whining about the glory days and doom mongering every bit of news as propaganda, adding further division and disharmony between fans. The team right now needs the support of the fans, now more than any other time. We've had to deal with ridiculous amounts of the wrong kind of press, indecision, flash decisions and panic decisions to contend with (yes, all created by Venky's and co. for the benefit of the gloomies). Appleton has been given the freedom and time to make it happen. As long as he gets the funds and the backing from the owners, theres little reason for anyone to look for excuses why he can't make it happen and keep focusing on what could or could not happen should we not get promoted this season - especially since, so far the dodgy dossier and corruption allegations have still yet to materialise from those who have recently themselves shown their true colours. (Mr Mullen). Time for the doomies to either show up, or shut up. blueblooded

6:23pm Fri 18 Jan 13

MattNewcastle says...

harwoodblue wrote:
Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net.

Kean

Olsson
Dann
Hanley
Kane

King
Lowe
Murphy
Richards

Rhodes
Gomes
With Murphy playing we cannot play two up front because we have to play two sitting midfield players because of his total lack of fitness, aggression, tackling, chasing and covering back.

Our back four are to exposed with only him in front of them.

Now Steven Nzonzi etc - that would have been a different matter.
[quote][p][bold]harwoodblue[/bold] wrote: Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net. Kean Olsson Dann Hanley Kane King Lowe Murphy Richards Rhodes Gomes[/p][/quote]With Murphy playing we cannot play two up front because we have to play two sitting midfield players because of his total lack of fitness, aggression, tackling, chasing and covering back. Our back four are to exposed with only him in front of them. Now Steven Nzonzi etc - that would have been a different matter. MattNewcastle

6:31pm Fri 18 Jan 13

MattNewcastle says...

owd nick wrote:
noddy57 wrote:
lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,
Sadly there won't ever be another Jack Walker as far as Rovers are concerned so there is absolutely no point whatsoever continuously harping on about the past, it's gone.

All that's left are the record books.

At the end of the day we fans are stuck with what we have got in front of us now, that's realism.

So each and every one of us has a very simple choice, follow the team through thick and thin or choose your point in time and walk away.

I have supported Rovers almost as long as you yet over the last three or four years I have looked for excuses to walk away, I couldn't stomach Allardyce anymore, and as for Venky's, well enough has been said on that matter.

But I suspect that I will be "Rovers till I die", irrespective of who owns us, manages us, plays for us, or what league we are in.
At the end of the day we fans are stuck with what we have got in front of us now, that's realism.

Doesn't mean we have to agree with what we have been cynically delivered with.

Opportunity I couldn't turn down - now playing on his Northern Roots - yes right.

Deflects from the real reason. He and all his sidekicks are now all on the Blackburn "Gravy Train" like his best pal Shaw.

He has taken a whole week to come up with that. Joke.
[quote][p][bold]owd nick[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]noddy57[/bold] wrote: lm afraid your all deluded, promotion under this regime,this manager this comedy calamity, listen to a wise old head who has heard it all before,on the face of things,, it doesnt seem to bad,but lm afraid its much worse than that,and before some clever dick gets to thinking lm a burnley tosser,let me put you straight,,,,lve followed the rovers since season1968 and lm a rover right through but lm also a realist with quite a good grasp of the game and the set up at ewood spells disaster at every turn,,we need a clear out and the sooner this whole circus is gone and very quickly forgotten the better for everyone,this period has been the worst in blackburns proud history,get em out ,the only problem is where do we go from here ? we need another jack walker and lm not that confident we will find one any time soon,[/p][/quote]Sadly there won't ever be another Jack Walker as far as Rovers are concerned so there is absolutely no point whatsoever continuously harping on about the past, it's gone. All that's left are the record books. At the end of the day we fans are stuck with what we have got in front of us now, that's realism. So each and every one of us has a very simple choice, follow the team through thick and thin or choose your point in time and walk away. I have supported Rovers almost as long as you yet over the last three or four years I have looked for excuses to walk away, I couldn't stomach Allardyce anymore, and as for Venky's, well enough has been said on that matter. But I suspect that I will be "Rovers till I die", irrespective of who owns us, manages us, plays for us, or what league we are in.[/p][/quote]At the end of the day we fans are stuck with what we have got in front of us now, that's realism. Doesn't mean we have to agree with what we have been cynically delivered with. Opportunity I couldn't turn down - now playing on his Northern Roots - yes right. Deflects from the real reason. He and all his sidekicks are now all on the Blackburn "Gravy Train" like his best pal Shaw. He has taken a whole week to come up with that. Joke. MattNewcastle

6:43pm Fri 18 Jan 13

MattNewcastle says...

truebluelady wrote:
Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance.
I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen.
Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues!
Sorry I cannot do it...

As long as our manager has come from such dubious means and Shaw's infighting with Singh.

Shaw wanted and needed a close pal / confidant in his corner.

Result - Appleton brings in his cohort to bulk up Shaw's strength even more.

The whole situation stinks.

I will be there tomorrow but will certainly not be cheering for this latest appalling crowd in our beloved dugout. They have no right to be there.

Take yourselves off to Preston where you all belong.
[quote][p][bold]truebluelady[/bold] wrote: Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance. I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen. Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues![/p][/quote]Sorry I cannot do it... As long as our manager has come from such dubious means and Shaw's infighting with Singh. Shaw wanted and needed a close pal / confidant in his corner. Result - Appleton brings in his cohort to bulk up Shaw's strength even more. The whole situation stinks. I will be there tomorrow but will certainly not be cheering for this latest appalling crowd in our beloved dugout. They have no right to be there. Take yourselves off to Preston where you all belong. MattNewcastle

6:56pm Fri 18 Jan 13

blueblooded says...

MattNewcastle wrote:
truebluelady wrote:
Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance.
I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen.
Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues!
Sorry I cannot do it...

As long as our manager has come from such dubious means and Shaw's infighting with Singh.

Shaw wanted and needed a close pal / confidant in his corner.

Result - Appleton brings in his cohort to bulk up Shaw's strength even more.

The whole situation stinks.

I will be there tomorrow but will certainly not be cheering for this latest appalling crowd in our beloved dugout. They have no right to be there.

Take yourselves off to Preston where you all belong.
Then why on earth are you going??

You don't like the new manager, the management, the owners and you likely find fault with players brought in.

Bit like keep going to a restaurant you used to enjoy going to, that you don't like the food, or the new owners of the establishment isn't it?

You just wouldn't.

More to the point rather than ruining it for other paying customers eating there, you really shouldn't.
[quote][p][bold]MattNewcastle[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]truebluelady[/bold] wrote: Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance. I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen. Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues![/p][/quote]Sorry I cannot do it... As long as our manager has come from such dubious means and Shaw's infighting with Singh. Shaw wanted and needed a close pal / confidant in his corner. Result - Appleton brings in his cohort to bulk up Shaw's strength even more. The whole situation stinks. I will be there tomorrow but will certainly not be cheering for this latest appalling crowd in our beloved dugout. They have no right to be there. Take yourselves off to Preston where you all belong.[/p][/quote]Then why on earth are you going?? You don't like the new manager, the management, the owners and you likely find fault with players brought in. Bit like keep going to a restaurant you used to enjoy going to, that you don't like the food, or the new owners of the establishment isn't it? You just wouldn't. More to the point rather than ruining it for other paying customers eating there, you really shouldn't. blueblooded

6:59pm Fri 18 Jan 13

MattNewcastle says...

Wow

He is certainly at pains to let us all know how much experience he has had at Portsmouth and Blackpool for a few miserly weeks.

Its my third management role! - So what. What have those roles entailed to date that qualifies you to take on our club?

All you have done is firefight at a club that what ever you did would be seen as alright.

If you had managed just one club but for a respectful period of time and proven your worth in the management of a reasonable sized club then I would accept your reasoning, in fact you spent a few weeks in a role at Blackpool and ditched them.

As for years of coaching it is a completely different skill set needed to be a successful leader and manager. which you have still yet to prove.

Great - I guess you will be learning your trade on the job with us.
Wow He is certainly at pains to let us all know how much experience he has had at Portsmouth and Blackpool for a few miserly weeks. Its my third management role! - So what. What have those roles entailed to date that qualifies you to take on our club? All you have done is firefight at a club that what ever you did would be seen as alright. If you had managed just one club but for a respectful period of time and proven your worth in the management of a reasonable sized club then I would accept your reasoning, in fact you spent a few weeks in a role at Blackpool and ditched them. As for years of coaching it is a completely different skill set needed to be a successful leader and manager. which you have still yet to prove. Great - I guess you will be learning your trade on the job with us. MattNewcastle

7:06pm Fri 18 Jan 13

MattNewcastle says...

blueblooded wrote:
MattNewcastle wrote:
truebluelady wrote:
Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance.
I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen.
Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues!
Sorry I cannot do it...

As long as our manager has come from such dubious means and Shaw's infighting with Singh.

Shaw wanted and needed a close pal / confidant in his corner.

Result - Appleton brings in his cohort to bulk up Shaw's strength even more.

The whole situation stinks.

I will be there tomorrow but will certainly not be cheering for this latest appalling crowd in our beloved dugout. They have no right to be there.

Take yourselves off to Preston where you all belong.
Then why on earth are you going??

You don't like the new manager, the management, the owners and you likely find fault with players brought in.

Bit like keep going to a restaurant you used to enjoy going to, that you don't like the food, or the new owners of the establishment isn't it?

You just wouldn't.

More to the point rather than ruining it for other paying customers eating there, you really shouldn't.
If I was the type to shout abuse etc I could understand your point.

Why do you think I will still be going? I cannot believe you have asked me that Blueblooded. I love the game - love the club and just have a passionate view as to how things should be properly done and carried out.

Despite the nature of a given problem there is always a "Classy" way in which to resolve it. All I see at the moment is totally contrary to how things should be.
[quote][p][bold]blueblooded[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]MattNewcastle[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]truebluelady[/bold] wrote: Time to unite behind the team and give Mr Appleton a fair chance. I am as distressed and hurt as the next fan at what has been happening at Rovers but if we all continue to fall out (and I am speaking to those higher up as well) our Club will not stand any chance of moving forwards in fact quite the reverse will happen. Whatever your feelings it is time to put hurts and everything negative to bed and get behind Our Football Team ! Lets build on the excellent work done by Mr Bowyer and the results of recent weeks and finally mount the Great Escape! Come on You Blues![/p][/quote]Sorry I cannot do it... As long as our manager has come from such dubious means and Shaw's infighting with Singh. Shaw wanted and needed a close pal / confidant in his corner. Result - Appleton brings in his cohort to bulk up Shaw's strength even more. The whole situation stinks. I will be there tomorrow but will certainly not be cheering for this latest appalling crowd in our beloved dugout. They have no right to be there. Take yourselves off to Preston where you all belong.[/p][/quote]Then why on earth are you going?? You don't like the new manager, the management, the owners and you likely find fault with players brought in. Bit like keep going to a restaurant you used to enjoy going to, that you don't like the food, or the new owners of the establishment isn't it? You just wouldn't. More to the point rather than ruining it for other paying customers eating there, you really shouldn't.[/p][/quote]If I was the type to shout abuse etc I could understand your point. Why do you think I will still be going? I cannot believe you have asked me that Blueblooded. I love the game - love the club and just have a passionate view as to how things should be properly done and carried out. Despite the nature of a given problem there is always a "Classy" way in which to resolve it. All I see at the moment is totally contrary to how things should be. MattNewcastle

8:00pm Fri 18 Jan 13

fanny_tickler. says...

harwoodblue wrote:
Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net.

Kean

Olsson
Dann
Hanley
Kane

King
Lowe
Murphy
Richards

Rhodes
Gomes
With the exception of yer man up front, that is a very weak team. A hiding could be on the cards.
[quote][p][bold]harwoodblue[/bold] wrote: Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net. Kean Olsson Dann Hanley Kane King Lowe Murphy Richards Rhodes Gomes[/p][/quote]With the exception of yer man up front, that is a very weak team. A hiding could be on the cards. fanny_tickler.

8:33pm Fri 18 Jan 13

It's Moops says...

blueblooded wrote:
Anyone who can't see that a stable club, vying for promition is more important than what we have had to this point, needs to stand back and think about the kind of club you want left to support.

Appleton seems to recognise the need for stability. That has to come first and foremost before a push for premiership glory. I would much rather we built a team that played with conviction and hunger that looked like it was capable of challenging for promotion and then continuing that success IN the premiership, than a lucky play-off win and a disastrous premiership run.

That may or may not happen this season, but its what needs to happen.

If you can't get behind a team that's working hard to challenge for a return to the premiership and a manager that clearly seems to understand that he's got his work cut out to make it happen, just because you can't stand the owners then maybe its time to hang up your boots and do something more meaningful with your life than sitting on the internet dragging down everyone else with your constant whining about the glory days and doom mongering every bit of news as propaganda, adding further division and disharmony between fans.

The team right now needs the support of the fans, now more than any other time. We've had to deal with ridiculous amounts of the wrong kind of press, indecision, flash decisions and panic decisions to contend with (yes, all created by Venky's and co. for the benefit of the gloomies).

Appleton has been given the freedom and time to make it happen. As long as he gets the funds and the backing from the owners, theres little reason for anyone to look for excuses why he can't make it happen and keep focusing on what could or could not happen should we not get promoted this season - especially since, so far the dodgy dossier and corruption allegations have still yet to materialise from those who have recently themselves shown their true colours. (Mr Mullen).

Time for the doomies to either show up, or shut up.
Good post.. BRAG were bought by Slimy Singh and he is their puppet master hence their ridiculous comments when Appleton was appointed as he is not one of Harpo's choices and Graucho has had his wings clipped and he is either out or getting his coat.

Stability is what is needed.
[quote][p][bold]blueblooded[/bold] wrote: Anyone who can't see that a stable club, vying for promition is more important than what we have had to this point, needs to stand back and think about the kind of club you want left to support. Appleton seems to recognise the need for stability. That has to come first and foremost before a push for premiership glory. I would much rather we built a team that played with conviction and hunger that looked like it was capable of challenging for promotion and then continuing that success IN the premiership, than a lucky play-off win and a disastrous premiership run. That may or may not happen this season, but its what needs to happen. If you can't get behind a team that's working hard to challenge for a return to the premiership and a manager that clearly seems to understand that he's got his work cut out to make it happen, just because you can't stand the owners then maybe its time to hang up your boots and do something more meaningful with your life than sitting on the internet dragging down everyone else with your constant whining about the glory days and doom mongering every bit of news as propaganda, adding further division and disharmony between fans. The team right now needs the support of the fans, now more than any other time. We've had to deal with ridiculous amounts of the wrong kind of press, indecision, flash decisions and panic decisions to contend with (yes, all created by Venky's and co. for the benefit of the gloomies). Appleton has been given the freedom and time to make it happen. As long as he gets the funds and the backing from the owners, theres little reason for anyone to look for excuses why he can't make it happen and keep focusing on what could or could not happen should we not get promoted this season - especially since, so far the dodgy dossier and corruption allegations have still yet to materialise from those who have recently themselves shown their true colours. (Mr Mullen). Time for the doomies to either show up, or shut up.[/p][/quote]Good post.. BRAG were bought by Slimy Singh and he is their puppet master hence their ridiculous comments when Appleton was appointed as he is not one of Harpo's choices and Graucho has had his wings clipped and he is either out or getting his coat. Stability is what is needed. It's Moops

3:38am Sat 19 Jan 13

mark anthony says...

weather forcast for saturday, 1deg heavy snow showers. to are neighbours across the boarder in the small sleepy town of burnley this is a welcome sight only seen once a year this gives them great oppertunity to harvest the white fluffy drops giving them fresh drinking water, and a desent wash giving them each and every one of them the strenght to stand longer in the dole que
Bless them xx
weather forcast for saturday, 1deg heavy snow showers. to are neighbours across the boarder in the small sleepy town of burnley this is a welcome sight only seen once a year this gives them great oppertunity to harvest the white fluffy drops giving them fresh drinking water, and a desent wash giving them each and every one of them the strenght to stand longer in the dole que Bless them xx mark anthony

3:45am Sat 19 Jan 13

mark anthony says...

weather forcast for saturday, 1deg heavy snow showers. to are neighbours across the boarder in the small sleepy town of burnley this is a welcome sight only seen once a year this gives them great oppertunity to harvest the white fluffy drops giving them fresh drinking water, and a desent wash giving them each and every one of them the strenght to stand longer in the dole que
Bless them xx
weather forcast for saturday, 1deg heavy snow showers. to are neighbours across the boarder in the small sleepy town of burnley this is a welcome sight only seen once a year this gives them great oppertunity to harvest the white fluffy drops giving them fresh drinking water, and a desent wash giving them each and every one of them the strenght to stand longer in the dole que Bless them xx mark anthony

9:29am Sat 19 Jan 13

Chancognito says...

Blackburn vs Charlton should be a close game. Hopefully MA can rally up the team to get a positive result? Else, well, we can expect Burnley fans to be sitting in front of their computers, refreshing and refreshing the Lancashire Telegraph website just so they can be the first to leave their usual incoherent, lack of punctuation marks comment(s) right after the final whistle...
Blackburn vs Charlton should be a close game. Hopefully MA can rally up the team to get a positive result? Else, well, we can expect Burnley fans to be sitting in front of their computers, refreshing and refreshing the Lancashire Telegraph website just so they can be the first to leave their usual incoherent, lack of punctuation marks comment(s) right after the final whistle... Chancognito

10:43am Sat 19 Jan 13

srvp28 says...

MattNewcastle wrote:
harwoodblue wrote:
Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net.

Kean

Olsson
Dann
Hanley
Kane

King
Lowe
Murphy
Richards

Rhodes
Gomes
With Murphy playing we cannot play two up front because we have to play two sitting midfield players because of his total lack of fitness, aggression, tackling, chasing and covering back.

Our back four are to exposed with only him in front of them.

Now Steven Nzonzi etc - that would have been a different matter.
There's an article on the Rovers website saying that we could be in for a few surprises with regards to the team line-up. Appleton says they're looking to play to the players' strengths so hopefully that means the likes of King and Rochina will be told to pass the ball to Rhodes instead of running into dead-ends.
[quote][p][bold]MattNewcastle[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]harwoodblue[/bold] wrote: Mrs D better be sprinkling curry powder on the pitch, friggin hate it when games get called off, Charlton at home is an ideal game for Appy fingers crossed he might actually stick someone upfront with Rhodes, its depressing seeing a place like that only touch the ball twice in a game even though one of those touches is banging it in the net. Kean Olsson Dann Hanley Kane King Lowe Murphy Richards Rhodes Gomes[/p][/quote]With Murphy playing we cannot play two up front because we have to play two sitting midfield players because of his total lack of fitness, aggression, tackling, chasing and covering back. Our back four are to exposed with only him in front of them. Now Steven Nzonzi etc - that would have been a different matter.[/p][/quote]There's an article on the Rovers website saying that we could be in for a few surprises with regards to the team line-up. Appleton says they're looking to play to the players' strengths so hopefully that means the likes of King and Rochina will be told to pass the ball to Rhodes instead of running into dead-ends. srvp28

12:48pm Sat 19 Jan 13

dansker says...

Again a 0 manager without track record!! why why why???
Again a 0 manager without track record!! why why why??? dansker

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree