Blackburn Rovers Column: Nationals need to take notice of our fans

8:06am Tuesday 24th April 2012 in Dan Clough Photograph of the Author By Dan Clough, Reporter

WHEN will national journalists who write about Rovers actually take some notice of what has gone on at the club this season?

I read two separate reports of Saturday’s game with Norwich City in the Sunday nationals, and both of them were written as though the fans have completely overreacted.

Fair enough, I don’t really back the protests, and I certainly don’t condone the chants inside the ground, especially when we were winning, but at least I understand them.

If Venky’s had taken over at Tottenham, West Ham or Fulham, or any other club south of Birmingham, they would realise what is going on.

But they don’t. We are Blackburn Rovers, from Lancashire, and they simply do not get it.

Over the past 12 months we have replaced a proven manager with a disaster, sold or released most of our best players, replacing them with chaff, and our boardroom is unrecognisable.

All this while the new owners hide in their Indian bunker, now mute after making themselves look stupid one too many times with outlandish statements to the media.

A 2-0 win over Norwich City, a side we really should be beating at home anyway, does not excuse what has happened before.

But reading what these national newspaper journalists waffle, you would think it spells complete redemption.

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Forget the fact we are still three points adrift at the end of a torrid and painful campaign.

Forget the rumours of training ground bust-ups, or that our best defender Gael Givet has been left out of the side in recent weeks.

Forget that a large percentage of season ticket-holders have already put their renewal forms in the bin in disgust at what is going on at the club they have supported all their lives.

I am delighted we have won and that our survival is still a possibility.

I just wish we weren’t being made to suffer alone, as we are not the last football club that will be destroyed by a company like Venky’s.

Despite the win on Saturday, the survival run-in does not make good reading.

QPR are the most likely side to drop back into the bottom three, with trips to Chelsea and Manchester City coming up for them, as well as a home game against Stoke.

Rovers must target three points against Wigan and hope for a White Hart Lane miracle.

I really cannot see us getting anything from Chelsea on the final day.

The big danger, however, is Bolton, who have five games to make up the one point difference between us and them.

It really is squeeky bum time. But if we do survive, expect Steve Kean to be lauded in the nationals.

Comments (16)

8:33am Tue 24 Apr 12

craftandgraft says...

Dan.....good point.

Why don't you back the protests?

YOU could get the coverage in the Nationals.

Try RMBROADBENT@aol.com

( The Times )

and Sid Lowe
( The Guardian )

They need to cover the truth.

www.brsit.co.uk

Arte et Labore
Dan.....good point. Why don't you back the protests? YOU could get the coverage in the Nationals. Try RMBROADBENT@aol.com ( The Times ) and Sid Lowe ( The Guardian ) They need to cover the truth. www.brsit.co.uk Arte et Labore craftandgraft

9:02am Tue 24 Apr 12

RobbyRover says...

Nigel would have been proud of that, Dan. Spot on!
Nigel would have been proud of that, Dan. Spot on! RobbyRover

9:05am Tue 24 Apr 12

RobbyRover says...

There is a chance I meant Brian there...

Not had my wake-up brew yet
There is a chance I meant Brian there... Not had my wake-up brew yet RobbyRover

9:18am Tue 24 Apr 12

Billypieman says...

Dan, you accuse the fans of chanting when Rovers are winning. If the fans only protest when we are behind, they are accused of being fickle. Truth is that the fans are sick to death of the lies of the puppet and his string pullers and this doesn't change just because we happen to win the occasional game. You say you don't support the protests but go on to condemn the national press for not understanding the problems at the club. If you'd had your way and there had been no protests, the press would have had even less idea of the malcontent around the club.
Dan, you accuse the fans of chanting when Rovers are winning. If the fans only protest when we are behind, they are accused of being fickle. Truth is that the fans are sick to death of the lies of the puppet and his string pullers and this doesn't change just because we happen to win the occasional game. You say you don't support the protests but go on to condemn the national press for not understanding the problems at the club. If you'd had your way and there had been no protests, the press would have had even less idea of the malcontent around the club. Billypieman

10:31am Tue 24 Apr 12

Upset Fan says...

I agree, I have been going to Ewood for 46 years,but no more. Until sense is restored.
I am upset by the total Ignorance,incompeten
ce & arrogance shown by Venky's & Kean.
I agree, I have been going to Ewood for 46 years,but no more. Until sense is restored. I am upset by the total Ignorance,incompeten ce & arrogance shown by Venky's & Kean. Upset Fan

10:46am Tue 24 Apr 12

RoverInRotterdam says...

Think we all agree 100% that the National media haven't got a clue or just don't care about what really has been going on at Ewood, so tell them Mr Clough,don't just put it in an article,do something about it,if you haven't made a few contacts within the National media that can noe be utilised by now,your'e not much of a journalist.Just don't start off by telling them you don't support the protests though,will sort of undermine everything else you have to say...R.T.I.D.
Think we all agree 100% that the National media haven't got a clue or just don't care about what really has been going on at Ewood, so tell them Mr Clough,don't just put it in an article,do something about it,if you haven't made a few contacts within the National media that can noe be utilised by now,your'e not much of a journalist.Just don't start off by telling them you don't support the protests though,will sort of undermine everything else you have to say...R.T.I.D. RoverInRotterdam

1:00pm Tue 24 Apr 12

howardtheduck says...

excellent article. too many ignorant idiots condemn us fans for our attitudes towards venky's and their appointment of steve kean but i'd like to see how they would react if put in the same situation. i've never been involved in the protests but i completely understand those who have. i don't recall anyone in the press jumping on the untied fans for their anti-glaser protests or newcastle for their anti-ashley protests
excellent article. too many ignorant idiots condemn us fans for our attitudes towards venky's and their appointment of steve kean but i'd like to see how they would react if put in the same situation. i've never been involved in the protests but i completely understand those who have. i don't recall anyone in the press jumping on the untied fans for their anti-glaser protests or newcastle for their anti-ashley protests howardtheduck

1:35pm Tue 24 Apr 12

tugaycomeback says...

Well said Dan, one of the most frustrating and enraging side effects of our continuing nightmare is how ignored the real issues at the club actually are, just because we are not part of the London media darling clubs association. Makes you realise that most national journos would be happier seeing BRFC go down, being that we'd be replaced by Reading, West Ham or Soton - far more local teams to them.

Never mind the fact that we are part of PL history and that only 3 other clubs have ever won the title. If what has happened to us happened to Fulham etc there would be absolute uproar, when Liverpool fans vocalised their unhappiness at the ownership regime there were mass street protests and daily coverage in the national rags.

Shame on the sports editors of the nationals, there is a completely farcical soap opera being played out that is rotting the club from its core, and all they can do is paint the fans out to be fickle moaners. Well done Dan Clough for doing what they should be.
Well said Dan, one of the most frustrating and enraging side effects of our continuing nightmare is how ignored the real issues at the club actually are, just because we are not part of the London media darling clubs association. Makes you realise that most national journos would be happier seeing BRFC go down, being that we'd be replaced by Reading, West Ham or Soton - far more local teams to them. Never mind the fact that we are part of PL history and that only 3 other clubs have ever won the title. If what has happened to us happened to Fulham etc there would be absolute uproar, when Liverpool fans vocalised their unhappiness at the ownership regime there were mass street protests and daily coverage in the national rags. Shame on the sports editors of the nationals, there is a completely farcical soap opera being played out that is rotting the club from its core, and all they can do is paint the fans out to be fickle moaners. Well done Dan Clough for doing what they should be. tugaycomeback

2:53pm Tue 24 Apr 12

French Rover says...

yes agree with most of that
Dan but at the end of the day it's still only a 'local' paper article.....we really need someone to do an article like this in the Nationals..

Maybe you can help explain to us why no-one in the London Media mafia seems to either know or understand what has (and still is) happening at Ewood? Is it the Anderson factor, surely not?
yes agree with most of that Dan but at the end of the day it's still only a 'local' paper article.....we really need someone to do an article like this in the Nationals.. Maybe you can help explain to us why no-one in the London Media mafia seems to either know or understand what has (and still is) happening at Ewood? Is it the Anderson factor, surely not? French Rover

4:29pm Tue 24 Apr 12

merlinrabbit says...

Most of this is welcomed but starting it by saying you dont agree with the protesters just supports the rest of them that are criticising and then detracts from the rest of your article. The national journalists wont read this either. Write to the newspapers responsible and tell them
Most of this is welcomed but starting it by saying you dont agree with the protesters just supports the rest of them that are criticising and then detracts from the rest of your article. The national journalists wont read this either. Write to the newspapers responsible and tell them merlinrabbit

5:22pm Tue 24 Apr 12

greenscreener says...

French Rover wrote:
yes agree with most of that Dan but at the end of the day it's still only a 'local' paper article.....we really need someone to do an article like this in the Nationals.. Maybe you can help explain to us why no-one in the London Media mafia seems to either know or understand what has (and still is) happening at Ewood? Is it the Anderson factor, surely not?
Totally agree.

The sports media has nothing to write without their sources, most of whom are agents.

Whats happened at BRFC needs an investigative journalist from the business pages to expose the truth. Too many dark forces at work influencing the sports section.
[quote][p][bold]French Rover[/bold] wrote: yes agree with most of that Dan but at the end of the day it's still only a 'local' paper article.....we really need someone to do an article like this in the Nationals.. Maybe you can help explain to us why no-one in the London Media mafia seems to either know or understand what has (and still is) happening at Ewood? Is it the Anderson factor, surely not?[/p][/quote]Totally agree. The sports media has nothing to write without their sources, most of whom are agents. Whats happened at BRFC needs an investigative journalist from the business pages to expose the truth. Too many dark forces at work influencing the sports section. greenscreener

7:54pm Wed 25 Apr 12

mcleodj says...

Miracles CAN happen. If Chelsea can beat Barcelona, maybe the Rovers can beat Chelsea - maybe?
Miracles CAN happen. If Chelsea can beat Barcelona, maybe the Rovers can beat Chelsea - maybe? mcleodj

1:33am Thu 26 Apr 12

Gennoe1 says...

What a load of crap!You dont back the protests or the chants,but then say the national press should listen to our concerns,and how the hell do we let them know what they are,without protesting? maybe a polite letter to the sports editors,are you for real? Your in a position where you could help our cause,but you basically advocate doing nothing and then accuse the venkys of hiding in their bunker,then again i suppose your just towing your paymasters line.Remember this Dan,if you never stick your head above the parapet noboddy will ever remember you.Time to grow a pair if you really are true blue.
What a load of crap!You dont back the protests or the chants,but then say the national press should listen to our concerns,and how the hell do we let them know what they are,without protesting? maybe a polite letter to the sports editors,are you for real? Your in a position where you could help our cause,but you basically advocate doing nothing and then accuse the venkys of hiding in their bunker,then again i suppose your just towing your paymasters line.Remember this Dan,if you never stick your head above the parapet noboddy will ever remember you.Time to grow a pair if you really are true blue. Gennoe1

3:09pm Thu 26 Apr 12

he6rt6gr6m says...

Billypieman wrote:
Dan, you accuse the fans of chanting when Rovers are winning. If the fans only protest when we are behind, they are accused of being fickle. Truth is that the fans are sick to death of the lies of the puppet and his string pullers and this doesn't change just because we happen to win the occasional game. You say you don't support the protests but go on to condemn the national press for not understanding the problems at the club. If you'd had your way and there had been no protests, the press would have had even less idea of the malcontent around the club.
Don't protest chant. AT ALL. In the stadium during play.

Simple.
[quote][p][bold]Billypieman[/bold] wrote: Dan, you accuse the fans of chanting when Rovers are winning. If the fans only protest when we are behind, they are accused of being fickle. Truth is that the fans are sick to death of the lies of the puppet and his string pullers and this doesn't change just because we happen to win the occasional game. You say you don't support the protests but go on to condemn the national press for not understanding the problems at the club. If you'd had your way and there had been no protests, the press would have had even less idea of the malcontent around the club.[/p][/quote]Don't protest chant. AT ALL. In the stadium during play. Simple. he6rt6gr6m

3:10pm Thu 26 Apr 12

he6rt6gr6m says...

Gennoe1 wrote:
What a load of crap!You dont back the protests or the chants,but then say the national press should listen to our concerns,and how the hell do we let them know what they are,without protesting? maybe a polite letter to the sports editors,are you for real? Your in a position where you could help our cause,but you basically advocate doing nothing and then accuse the venkys of hiding in their bunker,then again i suppose your just towing your paymasters line.Remember this Dan,if you never stick your head above the parapet noboddy will ever remember you.Time to grow a pair if you really are true blue.
"If you're a REAL Rovers fan, you'll..."

How many times have I heard this phrase this season? It's getting quite pathetic.
[quote][p][bold]Gennoe1[/bold] wrote: What a load of crap!You dont back the protests or the chants,but then say the national press should listen to our concerns,and how the hell do we let them know what they are,without protesting? maybe a polite letter to the sports editors,are you for real? Your in a position where you could help our cause,but you basically advocate doing nothing and then accuse the venkys of hiding in their bunker,then again i suppose your just towing your paymasters line.Remember this Dan,if you never stick your head above the parapet noboddy will ever remember you.Time to grow a pair if you really are true blue.[/p][/quote]"If you're a REAL Rovers fan, you'll..." How many times have I heard this phrase this season? It's getting quite pathetic. he6rt6gr6m

1:41am Fri 27 Apr 12

Gennoe1 says...

he6rt6gr6m wrote:
Gennoe1 wrote:
What a load of crap!You dont back the protests or the chants,but then say the national press should listen to our concerns,and how the hell do we let them know what they are,without protesting? maybe a polite letter to the sports editors,are you for real? Your in a position where you could help our cause,but you basically advocate doing nothing and then accuse the venkys of hiding in their bunker,then again i suppose your just towing your paymasters line.Remember this Dan,if you never stick your head above the parapet noboddy will ever remember you.Time to grow a pair if you really are true blue.
"If you're a REAL Rovers fan, you'll..."

How many times have I heard this phrase this season? It's getting quite pathetic.
I know Dan is a REAL Rovers fan he just REAL frustrates me,hes in a REAL position where he could REAL help get the REAL message accross to the national press,but he REAL sticks with the REAL anti-protests/chants stance,the very REAL stick the nationals use to REAL beat us with! Just to add so REAL sorry about the quote about REAL Rovers fans sounding pathetic,REAL Wish id said it pal!So manyREAL huge issues down Ewood at the moment,REALLY sorry mate I REALLY am,I shouldREALLY of said a " true blue " and by the way,WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH BEEN A REAL ROVERS FAN? this rant was meant to be cathartic, get my anger out, not feeling any better at all,feels like some big smelly knobhead trod dogcrap through my house,hes supped all my cans and now hes picking his toenails curled up on MY re-cliner! Please how can i make him leave, hes upsetting everyone,I cant just pack up and go,its not right,and anyway where would i go? I reckon its time to get this horrible intruder out,dont know how or when but the thought of that day dawning shall sustain me and those around me.
[quote][p][bold]he6rt6gr6m[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Gennoe1[/bold] wrote: What a load of crap!You dont back the protests or the chants,but then say the national press should listen to our concerns,and how the hell do we let them know what they are,without protesting? maybe a polite letter to the sports editors,are you for real? Your in a position where you could help our cause,but you basically advocate doing nothing and then accuse the venkys of hiding in their bunker,then again i suppose your just towing your paymasters line.Remember this Dan,if you never stick your head above the parapet noboddy will ever remember you.Time to grow a pair if you really are true blue.[/p][/quote]"If you're a REAL Rovers fan, you'll..." How many times have I heard this phrase this season? It's getting quite pathetic.[/p][/quote]I know Dan is a REAL Rovers fan he just REAL frustrates me,hes in a REAL position where he could REAL help get the REAL message accross to the national press,but he REAL sticks with the REAL anti-protests/chants stance,the very REAL stick the nationals use to REAL beat us with! Just to add so REAL sorry about the quote about REAL Rovers fans sounding pathetic,REAL Wish id said it pal!So manyREAL huge issues down Ewood at the moment,REALLY sorry mate I REALLY am,I shouldREALLY of said a " true blue " and by the way,WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH BEEN A REAL ROVERS FAN? this rant was meant to be cathartic, get my anger out, not feeling any better at all,feels like some big smelly knobhead trod dogcrap through my house,hes supped all my cans and now hes picking his toenails curled up on MY re-cliner! Please how can i make him leave, hes upsetting everyone,I cant just pack up and go,its not right,and anyway where would i go? I reckon its time to get this horrible intruder out,dont know how or when but the thought of that day dawning shall sustain me and those around me. Gennoe1

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