Report this comment
  • "Isn't it courtesy to at least acknowledge"Rao told Sky Sports" when you lift an interview wholesale from another source, not really the done thing to pass it off as your own work?"
  • This field is mandatory
  • This field is mandatory

  • Please note we will not accept reports with HTML tags or URLs in them.


  • Enter the above word in the box below

Please be fair, courteous and respectful to the views of others so we can build a vibrant community in a safe online environment. You are personal liable for your comments and action will be taken against anyone who offends, ridicules or posts malicious and damaging views. If you wish to complain, please contact us.

Rao: Shebby will make real difference

8:10am Monday 23rd July 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Andy Cryer , Blackburn Rovers reporter

VENKATESH Rao believes Shebby Singh will prove pivotal to restoring relations between Blackburn Rovers and their fans as the club target an immediate return to the Premier League.

Singh was appointed as Rovers’ new global advisor earlier this summer and has been given the role of overseeing events at Ewood Park as Venky’s attempt to turn around the club’s fortunes, with relegation leaving many supporters disillusioned with both the owners and manager Steve Kean.

“Unless they are happy, we are not happy,” Rao said about the fans. “The day they are happy, we are happy.

“We are trying to bring all of the changes, whether it is players or management, at the end of the day the fans will look at the results.

“Now he (Singh) is here to talk to the fans, build relations, tackle the local problems day to day and see that they are satisfied. He is right there at the ground level and that’s what he’s doing now – not only talking to fans but also talking to players, talking to other management.

“I think overall it’s a very good move and you will see the fruits.”

Venky’s resisted calls to change the manager, however, with Kean remaining in place.

Rao was non-committal about Kean’s future at the start of the summer but now says they decided to be loyal to the Scot.

“Usually what happens is that we just change X, Y, Z, we change the manager and the pressure is off,” he said.

“But that’s not the end of the story, the reality is that we have to produce results, we have to give some time out and we have to work like a team and unfortunately this (relegation) has happened.

“But I hope and know God willing we will go back as fast as possible.

“We met a couple of times, we have a series of meetings and he is also under pressure and we want to get back as fast as possible because that’s where we belong.”

Local Businesses

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