Blackburn Rovers advisor Singh apologises for comments (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn Rovers advisor Singh apologises for comments

9:52am Monday 13th August 2012 in Sport Exclusive By Andy Cryer , Blackburn Rovers reporter

SHEBBY Singh has issued a public apology to Steve Kean and Morten Gamst Pedersen – after explosive comments made to fans on Saturday sparked unrest in the Blackburn Rovers camp.

Speaking at an open meeting organised by the Blackburn Rovers Action Group, Singh made some derogatory comments about both boss Kean and long-serving midfielder Pedersen.

At the meeting, global advisor Singh also told supporters Kean would be sacked if he lost three games in a row – but it was the personal comments that left him red faced.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands Kean and Pedersen are both furious with Singh, with the Malaysian apologising to both at a squad meeting in Ireland yesterday morning.

But, with the whole squad upset by Singh’s comments, he has deemed it necessary to make a public apology through the Lancashire Telegraph.

Among the comments, Singh said Kean’s promises had to be taken ‘with a pinch of salt’, while he likened Pedersen to a ‘pensioner’.

Singh said: “I would like to extend an apology to Steve Kean because some things were said on Saturday.

“I think they would have hurt Steve Kean’s feelings and, for that, I sincerely apologise.

“Some things are said in jest that don’t come across like that when repeated, but I am not making excuses. I apologise for hurting any feelings.

“I would also like to apologise to Morten Gamst Pedersen for what was said. There are no excuses and Morten is a great character.

“My blunt honesty also sometimes upsets people and sometimes rubs people up the wrong way.

“I am making efforts to bring the club back to the fans and, in trying to do that, I have gone too far. I am trying to find the middle ground.”

Meanwhile Rovers are weighing up whether to raise their bid for Huddersfield Town striker Jordan Rhodes, having had a second offer rejected.

It is understood the Terriers have sent Rovers ‘a strongly worded’ letter warning them off the Scottish international, telling them the striker is not for sale.

Rovers had had two bids rejected by their Championship rivals, with Kean admitting discussions are needed to decide what to do next.

Summer signing Colin Kazim-Richards showed he is an option to play central striker, with two goals in yesterday’s 3-1 win at Cork City, despite having played most of his career out wide.

Kean said: “We will still try and strengthen. We said we would try for one on loan and one to purchase. We are still trying for that purchase and we will see how that goes.

“We have had a bid rejected for Jordan Rhodes and I will have to speak to people at the club to see what the tipping point is and how far we can go.

“We have been working very hard to get bodies in but it is nice the fans can see that Kaz can play that role through the middle. Colin is a big powerful lad and we believe that seeing as though we have lost Leon Best, predominantly he has played wide, we are trying to get him through the middle.

“He showed his power and anticipation, he knows where the ball is going to bounce.”

Meanwhile, Rovers have not had any contact from Everton about Steven Nzonzi, despite the Frenchman’s representatives telling the club a loan deal to the Toffees was on their radar.