THE season 2008/09 will never feature highly in any Blackburn Rovers’ highlights compilation after a catalogue of problems that almost saw them lose their Premier League status.

Paul Ince’s dismissal as boss after less than six months in charge, a horrendous injury list and a relegation battle that left the club teetering on the brink of financial disaster – not exactly reasons to look back with any favourable memories.

Club skipper Ryan Nelsen though is determined to take the positives from a season that saw his club go through the emotional wringer and remains defiant it could well prove the start of a memorable new chapter in the club’s proud history.

Last season’s unprecedented relegation scrap, that saw up to eight teams sweating on their fate until well into the run-in, was certainly not for the faint-hearted but Rovers’ eventual success has left Nelsen with more hope for the future.

A stirring finish, that saw Sam Allardyce guide Rovers to safety with close to European form, has just proved to Nelsen his teammates will be ‘up for any fight’ and he claims there is no one he would prefer to enter battle with than the current Rovers squad.

He said: “Sure we will probably want to flush the season down the toilet but we have to take the positives. A lot of guys stood up to the plate when they were needed.

“It was very difficult to enjoy the season, but the great thing is we have shown the character the squad has got over those last three or four months.

“We had to win games and we won them and that was the difference between us and the other bottom teams. It shows these guys are up for the fight and can handle the pressure.

“While it was an extremely difficult year it was also a very rewarding one.

“We have gone through a lot of adversity, have been in deep, deep trouble but we have got out of it.

“We know we can look at our team mates and know if there is ever a battle in the future you have guys who are going to fight.”

Allardyce has been busy this summer as he looks to make his mark on Blackburn Rovers in a bid to ensure 2009/10 is remembered for happier reasons. And, after a whole pre-season together, Nelsen is confident last season’s troubles can soon become a thing of the past as they return to the Rovers the blue and white army have come to expect.

“If you look at the games under Sam Allardyce and the results we had and the injuries we had, then we still produced close to European form,” he said.

“Now, if we keep certain bodies fit, and if we can keep a good strong squad then hopefully it will be a pretty exciting year.

“There will no excuses. The Premier League is the hardest league in the world and there is no guarantee of winning matches. But we are going to be in the position where we have given ourselves the chance and that is all we can do.

“I have said it before but the fact is we all trust what Sam Allardyce is doing here. I believe it is the start of some exciting times at the club and I am just delighted to be part of it.”

Rovers start the new Premier League campaign on Saturday with a mouth-watering clash at home to Manchester City, with former favourites Mark Hughes and Roque Santa Cruz included in their ranks.

Pre-season clashes against the likes of Roma, Hajduk Split, Leeds United and Hibernian will all be forgotten as everyone eyes up that perfect Premier League start.

He said: “We’re glad to be back to work and can’t wait for the Premier League to start.

"We are all looking forward to August 15. We know we will be ready this time round.

“All the new players look very good. Obviously it is still early doors but they have fitted in really well.

“This is a great team to come into, though, because we are all welcoming and there are no big egos. We trust Sam after what he did for us last season.”