Bailey still grateful to Blackburn Rovers (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Bailey still grateful to Blackburn Rovers
11:40am Saturday 15th September 2012 in News
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
HIS career achievements include FA Cup and First Division winner’s medals but John Bailey insists his less glamorous days at Blackburn Rovers will stick long in the memory.
Bailey will be remembered by most in football for the seven years he enjoyed at Goodison Park, helping Howard Kendall’s Everton establish themselves as one of England’s top teams, but he insists none of that would have been possible had it not been for his Ewood Park education.
As Blackburn Rovers prepare to visit Bristol City this afternoon in the Championship, the 55-year-old Liverpudlian admits the memories will come flooding back as he reflects on spells at the very start and end of his career.
He credits his six years at Blackburn Rovers with making him the player he became, while claiming his last three years as a professional footballer – spent at Bristol City – gave him an extra lease of life.
Rovers fans from that generation will have fond memories of a perm-haired Bailey plying his trade at full back between 1975 to 1979, having spent the previous two seasons as an apprentice in East Lancashire.
He played in Division Two under Jim Smith, Jim Iley and John Pickering, before leaving for Everton for £300,000 in 1979 after Rovers’ relegation to Division Three.
“I owe so much to Blackburn Rovers,” he said. “They brought me up in the game and, without what I learned there, I might never have gone and enjoyed the success I did at Everton.
“It was a great apprenticeship, with some marvellous characters and players.
“I remember the likes of Tony Parkes, Derek Fazackerley, Graham Hawkins.
“Great players, great guys and great days.
“I joined Rovers as an apprentice at just 16 and two years later got offered a professional contract.
“They really were fantastic days.
“The club was very different to how it is now, in terms of finance and facilities, but we were all happy.”
Bailey, who now does a lot of PR work for Everton, admits he still sees Rovers as a ‘Premier League club’ after marvelling at the progress made since his days at Ewood.
He said: “It was the old Ewood Park, I’m sure everyone will know what I mean by that.
“You look at the fac-ilities and the finance at the club now and it is a different world.
“I would not have swapped my time though.
“My apprenticeship at the club was a real app-renticeship. Youngsters these days just don’t get the education we got.
“I remember cleaning the boots and sweeping the terraces, now they all drive in in their BMWs.
“It was a bit different finan-cially as well. I got £8 a week as an apprentice and £25 a week as a pro at Rovers.
“The money you are talking about now is obscene.
“Maybe some are worth it but there are so many average players earning so much money.
“Blackburn brought me up and it has been fantastic to see them achieve what they have.
“It is a shame to see them in recent times, the manager certainly looks to be under pressure, but I hope they get back up because that is where the club should be now.”
While Bailey has fond memories of his Blackburn Rovers spell, he admits he will have divided loyalties for this afternoon’s Ashton Gate test.
He made almost 100 league appearances during three years for the Robins, between 1988 and 1991, as he ended his career in style.
“Bristol City prolonged my career,” he said.
“I felt it was all coming to an end at Newcastle when Bristol City gave me a chance and I loved my time there.
“We reached the League Cup semi finals against Nottingham Forest and we also got promoted into the old Division Two.
“Joe Jordan was a great manager.
“He made sure his players were so fit – I actually think I could still be playing now, if he was in charge of my training.
“Everton are obviously my club but Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City were both fantastic for me.
“I will certainly be keeping an eye out for the result on Saturday.”
Comments(19)
basherb
says...
12:52pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Is Eckersley playing?
says...
12:58pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Is Eckersley playing?
says...
1:00pm Sat 15 Sep 12
eddie the eagle
says...
1:15pm Sat 15 Sep 12
nement worth paying for and Kevin Hird just as good at right back.
juanbbien
says...
1:19pm Sat 15 Sep 12
carlmc1 wrote:As I remember Mick Heaton was the right full back and Andy Burgin was the left full back they were two good solid defenders,happy days.
Those were the days, I was a young lad and loved my football and hero worshipped all those players.
If I rember rightly, we had Bayley at one side and Mick Heaton at the other, Roger Jones in goal and we had one of the meanest defences around. I also remember the red mist coming down one Saturday afternoon and John being sent of for fightingf. It wasn't long after the cards system was introduced, so possibly the first time I had ever seen a red card at a match!
RoversSwiss
says...
1:33pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Reg Rover
says...
1:40pm Sat 15 Sep 12
“word” has it that if Scotland lose next month’s world cup qualifier against Wales, Scotland manager Craig Levine (pic above) could be out of a job.
If so step forward Steve Kean, the ideal replacement.
Kean would embrace the challenge and delight in manipulating the press and always have a plausible excuse in defeat. (He has had plenty of practice after all).
Kean is your stereo type Scot. A tough thick skinned Glaswegian who would slide into the job effortlessly.
Kean would love it. To be the centre of attention is what he craves for. How he misses the spotlight of the Premiership and the Newspaper headlines and TV interviews it gives him.
Kean would never be off the TV or out of the papers giving Scotland their highest profile for many years, as opposed to the more placid Levine.
I am sure all Rovers fans would endorse Kean’s evaluation to the status of manager of his National team a move that would be all heartedly welcomed by each and everyone’s of Rovers dwindling following.
On the other hand “word” has it that if Scotland win in Wales then Welsh boss Chris Coleman could be in danger of losing his job after only 6 games in charge.
HOW’S YOUR WELSH STEVE?
Reg
www.regoftherovers.c
o.uk
Reg Rover
says...
1:40pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Ironically in the week Steve Kean was named as a candidate for the N Power Championship manager of the month his job is under the utmost scrutiny.
Steve Kean faces a defining week as Blackburn boss with one eye on the top of the Championship table and the other on his future at Ewood Park.
The clubs Indian owners Venky’s told Kean before the start of the season that he needed a minimum of 16 points from the opening 7 games to keep his job.
Even though Blackburn are second in the table with 8 points, and unbeaten in their first 4 matches, sources close to the Rao family indicated this week that the ultimatum remains.
That means Kean (pic above) must win his next 3 games in the space of 6 days – away to Bristol City on Saturday and at home to Barnsley and Middlesbrough next week – or face the sack.
This is further evidence that Kean is losing the support of Mrs Anuradha Desai, the family matriarch who has saved him from the axe twice already.
The owners have backed him by spending upwards of £15 million to bring in 12 new players this summer, un heard of in today’s N Power Championship, but it is understood that they remain unconvinced by Blackburn’s struggling performances.
They also accept that the decision to keep the unpopular manager has hit the club financially.
Attendances have dipped well below 14,000 – the lowest at Ewood Park for almost 20 years – with thousands of fans refusing to return until Kean goes.
Season ticket sales have also been hard hit.
It also understood major sponsors have withdrawn their support for the club and two potential shirt sponsors have pulled out of deals because of the on going turmoil.
Gates are expected to fall further whilst Kean is in his job.
This highlights the folly of not sacking Kean following relegation from the Premiership and starting a fresh with a new manager. Another disastrous decision by the Venky’s.
Reg.
Footnote:
It is believed that the story has been leaked from Ewood Park by Brother Ventkatesh Rao who is anxious to see the back of Kean. Ventkatesh leaked a similar story in May telling Australian test cricketer Brett Lee that Kean was about to be sacked.
Lee put the news on his Twitter page and Mrs Desai in her annoyance at the breach of confidence by Ventkaesh reversed the decision. Let us hope that is not the case this time.
Reg Rover
says...
1:41pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Nowhere has the rise of the owner-manager been more acutely felt than at Blackburn Rovers were the influence of bogus advisors and board room pig-headedness led to the demise of one manager, Sam Allardyce, and the appointment of an inferior replacement, resulting in relegation. Now Steve Kean confesses he has not even seen three of his deadline-day signings play live, having come as recommendations from Blackburn’s global advisor Shebby Singh (pic above).
It is dangerous enough when these owner-manager schemes are headed up by men like Roman Abramovich, who provide the investment to support their whims, when it is the mere work of stooges, calamity awaits.
But is Shebby Singh to blame, Kean indicates the players were signed on Shebby’s say so.
Why has Kean come out with this statement? He knew it would receive ridicule in the National press or was that Kean’s purpose? Judging on Kean’s past exploits I suspect it was.
Let me ask you all a question. When Rovers scattergun player recruitment policy was in operation last season, and Rovers signed a ‘ load of dross’ resulting in relegation, do you think for one minute Kean actually saw most of those signing’s play. No he did not.
He has already stated that he was burdened with players “not of his choice” as he played his usual blame game following relegation.
Then who did sign those players and bring them to the club, none other than Jerome (the man who ruined Blackburn Rovers) Anderson including his son Myles (yet to kick a ball for the Rovers) Anderson. Did Kean go to the National press then?. No he did not. Because Kean knows he is beholding to Anderson for having landed the Rovers job in the first place.
But Shebby Singh is another matter. If things go wrong, as they will, Shebby will get the blame. He is a convenient scape goat for Kean.
Kean plays a waiting game. He did it with Paul Hunt, successfully removing him Ewood Park six months after Hunt wanted Kean sacking. Kean wants rid of Shebby Singh.
Shebby you are up against a slippery, conniving opponent.
BEWARE.
Reg.
www.regoftherovers.c
o.uk
Reg Rover
says...
1:42pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Let us imagine for one moment, if Steve Kean had issued a public apology to all Rovers supporters following relegation.
Let us imagine that for once he altered from his usual self-righteous and pompous, arrogant self and ate some humble pie.
Let us imagine that once he had been confirmed to carry on as Rovers manager, by Mrs Desai in early June he had shown some humility and dignity instead of puffing out his chest in defiance at the Rovers fans.
Let us imagine that he tried to reach out and connect with his fans.
Let us imagine his apology had taken the following tone.
“I want to apologise to all Rovers supporters and staff at Ewood Park for getting the club relegated from the Premiership.
“I now realise that I was not up to the job and made lots of mistakes.
“I also realise that I am the most fortunate man in football to be still in a job, and I am entirely grateful to Mrs Anurandha Desai for that.
“I want to apologise to all the people I have wronged during my short tenure as Rovers manager. None more so than Sam Allardyce, John Williams, Tom Finn, John Jensen and former deputy chief executive Paul Hunt whose departures from the club I along with Jerome Anderson orchestrated. I deeply regret my part in their leaving the club.
“I also want to apologise to all those players I marginalised, ignored and drove out of the club.
“I apologise for signing inferior players not up to Premiership standard on the advice of my agent Jerome Anderson, I should have known better.
“I want to apologise for all the lies and untruths I have consistently told to the media to try and appease the fans.
“I would now ask supporters to forgive me for ruining their club and their lives. I ask the towns people of Blackburn to forgive me for ruining the status of their town and casting a dark cloud of depression over the whole area.
“I would like to wipe the slate clean and start again. Let us all pull together to get Rovers back into the Premiership.
“Without the backing of you the fans we have no chance what so ever of winning promotion, in deed the prospect of another relegation battle is more likely.
“let us all start a fresh and pull together-whichever way you look at it, you are stuck with me so long as Mrs Desai owns the club.
“I will be willing to attend the fury of a fans forum to answer your questions and apologise in person”.
Now just suppose for one mad minute if Kean (pic above) had issued such a statement (I know pigs might fly) just suppose he had !
Would there have been as little as 13,500 fans at Rovers first two home games ?.
We will never know.
Reg.
Footnote:
Operations manager Paul (Kean has me in his pocket) Agnew tried to offer a half-hearted apology on Sky Sports on the afternoon of the Hull City home game. It was delivered in a patronising manner that did not come across at al well; he was more interested in discrediting Shebby Singh’s careless and unwise remarks regarding Kean and Pedersen.
He talked of mistakes having been made. What mistakes? And by whom? .Did he mean Kean?, did he mean the senseless sacking of Allardyce? Did he mean the shambolic way the Rao family had run the club?
It is no good being vague by just saying mistakes were made. If you are to hold a position of responsibility and authority at Blackburn Rovers as opposed to writing the programme notes as Agnew used to, then be more specific.
Has no body at Blackburn Rovers got the guts to say what the fans need to hear?
www.regoftherovers.c
o.uk
Reg Rover
says...
1:44pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Only Rovers owner Mrs Anuradha Desai (pic above) and her clueless brothers could come up with such a hair brained scheme.
With no takers for this season shirt sponsor due to Kean’s continued employment as manager, they have decided to put their unloved company name, Venky’s on the famous blue and white shirts. Further alienating their dwindling number of fans.
My pre-season prediction of eventual 12, 000 is not far off. What next? Ewood Park becoming Venky Stadium?
You read it here first.
Reg
peely
says...
2:30pm Sat 15 Sep 12
carlmc1 wrote:David Wagstaffe our great left winger was actually the first player ever to receive a red card,against Leyton Orient away in Oct 76. Happy memories of Waggy on one wing and Bailey with his mega permed hair bombing down the other ! Happy days...
Those were the days, I was a young lad and loved my football and hero worshipped all those players.
If I rember rightly, we had Bayley at one side and Mick Heaton at the other, Roger Jones in goal and we had one of the meanest defences around. I also remember the red mist coming down one Saturday afternoon and John being sent of for fightingf. It wasn't long after the cards system was introduced, so possibly the first time I had ever seen a red card at a match!
juanbbien
says...
2:41pm Sat 15 Sep 12
peely wrote:Bailey,s. hair wasn't permed it was naturally curley.
carlmc1 wrote:David Wagstaffe our great left winger was actually the first player ever to receive a red card,against Leyton Orient away in Oct 76. Happy memories of Waggy on one wing and Bailey with his mega permed hair bombing down the other ! Happy days...
Those were the days, I was a young lad and loved my football and hero worshipped all those players.
If I rember rightly, we had Bayley at one side and Mick Heaton at the other, Roger Jones in goal and we had one of the meanest defences around. I also remember the red mist coming down one Saturday afternoon and John being sent of for fightingf. It wasn't long after the cards system was introduced, so possibly the first time I had ever seen a red card at a match!
ponyton
says...
2:42pm Sat 15 Sep 12
Reg Rover wrote:KEANS from Cumbernauld , Scotlands equivelant to Skelmersdale , A new town no history there.
KEAN FOR SCOTLAND
“word” has it that if Scotland lose next month’s world cup qualifier against Wales, Scotland manager Craig Levine (pic above) could be out of a job.
If so step forward Steve Kean, the ideal replacement.
Kean would embrace the challenge and delight in manipulating the press and always have a plausible excuse in defeat. (He has had plenty of practice after all).
Kean is your stereo type Scot. A tough thick skinned Glaswegian who would slide into the job effortlessly.
Kean would love it. To be the centre of attention is what he craves for. How he misses the spotlight of the Premiership and the Newspaper headlines and TV interviews it gives him.
Kean would never be off the TV or out of the papers giving Scotland their highest profile for many years, as opposed to the more placid Levine.
I am sure all Rovers fans would endorse Kean’s evaluation to the status of manager of his National team a move that would be all heartedly welcomed by each and everyone’s of Rovers dwindling following.
On the other hand “word” has it that if Scotland win in Wales then Welsh boss Chris Coleman could be in danger of losing his job after only 6 games in charge.
HOW’S YOUR WELSH STEVE?
Reg
www.regoftherovers.c
o.uk
Clyde F.C. moved from Glasgow to Cumbernauld , which coincidentally was Hendry`s last job before he came to Rovers.
peely
says...
3:00pm Sat 15 Sep 12
juanbbien wrote:Juan are you sure?
peely wrote:Bailey,s. hair wasn't permed it was naturally curley.
carlmc1 wrote:David Wagstaffe our great left winger was actually the first player ever to receive a red card,against Leyton Orient away in Oct 76. Happy memories of Waggy on one wing and Bailey with his mega permed hair bombing down the other ! Happy days...
Those were the days, I was a young lad and loved my football and hero worshipped all those players.
If I rember rightly, we had Bayley at one side and Mick Heaton at the other, Roger Jones in goal and we had one of the meanest defences around. I also remember the red mist coming down one Saturday afternoon and John being sent of for fightingf. It wasn't long after the cards system was introduced, so possibly the first time I had ever seen a red card at a match!
juanbbien
says...
4:39pm Sat 15 Sep 12
garyintandem
says...
11:44pm Sat 15 Sep 12
That was an exciting time
silverstan
says...
2:07pm Sun 16 Sep 12
carlmc1 says...
12:38pm Sat 15 Sep 12
If I rember rightly, we had Bayley at one side and Mick Heaton at the other, Roger Jones in goal and we had one of the meanest defences around. I also remember the red mist coming down one Saturday afternoon and John being sent of for fightingf. It wasn't long after the cards system was introduced, so possibly the first time I had ever seen a red card at a match!