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The Lancashire Telegraph
News, sport and entertainment from all over East Lancashire
Singh: Promotion is minimum expectation for Blackburn Rovers’ new boss (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Singh: Promotion is minimum expectation for Blackburn Rovers’ new boss
9:48am Friday 2nd November 2012 in Football
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
GLOBAL advisor Shebby Singh has thrown down the gauntlet to Blackburn Rovers’ new boss Henning Berg after warning he has to deliver an instant Premier League return.
The 43-year-old Norwegian was unveiled at a press conference yesterday, ahead of taking charge for tomorrow’s Championship trip to Crystal Palace, with the outspoken Singh leaving no one in any doubt as to what is expected of him.
Singh has promised Berg there will be funds available to strengthen Rovers’ promotion charge and believes the former defender is relishing the pressure piled on him.
Berg put pen to paper on a three-year deal on Tuesday evening and will assess his backroom staff over the coming days as he starts to plan for the future.
But Singh said: “Promotion is the minimum and the maximum.
“We have emphasised that time and again.
“But the most important thing is that Henning welcomes the pressure, he welcomes the challenge.
“He didn’t sit in front of us and say ‘I need three years to build a team or two seasons to get them promoted’. He said ‘I know what you want and I want to be the man to deliver that’.
“Financially we are on a par with every other club at this level, we all know going into the Premier League is very important.
“We would not like to be categorised as being a club in a dire situation or in dire straits – but we share the same pressure as every other club in the Championship.”
When asked what happened if promotion was not achieved, Singh replied: “I wish you hadn’t asked me that question. It’s too early.
“What we have now are two strong individuals who only think positively and only think of success.
“Now we want to put our resources together and make sure there are no ifs and buts. The targets are very clear between us.”
Singh has described Berg’s appoi-ntment as the start of a new chapter for the club, after recognising Rovers fans have suffered a miserable past couple of years.
Rovers fans have voiced their anger at Venky’s stewardship of the club, which has seen relegation from the Premier League and Steve Kean’s disastrous managerial tenure, but Singh hopes everyone can now focus on the future.
“Finally the (drawing of the) line is completed,” he said. “There’s a full stop. Today is a new chapter.
“For me it has been an experience. I have become everybody’s favourite punch bag, but so be it.
“What is important is that the club progresses. That’s the important thing. It’s not about the individual, it’s about the club.”
“When January comes and Henning says he needs to strengthen the squad, we will go out and get it for him.
“Whatever has happened has happened. Like I said, there’s a full stop at the end of the line and it’s a new chapter now. Henning is the man in charge.”
“What is very important now is to make sure that we try to foresee any problems that might crop up. Prevention is better than cure. I hope the cure has been completed and now we can look to preventing.
“I understand only too well the passion of the fans. I have had to bear the brunt of it over the last couple of weeks. But I have worked closely with the fans as well.
“Its been a learning experience. When you are thousands of miles away you understand the passion but it’s only when you get here and get among the fans that you realise they are the heart of the club.
“I’m happy the fans have been very supportive. Not everyone has the same level of patience – but slowly but surely we are getting it right.”
Comments are closed on this article.

Comments (84)
9:57am Fri 2 Nov 12
peely says...
9:57am Fri 2 Nov 12
Frisson says...
10:01am Fri 2 Nov 12
forever blue and white says...
A. Helped in the process of getting rid of Kean
B. Getting a new manager that in fairness may not have been everyones first choice but at least Rovers fans can relate to the new manager and there is some experience there unlike the last plank that was in charge
Lets hope his choice is successful
Judging by the big majority of posts on this site over the last 24 hours Rovers fans are ready once more to support the manager and the team
Well done Shebby.
Those that do not agreewith me I dont want a torrent of abuse this is just my opinion
10:03am Fri 2 Nov 12
Is Eckersley playing? says...
10:04am Fri 2 Nov 12
ashton_9 says...
Shaw, Managing Director of the club added - 'No he wasn't our first choice, far from it - we're not hiding anything there.'
'We had one or two people that we talked to who, for whatever reason, got ruled in and ruled out.
'Henning contacted me personally probably seven or eight days after Steve left.'
'There is a gamble and I think it's become more or less common (knowledge) that I thought we probably wanted someone with experience at this level.
'But, without a doubt, I've no qualms with this appointment. I think he'll be wonderful for us.'
It's not only Shebby spouting off left right and centre taking all the limelight. There's absolutely no reason whatsoever to air these views publicly (especially these above from Shaw) , I just don't see what it achieves? I'm in full support of Berg and think he could be a very sound appointment.
10:05am Fri 2 Nov 12
Rovers_Lad_123 says...
10:06am Fri 2 Nov 12
Lancs - pensioner says...
COYB
10:17am Fri 2 Nov 12
1952 rover says...
10:18am Fri 2 Nov 12
moh says...
10:20am Fri 2 Nov 12
chegwin says...
10:20am Fri 2 Nov 12
brown cow warrior says...
10:21am Fri 2 Nov 12
Arron1212 says...
10:22am Fri 2 Nov 12
Only1Garner says...
Lets hope this SAS is as sucessful as the last SAS we had at the club, somehow though I doubt it.
10:24am Fri 2 Nov 12
Tatts says...
10:25am Fri 2 Nov 12
garyintandem says...
Shebby, shut up now please. You've done your job in getting rid of Kean and appointing someone wth Rovers in their blood as manager.
We don't want to hear from you again. Jyst fulfill your promise of deliverin the fuds t Henning to o his job ad the fans will respect you. If you keep interfering, you'll become a target if things don't go to plan immediately.
Welcome back Henning, rest assured tha the fans are behind you and we will have patience provided you bring some sanity, respectability and stability to the club.
Also, I totally agree with the idea of the Rao bros and even Mrs Desai walking onto Ewood and apologising for the utter shambles and destruction of the fabric of our club over the last 2 years.
Now please, no more bleating...let's get out in force against Brum and get 20,000 back to Ewood and turn it back into a Fortress.
Shebby and Shaw...I suggest you offer adults for a tenner, kids for a fiver for the next 2 home matches, start the half season tickets now and get Ewood full.
Let's show the world that we are totally behind Henning and give the players our full vocal support.
COTB, RTID
10:40am Fri 2 Nov 12
roverfor60years says...
One thing, though. Please grow your hair again – you look 100 times better.
10:43am Fri 2 Nov 12
simongarnerswindowcleaner says...
But, hey, the omens are currently good...
Rovers' first game in the Premiership in '92 was away at Crystal Palace, when those of us who were there saw those two amazing Alan Shearer goals. Now there was a man who know how to be fearless in the face of pressure.
And new boss Henning Berg’s own debut was against Palace, too.
Berg was the coolest defender we’d had since Faz so fingers crossed he can instill some calm into our back line against a team in form.
His managerial record to date isn’t brilliant, but at least he’s up for the challenge whereas good old Bobby Charlton backed out when he realised it wasn’t for him.
Berg must have learned plenty from Messrs Dalglish, Ferguson and Souness so fingers crossed he can speak good Scottish-Norwegian in the dressing room.
As the first player to have won the Premiership with two different clubs, as the only member of Jack Walker’s Rovers to have won the Premiership and the League Cup, and as an international defender who scored every ten games while winning a ton of caps across two World Cups with a tiny nation, we must embrace him all the way.
Only Venkys chicken experts could give us a manager with a first name like Hen and a surname that’s half way to Burger. It's a perfect fit.
So lets hope the points are soon coming home to roost.
Up t’Rovers. And, altogether now: ‘Henning Berg’s chicken shack warriors!’
PS. Congratulations, Bryan Douglas. Well overdue. Now then, which part of the ground has been left to be named after Simon Garner?
10:47am Fri 2 Nov 12
waggyonthewing says...
10:48am Fri 2 Nov 12
Ray Gunn says...
10:49am Fri 2 Nov 12
Brfc24138931 says...
10:52am Fri 2 Nov 12
Miss-You-Uncle-Jack says...
10:54am Fri 2 Nov 12
greenscreener says...
Shebby, I thought you were brought in to be the Global Advisor to Venkys, not the god almighty. Do you tell Steve P how to cut the grass ?You should stick to explaining what's going on and whats needed to the indians, Berg does not need you talking to the press or interfering down at Brockhall.
Shaw, for someone who has said f'all since you arrived what possessed you to come out now and undermine your new manager with such indiscretion.
Agnew, its been said already, WTF are you doing as Communications Director, reading the papers out loud to Robert Coar ?
Good luck Henning, you will need it
BTW: Don't expect an apology of any kind from the owners, its a concept they don't understand.
11:01am Fri 2 Nov 12
handyamBRFC says...
Lets hope he can bring in a few players from his side of the world. a few players that can make the difference and take us back up.
Regards Venkeys, its about time true fans realized that the club has been in a state of transition and hopefully we have turned that corner.
Its pointless blaming everyone within the club.
Its now time to stick together and support the club, we need the fans, owners, management and players all together.
We know that we cant compete with the major clubs in England but we can get up there back in premiership and stay there where we belong.
By comparison with major clubs in England, BRFC are a small town club who have been elevated to the premier league due to Jack Walker and his money. Without him BRFC would be languishing in the lower leagues.
For the last 2 decades Blackburn have secured their status as a premier league club. They are an established club with ''Premier'' written all over. They deserve to be up there. Their record speaks for itself over the last 20 years....check the stats.....!!
Unfortunately, a few teams have to go down every year and this time round it was BRFC. But we will be back hopefully at the first attempt.
Fortunately, BRFC should be head and shoulders better than the others in the championship and should come up sooner rather than later. With the playing staff at their disposal it should be a formality.
We just need a few more solid players, like a left back, a right back, a fast winger and a central midfield general to boss the center and provide link up with the strikers.
Also..........
The problems did not start with Venkeys taking over, rather the issues were that the Walker family after ''Our Jack'' did not want to back BRFC in the manner that 'Our Jack Walker' did.
The demise began from when the family of Jack walker were not prepared to back BRFC in the manner that OUR Jack Walker would have expected.
The family had been secretly trying to sell BRFC secretly just after the death of Jack Walker....That's a disgrace.
The problems of BRFC started from that point on wards.
BRFC waited for many months / years to find some buyers but to no avail.
It seemed no one wanted to buy the club. Eventually Venkeys bought the club.
Actually BRFC were fortunate that Venkeys did buy as there did not seem to be any other interest at all.
BRFC had no choice as the family of Jack Walker wanted to get rid of the (BRFC) family jewels.
Hence, the real anger should be directed at the Walker family who let down 'Jack' and let down the fans and the club.
They did not care less about who they sold the club to as long as they got their money.
In fact, many offers did come from Americans and other Europeans but they were so low that the Walker family would have made massive losses.
The only reason they sold to the Indians was that the Venkeys were New to this game, didn't know anything and extremely naive.
The walker family rubbed their hands in glee when Venkeys made such a silly offer as to satisfy their financial demands.
Where was the anger then.....when the Walker family were selling out getting rid of this club, your and our club and 'Jacks'
They let us down and have now run away.....!!!
We need to get used to the idea that foreigners own our football clubs,
If the people of Blackburn were so interested why did we not come up with a plan for the club together with the Jack Walker foundation and family.
Unfortunately, the Walker family were not interested in selling to the people as they would have not got much money from the people of Blackburn. They would have been lucky to get a penny.
And the Walker family sold as they knew it was time to stop bank rolling BRFC and get as much as they possibly could , which they did and have now disappeared. away from BRFC.
We now have owners who are investing and hopefully will continue to do so, we all need to get together and act as one voice and for sure we will achieve what we all want.
so that's what we should all remember at BRFC.
Finally, Real football fans are those who stick through Good and bad times.
I ask ...you BRFC supporters...Are you a real BRFC fan...???
You can’t always be winners
And compared to some premier teams we are really small but good enough to get into and stay in premiership
Let’s be positive and get on with our job as supporters
Let’s get behind the team and playing staff and BRFC
And this should lead us to GLORY and the premiership.....SIMP
LE
11:04am Fri 2 Nov 12
A Darener says...
Well done to renaming the Darwen End. Dougie must be chuffed to bits.
As for Shebby he is making the right noises now let him put his words into action. Get a short list of players to bring in in January and tell the Venky's to get their hands in their pocket.
11:22am Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
Totally agree , lets see Henning do it his way.
11:26am Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
Anyway time to move on , my tardis is broken so I can`t change the past , good luck Henning. See you on the 10th
11:27am Fri 2 Nov 12
A Rover 45 years and over says...
11:32am Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
I read this as Henning says who he wants and we go and strike the deal, which is normal in football. Might be wrong, but I am not reading anything else into it
11:36am Fri 2 Nov 12
Gaz M says...
11:44am Fri 2 Nov 12
Dukes says...
11:50am Fri 2 Nov 12
roverfor60years says...
But does Shebby speak with forked tongue? He says: “When January comes and Henning says he needs to strengthen the squad, we will go out and get it for him.”
What does that mean? I hope it means Henning WILL be allowed to identify his OWN targets – and unload the players HE no longer requires.
Funds prevailing, Shebby and Co. must go out and buy the players Henning wants – not a barrowload of players dumped in his lap he neither knows nor wants.
11:59am Fri 2 Nov 12
nil bye mouth says...
11:59am Fri 2 Nov 12
Navy-Rover says...
No Shearer to bang in a couple for us now but I'm sure young Rhodes can step up to the plate!
COYB!!!
12:01pm Fri 2 Nov 12
roverfor60years says...
12:02pm Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
Most people would say the squad we had last year could have stayed up but for the total tactical shambles delivered by Mr Kean, and judging by the protest the blame for this was felt to be mainly with him. He has now gone.
We have lost only two major players from that squad and brought in :-
Jordan Rhodes
Nuno Gomes
Dickson Ethu
Danny Murphy ( appreciate not playing well)
Leon Best
and a raft of portuguese fellas, given these additions and the fact that despite not setting the world on fire we are in fifth position 5 points behind the leaders, I cannot see any reason to believe that a good man manager with a plan could not get this team promoted.
12:03pm Fri 2 Nov 12
BRFC0808 says...
Has any Arab or American owners done so ?or all the owners have won the Championships?
Have u ever apologised to anyone b4 pegging for it!!!
12:05pm Fri 2 Nov 12
leonm987 says...
12:06pm Fri 2 Nov 12
1riversider says...
Before he's even got his his feet under the table, both Shebby and Shaw are undermining him. It really is pathetic, just how incompetent this shower are!
To Handyman who goes on about the Walker Trust, please get your facts right. They made no secret of the fact that the club was up for sale for years, and in 2007 actually wrote off 80million in redeemable shares, i.e. a loan, into ordinary shares, thus ensuring the club was in effect debt free for sale.
None of the above however, excuses what has happened since the current owners have been involved.
SHYSTERS GET OUT OF OUR CLUB NOW
12:26pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Navy-Rover says...
Henning himself
Henning's immediate family
Henning's agent
Shebby
The Rovers Board
The chicken farmers
I may have missed a couple more but needless to say any 'Joe Public' who reads the LT and posts on here are highly unlikely to be privy to this info.
Lets just be Rovers supporters, get behind the team and stop pretending that we have 'inside info' or 'my mate knows Shebby's shoe polisher' rubbish!
12:30pm Fri 2 Nov 12
glp says...
12:34pm Fri 2 Nov 12
skelbo says...
12:34pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Arte1875 says...
12:38pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Harwoodstblue says...
12:39pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Angry From Accrington says...
If Henning Berg has to deliver promotion this season, why was he given a three year contract? Why not a nine month one with an option to extend?
Can someone please, please tell me who is actually running this club. What are the respective roles of Singh, Shaw, Agnew etc.
Can we please have an open Forum at the club when these individuals, together with the new manager and perhaps, the owners themselves, sit in front of us to listen to our views and answer the questions that need answering before the open wounds can start to heal.
12:40pm Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
12:44pm Fri 2 Nov 12
bburnrover says...
and stress,I am sure we the fans can get beind Henning as he knows like the rest of us what the problems have been and will obviously realise we still require more options in defence and a winger to make things happen between midfield and attack.
12:50pm Fri 2 Nov 12
1riversider says...
Anyway, back to the present, LET'S ALL GET BEHIND HENNING, AND FOLLOW THE ROVERS BACK TO THE PREMIERSHIP
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!
1:02pm Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
1:02pm Fri 2 Nov 12
zenoufthebirdcatcher says...
1:20pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Abu dabi says...
1:22pm Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
1:25pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Bryan Douglas supporter says...
Question for Shebby and the rest. Why did SK keep having to go and meet with the owners (Mrs. D) in India? Nothing reported that you have made a trip there. Have they found out about video conferencing or Skype, or are they just not bothered. Hope Berg isn't summoned to India on a regular basis; still SK is probably using up his Air Miles as we speak.
Yes, come on HB deliver the goods but Shebby let the guy get started first.
1:34pm Fri 2 Nov 12
A Darener says...
1:42pm Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
1:56pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Abu dabi says...
2:02pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Harwoodstblue says...
2:02pm Fri 2 Nov 12
MxMave says...
2:04pm Fri 2 Nov 12
BRFC0808 says...
Abudhabi Is STEVE KEAN .
2:20pm Fri 2 Nov 12
greenscreener says...
Usually quite polite
Can you give it a rest mate
Know you are a dingle
Obviously not very bright
Fans of Rovers understand
Families like yours are just too close.
2:20pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Miss-You-Uncle-Jack says...
2:22pm Fri 2 Nov 12
blueblooded says...
2:23pm Fri 2 Nov 12
blueblooded says...
2:24pm Fri 2 Nov 12
blueblooded says...
So go support Bumley/
2:36pm Fri 2 Nov 12
inflightmagazine says...
Roaring Henning on next Saturday.
2:37pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Gaz M says...
2:38pm Fri 2 Nov 12
BlueSkies says...
Oh, and buy a dictionary.
2:56pm Fri 2 Nov 12
stick to football says...
Having taken so long to choose the right Manager - will you accept responsibility and resign forthwith if promotion is not achieved
Whats right for others must be right for you - agreed?
If not you will attract the criticism you deserve every word so dont expect to be loved by Rovers supporters if all you are going to do - is mouth off and accept no reesponsibility
3:03pm Fri 2 Nov 12
thresholdweller says...
Many supporters trust Henning Berg in a way that they do not trust others. He does not need to earn trust or respect - he already has it. Shebby, Paul Agnew, Derek Shaw and the Venkys may yet earn that respect yet, but for some it may take a long time.
3:37pm Fri 2 Nov 12
jack denials says...
With Henning Berg joining the helm of the Blackburn Rovers battle for the promotion to the Premiership , everything is going to go down when your ship hits the Ice BERG.....lol
3:45pm Fri 2 Nov 12
A Darener says...
3:46pm Fri 2 Nov 12
McClaret says...
4:16pm Fri 2 Nov 12
moh says...
6:28pm Fri 2 Nov 12
JPainter90 says...
6:48pm Fri 2 Nov 12
whappen says...
Like I've said before, HB has to overcome the Kean legacy. No one can jump on his back after 5, 10 or 30 games. We have to accept, including you Mr Singh, the owners refusal to give Kean the hook in the Summer may cost them and us dear.
If we don't get promoted, Singh you heejut, it will be your bosses' fault, not the new manager's. Now shut the f@ck up and let him get on with his job.
You're a football pundit turned p!ss poor PR man; accept it and let one of the few people around the club who may just know what they are doing do it.
In the meantime, think before you speak; better still, don't bother speaking at all. And if Shaw's not happy with the appointment then tell him to keep his thoughts to himself.
Shaw's indifference and Singh's pure stupidity are doing nothing but dampen any positive feelings I may have had.
There is still a long, long, long way to go.
Still, at least it's weekend.....
7:00pm Fri 2 Nov 12
whappen says...
As I understood it, Jack Walker (RIP) switched the loan into shares to firstly get rid of the debt. It also stopped those same tax issues arising if he had just said he didn't want the money back.
7:10pm Fri 2 Nov 12
whappen says...
Respectively;
PR(ick), caretaker and errrr, let me get back to you on that one.
7:22pm Fri 2 Nov 12
GameRoverMan says...
7:47pm Fri 2 Nov 12
kenbro says...
Even if Berg is allowed to buy a few good players in January and manages to get us promoted, staying up will be very difficult.
Having said that, let's get behind Berg and the team. That's all we have at the moment. Unfortunately, we are stuck with Venkys and their management, but perhaps Venkys are finally realising what it takes to run an English football club.
8:19pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Accy Phil says...
10:03pm Fri 2 Nov 12
whappen says...
Respectively;
PR(ick), caretaker and errrr, let me get back to you on that one.
3:52am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee says...
4:26am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee says...
4:30am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee says...
12:03pm Sat 3 Nov 12
handyamBRFC says...
Thank God we didn't get a southener as they cant hack it up north..!
and HBerg knows the club and has achieved success as a player and won the premiership and got the medals.....!!!
Yes we all need to get together now and roar BRFC back to where we belong.
best of luck to H Berg and the team and i'm sure you will deliver us back to the top flight.
Yes lets give Henning Berg our thoughts on the team and players now.
ok
We need to replace some players sooner rather then later
we require young energetic players not old ones...!!
Lets hope Henning Berg can find some decent players in Scandnavia
as they are good players up there...!!!
Orr is crap & not good enough for 1st team but okay as squad member
Another player required,,,! ......urgently
Dunn is slow and past it but okay as squad member for time being
Another player required...! A midfield general
Murphy is slow and past it but okay as a squad member
Pederson is getting slower and older by the day, okay in squad
but we do require a fast winger who can deliver crosses
I think if we can find a Midfield general to boss the center
and a fast winger as Pederson was good but getting slower....!
with 2 midfielders our midfield will be sufficient.
I think we need to bring in someone to replace Orr
we have BEST who should be okay when hes back but in the meantime maybe we need a big striker to play alongside Rhodes....!
What do you think..???
what are your views on the players and the team..?
what players would you realistically like to see playing for BRFC.?
lets share these views and i'm sure HBerg will read some...!!
Rovers will be back in the Premiership so come on ROAR em on.