Kazim-Richards: I'm right behind new Blackburn Rovers boss (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Kazim-Richards: I'm right behind new Blackburn Rovers boss
9:48am Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News
By Chris Flanagan, Sports reporter
COLIN Kazim-Richards says he already feels more comfortable under Michael Appleton’s management than he did under Henning Berg – insisting he is fully behind Blackburn Rovers’ new boss despite his recent Twitter outburst.
Appleton takes charge of Rovers for the second time tonight when they host Brighton at Ewood Park, three days after his reign started with a 2-1 home loss to Charlton.
The loss ended a four-match unbeaten run that was established under caretaker boss Gary Bowyer following Berg’s sacking.
A number of Rovers’ squad had felt Bowyer should be given longer in charge – something that Kazim-Richards voiced publicly on Twitter.
But the forward, who played for Brighton between 2005 and 2006, insists his comments were never aimed at Appleton and says he has been impressed by the new manager.
“I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical with changing the manager,” Kazim-Richards said.
“I think I didn’t hide that on my Twitter but to be 100 per cent honest he (Appleton) has come in and he’s been so direct and so straight with us.
“I do think that’s what we needed because no disrespect to the last manager but the one before that (Berg), you didn’t really know what you were getting from him.
“Maybe he just kept a lot more in, but you didn’t know what he actually thought about you or about what was going on.
“Personally I like a manager who is direct, I’ve had a lot of those coaches – like Neil Warnock who helped my career massively.”
Rovers were not at their best against Charlton but Kazim-Richards was adamant that it was not down to the latest managerial change, despite the support for Bowyer.
“I don’t go out on the pitch to play football and lose,” he said.
“I hate losing more than I like winning. Sometimes the reality of it is you lose certain games and we weren’t good enough on Saturday.
“It isn’t anything to do with the gaffer and the staff he’s brought, because they’ve been top notch.”
Asked if he regretted his Twitter comments, he said: “Sometimes you learn from it but I don’t regret anything.
“I never said anything personal, it was just that Gary came in, we were unbeaten in four and it said until the end of January. It wasn’t directed at any specific coach or person.”
Tonight’s game was originally called off in December because of a waterlogged pitch but Rovers are confident the rearranged fixture would go ahead despite continuing snow and plummeting temperatures.
And Kazim-Richards appealed to fans not to allow their discontent with owners Venky’s to impact on their support for the team.
“It’s been difficult playing at home,” said the 26-year-old, who revealed he has turned down the opportunity to cut short his season-long loan.
“I just want everyone to know obviously we can’t control what goes on upstairs but we can control what happens on the pitch.
“We have the same aspirations as all the fans, we don’t want to be playing in this league but the reality is we’re here, we’re in this situation.
“I know we’re going through difficult times and it’s all politics but in the stadium when we’re playing on a matchday, stay with us.
“I think it’s just as difficult for the gaffer as it is for us, coming into a situation that is not so transparent.”
Comments(42)
owd nick
says...
10:02am Tue 22 Jan 13
Actions speak louder than sound-bytes.
leitchy
says...
10:11am Tue 22 Jan 13
The match on saturday was awful, 2-1 down at home and there were no fight what so ever to correct things !!
SHOW SOME PASSION, FIGHT & DETERMAINATION AND SO WILL WE !!
A Rover 45 years and over
says...
10:26am Tue 22 Jan 13
roversok
says...
10:27am Tue 22 Jan 13
Young Kane could not move the ball forward because Kazim-Richards had gone walk about all the second half, spent more time on the left wing than right hand side of the pitch.
Never cased down any loose balls.
When he had the ball he booted it without looking were his team mate were positioned.
The cross Rhodes scored from he did not look for him just booted the ball into the area
Hope Appleton as borrowed Harry potters wand for tonight, we need something to shape the players up
Appleton do not be afraid of making early substitutions if any player is not putting a shift in.(I know you cannot replace 11 men in a game)
dangerous dave
says...
10:29am Tue 22 Jan 13
leitchy wrote:Absolutely spot on - not much there for the paying fans to shout about so come on put your 'heart and soul' into it and maybe, maybe we might see some better times ahead - instead of just seeing the game out and taking your 'big bucks' home win or lose.
Give the fans something to shout about and maybe we will.
The match on saturday was awful, 2-1 down at home and there were no fight what so ever to correct things !!
SHOW SOME PASSION, FIGHT & DETERMAINATION AND SO WILL WE !!
However my views in respect of the Board of Directors/Owners has not changed - out with the lot of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!
GAZHAY
says...
10:30am Tue 22 Jan 13
A Darener
says...
10:31am Tue 22 Jan 13
Plea to all the players just show the fans that you hate to lose, you want to play for BRFC and that your personal pride will not allow you to give less than 100%. That's all the fans can ask of you. You on your part must understand where the fans are coming from. They cannot standby and see their club ground into the dirt by the bunch of clowns running the club.
Get into 'em!
fitz808
says...
10:32am Tue 22 Jan 13
he gives the impression of someone who will be quite clear about the work required of the players, and will not suffer those not making an effort.
whilst he needs to ensure he doesn't mistake lack of effort for a decent player just having a bad run, then i think we'll actually end up with a stronger playing unit at the end of it.
rochina will be a great example of the kind of player who can just have a bad game. he should not be cast aside for this, as i think he is really trying most of the time.
what we perhaps need in the squad are a few more of the reliable players who never have a shocker, because they just do the simple things very well. that mix of dependability and the occasional bit of flair should be enough for us to consolidate this season and put together a great run next.
i would back appleton to be able to pick a decent dependable player in the transfer market, but as to whether he can spot that rare nugget of untapped talent waits to be seen.
P_Rover
says...
10:38am Tue 22 Jan 13
roversok wrote:Spot on. This is rich coming from CKR. That was THE worst and laziest performance i've ever seen from a player in a Rovers shirt. He just could not be bothered - there were so many times where, if he could have moved quicker than a snail, there was so much space to run into to give an easy outball for Kane. I'm sorry but I wouldn't let him wear the shirt again. Disgrace.
Kazim-Richards was the worse player on the pitch against Charlton Young Kane could not move the ball forward because Kazim-Richards had gone walk about all the second half, spent more time on the left wing than right hand side of the pitch. Never cased down any loose balls. When he had the ball he booted it without looking were his team mate were positioned. The cross Rhodes scored from he did not look for him just booted the ball into the area Hope Appleton as borrowed Harry potters wand for tonight, we need something to shape the players up Appleton do not be afraid of making early substitutions if any player is not putting a shift in.(I know you cannot replace 11 men in a game)
speedie_rovers_legend
says...
10:46am Tue 22 Jan 13
mike55
says...
10:56am Tue 22 Jan 13
After the debacle on Saturday,I have to say I cannot be persuaded to make another 450 mile round trip in the vain hope I might see a more committed performance tonight. Call me fickle but COYB. Play without fear but with commitment and effort and I might be persuaded to return to Ewood for the next game.
Lancs - pensioner
says...
10:56am Tue 22 Jan 13
A Rover 45 years and over wrote:Sounds like these comments come straight from the press office at BRFC, everyone has an opinion be it right or wrong but after the two years of hell the Venkys have put us through I back Garner,
It's time to stop Venkys bashing whilst Appleton is here and support the team. There seems to be a change with Appleton in charge no Shebby mouthing off and it's starting to look like a normal structure again. Simon Garner was way out of order with his comments about Venky's arrival, he complains they are never hear but when they come he slags them off saying they are dsrespectful. Who is he to tell them how to arrive it is there money and as far as them leaving early I can understand it after the reception they got on arrival as they would have only got more of the same when they left because the team was being beaten etc. And as far as Simons comments on buying the Club I suggest he should buy it himself or shut up.
As a footnote do you see the Chealse owner leaving before the end, does he come to two matches in two years NO there is only one person to blame at BRFC and that is the owner full stop
To the team, good luck tonight.
moh
says...
10:58am Tue 22 Jan 13
P_Rover wrote:There was some effort from KZR although he was slow. What happened to Vucevic, he was very quiet in game and did not get involved too much. He should have made more of the opportunity given to him..
roversok wrote: Kazim-Richards was the worse player on the pitch against Charlton Young Kane could not move the ball forward because Kazim-Richards had gone walk about all the second half, spent more time on the left wing than right hand side of the pitch. Never cased down any loose balls. When he had the ball he booted it without looking were his team mate were positioned. The cross Rhodes scored from he did not look for him just booted the ball into the area Hope Appleton as borrowed Harry potters wand for tonight, we need something to shape the players up Appleton do not be afraid of making early substitutions if any player is not putting a shift in.(I know you cannot replace 11 men in a game)Spot on. This is rich coming from CKR. That was THE worst and laziest performance i've ever seen from a player in a Rovers shirt. He just could not be bothered - there were so many times where, if he could have moved quicker than a snail, there was so much space to run into to give an easy outball for Kane. I'm sorry but I wouldn't let him wear the shirt again. Disgrace.
RoverTheHill
says...
11:08am Tue 22 Jan 13
Dukes
says...
11:30am Tue 22 Jan 13
Saturday you was lazy and kept falling down and not thinking.
Leave Venkys to us you just keep playing your football.
BeardwoodB
says...
11:36am Tue 22 Jan 13
Sounds like a silly little boy has had a kick up the ar5e.
Gaz M
says...
11:37am Tue 22 Jan 13
Lancs - pensioner wrote:Spot on lancs pensioner and as for Venkys in two years how many times have they watched Rovers at Ewood Rover 45 years not nowhere near a half dozen it says it all about how interested in the team they are,
A Rover 45 years and over wrote:Sounds like these comments come straight from the press office at BRFC, everyone has an opinion be it right or wrong but after the two years of hell the Venkys have put us through I back Garner,
It's time to stop Venkys bashing whilst Appleton is here and support the team. There seems to be a change with Appleton in charge no Shebby mouthing off and it's starting to look like a normal structure again. Simon Garner was way out of order with his comments about Venky's arrival, he complains they are never hear but when they come he slags them off saying they are dsrespectful. Who is he to tell them how to arrive it is there money and as far as them leaving early I can understand it after the reception they got on arrival as they would have only got more of the same when they left because the team was being beaten etc. And as far as Simons comments on buying the Club I suggest he should buy it himself or shut up.
As a footnote do you see the Chealse owner leaving before the end, does he come to two matches in two years NO there is only one person to blame at BRFC and that is the owner full stop
To the team, good luck tonight.
unclejacklegend
says...
11:49am Tue 22 Jan 13
RoverTheHill wrote:Youre probably on your own there. he had a bad game but At least he was loosing the ball whilst trying to make things happen which is more than can be said for the rest of the midfield on Saturday. Ok so not a lot came off for him at the weekend and he doesn't pass the ball at the right times but he is young and learning. He shows he's eager to impress in my opinion. He's a playmaker, he's not on the pitch to pass backwards and sideways and to be fair to him he does have moments of magic which I think will become more frequent as he matures. I definitely wouldn't say he's useless.
CKR was the worst player on the pitch???? Really? Are you all blind to the uselessness of Rochina? Or do you still believe that everything he does is magical. For the wages he's on I could do what he does! Get the ball and run at 4 defenders, never pass the ball and never defend? CKR had a awful game, but you need to open your eyes if you think he was the worst player on the pitch!
Is Eckersley playing?
says...
11:53am Tue 22 Jan 13
Gaz M wrote:They were at the Chelsea game on Sunday, in Abramavichi's box. Sky cameras showed them during the game, and, wait for it....leaving the box after the final whistle with smiles on their faces. What does that tell you, folks!
Lancs - pensioner wrote:Spot on lancs pensioner and as for Venkys in two years how many times have they watched Rovers at Ewood Rover 45 years not nowhere near a half dozen it says it all about how interested in the team they are,
A Rover 45 years and over wrote:Sounds like these comments come straight from the press office at BRFC, everyone has an opinion be it right or wrong but after the two years of hell the Venkys have put us through I back Garner,
It's time to stop Venkys bashing whilst Appleton is here and support the team. There seems to be a change with Appleton in charge no Shebby mouthing off and it's starting to look like a normal structure again. Simon Garner was way out of order with his comments about Venky's arrival, he complains they are never hear but when they come he slags them off saying they are dsrespectful. Who is he to tell them how to arrive it is there money and as far as them leaving early I can understand it after the reception they got on arrival as they would have only got more of the same when they left because the team was being beaten etc. And as far as Simons comments on buying the Club I suggest he should buy it himself or shut up.
As a footnote do you see the Chealse owner leaving before the end, does he come to two matches in two years NO there is only one person to blame at BRFC and that is the owner full stop
To the team, good luck tonight.
fishcake 75
says...
12:05pm Tue 22 Jan 13
bburnrover
says...
12:11pm Tue 22 Jan 13
chickenfarm
says...
1:12pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Is Eckersley playing? wrote:That the Venkys enjoyed the game maybe?
Gaz M wrote:They were at the Chelsea game on Sunday, in Abramavichi's box. Sky cameras showed them during the game, and, wait for it....leaving the box after the final whistle with smiles on their faces. What does that tell you, folks!Lancs - pensioner wrote:Spot on lancs pensioner and as for Venkys in two years how many times have they watched Rovers at Ewood Rover 45 years not nowhere near a half dozen it says it all about how interested in the team they are,A Rover 45 years and over wrote: It's time to stop Venkys bashing whilst Appleton is here and support the team. There seems to be a change with Appleton in charge no Shebby mouthing off and it's starting to look like a normal structure again. Simon Garner was way out of order with his comments about Venky's arrival, he complains they are never hear but when they come he slags them off saying they are dsrespectful. Who is he to tell them how to arrive it is there money and as far as them leaving early I can understand it after the reception they got on arrival as they would have only got more of the same when they left because the team was being beaten etc. And as far as Simons comments on buying the Club I suggest he should buy it himself or shut up.Sounds like these comments come straight from the press office at BRFC, everyone has an opinion be it right or wrong but after the two years of hell the Venkys have put us through I back Garner, As a footnote do you see the Chealse owner leaving before the end, does he come to two matches in two years NO there is only one person to blame at BRFC and that is the owner full stop To the team, good luck tonight.
makaveli96
says...
1:42pm Tue 22 Jan 13
This was the guy who hounded Diouf out of Ewood, then signed him for Leeds!
The only good thing he ever did was fight Stan Ternant!
Was Colin only saying a few months ago he didnt want to be at Ewood? We heard what you said when playing for the reserves....
merlinrabbit
says...
1:57pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Is Eckersley playing? wrote:Venkys were at chelsea? Says it all then. I thought the whole team bar Rhodes were rubbish on Saturday
Gaz M wrote:They were at the Chelsea game on Sunday, in Abramavichi's box. Sky cameras showed them during the game, and, wait for it....leaving the box after the final whistle with smiles on their faces. What does that tell you, folks!
Lancs - pensioner wrote:Spot on lancs pensioner and as for Venkys in two years how many times have they watched Rovers at Ewood Rover 45 years not nowhere near a half dozen it says it all about how interested in the team they are,
A Rover 45 years and over wrote:Sounds like these comments come straight from the press office at BRFC, everyone has an opinion be it right or wrong but after the two years of hell the Venkys have put us through I back Garner,
It's time to stop Venkys bashing whilst Appleton is here and support the team. There seems to be a change with Appleton in charge no Shebby mouthing off and it's starting to look like a normal structure again. Simon Garner was way out of order with his comments about Venky's arrival, he complains they are never hear but when they come he slags them off saying they are dsrespectful. Who is he to tell them how to arrive it is there money and as far as them leaving early I can understand it after the reception they got on arrival as they would have only got more of the same when they left because the team was being beaten etc. And as far as Simons comments on buying the Club I suggest he should buy it himself or shut up.
As a footnote do you see the Chealse owner leaving before the end, does he come to two matches in two years NO there is only one person to blame at BRFC and that is the owner full stop
To the team, good luck tonight.
Angry From Accrington
says...
2:14pm Tue 22 Jan 13
noddymcleod
says...
2:38pm Tue 22 Jan 13
He is often aggressive without purpose and switches off for long periods, as with Charlton's first goal when he failed to cover and left enough room for a London bus let alone Charlton's right sider to drive through.
Why he wasn't subbed by Apple, God only knows.
Just shut up and play.
stick to football
says...
3:31pm Tue 22 Jan 13
As for Rovers yes lets get behind the team Players playing in the Championship are here not because they are bad players just they lack consistency of performance - Saturday was a prime example lets hope those that were below par produce the goods tonight.
Remember they are human not machines who can turn it on at a flick of the switch. COYB
juanbbien
says...
3:49pm Tue 22 Jan 13
stick to football wrote:We know they are not machines,but they are highly paid and trained proffesoinals who should be able to turn it on in terms of effort and commitment once they cross that line,even if they are not the most gifted of players as long as they give one hundred percent they will always have a place in the fans hearts
Maybe just Venkys were trying to offload Rovers to Abramowich - wouldnt that be best news of 2013.
As for Rovers yes lets get behind the team Players playing in the Championship are here not because they are bad players just they lack consistency of performance - Saturday was a prime example lets hope those that were below par produce the goods tonight.
Remember they are human not machines who can turn it on at a flick of the switch. COYB
eddie the eagle
says...
3:54pm Tue 22 Jan 13
A player putting a shift in every week has the right to an opinion CKR should shut up.
eddie the eagle
says...
3:55pm Tue 22 Jan 13
A player putting a shift in every week has the right to an opinion CKR should shut up.
juanbbien
says...
4:01pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Supernova531
says...
5:46pm Tue 22 Jan 13
You like all players will have to put in a full shift from now on or you will be moved on.
My personal view is that this action is overdue.
I am not expecting miracles tonight but I do expect to see the team compete for every ball all night, they know that they are being judged but some will be arrogant enough to resume normal service, if they do I really hope they pay the price.
juanbbien
says...
6:31pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Nuttall Street
says...
7:20pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Rodthemag
says...
7:29pm Tue 22 Jan 13
A Darener
says...
7:36pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Rodthemag wrote:Quick send an ambulance and the men in white coats. Rodthemag needs help!
Guys i have said it all along . we miss Steve Keane ! Who would have thought but we had a real chance of promotion with SK at the helm . We should be ashamed of ourselves hounding him out the club. We have ourselves to blame
Rodthemag
says...
7:46pm Tue 22 Jan 13
A Darener
says...
7:51pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Rodthemag wrote:Sorry I misunderstood you. I thought for a moment you were a local Rovers supporter. Obviously you are a Dingle.. Just a very naughty boy!
just look at the facts though darner. He would have got us up . its crazy to think otherwise . the players loved him . He was the toast of the championship outside of blackburn. Now we are stuck mid table with no hope . We were third in the division when Stevie left , where are we now? 14th we have lost 6 from the last nine if memory serves. He will be loving this and rightly so . he was a true Gentleman , a bastion of football
Rodthemag
says...
7:54pm Tue 22 Jan 13
The Super Blues
says...
9:10pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Rodthemag wrote:The slump was always going to happen. We were not playing well under kean out either. If he was so good why does he not have another job by now?
im a rovers fan always have been for thirty years , i come up from Newcastle and sit in the JW stand , have done forever . im just absolutely disgusted with the fans abuse towards Sk
mark anthony
says...
4:37am Thu 24 Jan 13
Rodthemag wrote:come up from Newcastle, Newcastle is further north so u must come down from Newcastle
im a rovers fan always have been for thirty years , i come up from Newcastle and sit in the JW stand , have done forever . im just absolutely disgusted with the fans abuse towards Sk

angryandy says...
9:57am Tue 22 Jan 13