FEW Blackburn Rovers fans will shed a tear at seeing the end of 2011 after watching their club struggle consistently throughout the 12 months.

Everyone started the year with such hope after new owners Venky’s promised a return of the glory days, with European football and big name signings very much on their agenda.

How wrong could they be? All we have had since is shocking results on the pitch, stayaway owners, a series of bizarre signings and the departure of prized asset Phil Jones.

We have seen little sign of how they intend to move Rovers back into the Premier League top 10.

This would take a lot of money and Venky’s have shown little signs of being about to plough such cash into the club.

There have been some good moments. The final day win at Wolves produced a stunning first half display of football, while Rovers have also beaten Arsenal this season.

The good moments have all proved false dawns though with Venky’s and manager Steve Kean yet to convince any of us they have what it takes to get Rovers up the league table.

Anger has grown among the supporters and now protests and jeers are expected at Ewood Park, as the fans do the only thing they can to voice their frustrations at seeing the club slide into the relegation mire.

Venky’s started the year off talking about bringing Ronaldinho and David Beckham to Blackburn, now the club are being linked with Andy Johnson. Not exactly progress is it?

The simple facts are Blackburn Rovers have moved backwards over the past 12 months. There has been no progress and no evidence that Venky’s have got Rovers on the right track.

Relegation has been a constant fear but, despite surviving on the last day last season, a drop into the championship very much looks on the cards for 2012.

The last year will very much go down in history as being a dark moment for the football club. Rarely have I know such chaos and farce at any other club.

The year ends with Venky’s trying to sort out their finances for the upcoming transfer window but, as we have been shown before, we need to see some action.

Rovers fans will be very proud to see the impact Phil Jones has had at Manchester United but, despite all the early promises, now expect their other prized assets to soon quit Ewood as well.

Steve Kean’s managerial reign will go down in history as he kept hold of his job despite a disastrous run of results in his first ever managerial job.

Kean wouild have been sacked a long time ago by any other owners, after a record of seven wins from 39 league games, but still he hangs on despite a growing feeling he needs to be replaced.

Can we look forward to a better 2012? It is difficult to see how at the moment.

Rovers are favourites for the drop and, unless something drastic happens, you can only see Venky’s and Kean struggling once more.