Holmes going to court over tackle

FORMER Blackburn midfielder Matty Holmes is going to court to seek £1 million-plus in damages from Rangers midfielder Kevin Muscat.

Holmes, who was signed for Rovers by Ray Harford in the summer of 1995, claims his career was finished by a Muscat challenge which broke his leg three years ago.

And now he's ready to seek compensation through the courts in a case which has echoes of Alfie Inge Haaland dispute with Roy Keane.

The 32-year-old, who is now player-coach at Dr Martens League outfit Dorchester, was playing for Charlton in February 1998 when he clashed with Muscat in an FA Cup third round replay.

He was subsequently carried off with a broken leg that required four operations.

And such was the extent of his injuries that he needed a metal rod inserting into his leg and a skin graft to cover up the hole.

Initially, he tried to play on professionally but never recaptured the levels of fitness required to sustain a career in the top flight.

So now he has instructed lawyers to seek financial recompense for what he alleges was an act of reckless by the Australian international. And that could mean a long, protracted court case involving both players.

"I'm scarred for life both physically and mentally," said Holmes, who made a total of 12 appearances for Rovers between 1995 and 1997.

"I tried to play on with a rod in my leg, but I started to develop hamstrings problems and had to call it a day a year later at the age of 29. It was heartbreaking."

Lawyers are close to completing witness statements and Charlton have promised to offer Holmes whatever support they can in his quest for compensation.

"My claim is based on the income I have lost as a result of the injury," said Holmes, who joined West Ham from Rovers in 1997. "I owe it to my family to fight this.

"They have suffered as well and when it's all done and dusted it will be a weight off my mind. I just want to get on with my life again."

Former Wolves midfielder Muscat is understood to have instructed lawyers to fight the claim.

In the meantime, Holmes has now gone into non-League football where he has returned to his Dorset roots by teaming up with old pal Mark Morris at Dorchester.

New strip out soon

ROVERS fans will be able to get their hands on the long-awaited new home and away strips early next month.

As we reported in Ewood Beat a fortnight ago, production problems meant the new home and away replica shirts were not ready in time for the start of the season.

However, kit manufacturers Kappa have now promised to have the new designs ready for the September 8 -- the new official launch date.

"Obviously, we are disappointed not to have had it earlier but there were some production problems which put the launch date back," said chief executive John Williams.

"However, we've now been assured that the new deadline will be met which should co-incide with our Open Weekend."

The designs will once again have an Italian feel although, after experiencing sizing problems with last season's third strip design, Kappa have promised the new versions will not be quite as figure hugging.

Souness anger

THE Liverpool Echo found themselves on the receiving end of a tongue-lashing from Graeme Souness on Wednesday night following Rovers' thrilling 2-2 draw with Gerard Houllier's Reds.

Souness had been angered by a comment piece attacking his record at Anfield which appeared in the paper on the day of the game.

And he made his feelings known in no uncertain terms following the post-match press conference, insisting some of the comments he had made immediately prior to the match had been taken out of context.

Dunn is a star!

DAVID Dunn's man of the match performance against Liverpool on Wednesday night earned him a place in the Opta Index Premiership team of the week.

Dunn caught the eye by becoming the first player to score against the Reds this season when he swept home the opening goal in the 16th minute.

And he then topped off an excellent night's work when he supplied the cross for Ciccio Grabbi to nod home his late equaliser.

Liverpool trio Didi Hamann, Stephane Henchoz and Jon Arne Riise also made the team as a result of their performances in the game.

Magpies next

ROVERS reserves are back in action next week when Newcastle United visit Morecambe's Christie Park.

Alan Murray's men are still smouldering after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds United in their opening game of the new campaign.

Wednesday night's hero, Ciccio Grabbi, together with new summer signings Andy Todd and Sebastian Pelzer could be among the players on view.

A hair-raiser!

BROCKHALL secretary Julie Preugschat is currently doubling up as the first team's personal hairdressers according to my sources down at the training ground.

Julie spent much of her early working life as a stylist in a salon in Accrington.

So when some of Souey's first team squad got wind of her talents, they promptly persuaded her to give them a regular short, back and sides.

Apparently, Damien Duff, Alan Mahon, Craig Hignett and Alan Miller are all regular clients.