Blackburn Rovers - Player of the Year 2009/10

The following players are all candidates for Blackburn's "Player of the Year" award for the 2009/10 season:

- Paul Robinson (GK)
- Chris Samba (CB)
- Ryan Nelsen (CB)
- Gael Givet (LB)
- David Dunn (CAM)
- Steven N'Zonzi (CDM)
- Martin Olsson

This is one of the toughest choices for this award in recent memory, but unfortunately this is not because these players have all had stunning seasons. In fact, I'm struggling to pick out any of these players for having performed well enough and consistently enough to deserve this award. Blackburn currently lies in 11th place with two games to go, and I predict they will finish in 12th. Not bad, not good. That's what what I would have expected at the beginning of the season. However, given some of our performances and some of our results I have to say it's a little disappointing.



Paul Robinson has played consistently well in goal, but except for a few occasions he hasn't been outstanding. His great saves were about equal to his poor misses, and I think it's fair to say he hasn't lost Rovers any games. By the same token, it's hard to say he's won them any. All-in-all he's performed in the manner you would expect from a high-quality, experienced EPL goalie. Given the nature of his performances it is in some ways understandable that he hasn't been recalled to the England squad ahead of the world cup.


Chris Samba is a very up and down player, this season. especially. Some days he'll play brilliantly winning every ball on the ground and in the air while pushing world class strikers out fo the game. Other days he'll be run ragged by mediocre players and make brainless decisions at the worst possible time. The best example of this is his sending off during the 2nd leg of Blackburn's Carling Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.


Ryan Nelsen has been a rock at the back ever since joining Blackburn in 2005, a quiet source of strength and confidence. His attitude and defensive play earned him the Captain's armband and for the most part he has been deserving of it. He has struggled at times with injury, and has seemed a step slower than usual. Never the fastest of defenders, his legs seem to have deserted him during the last stretch of the season. This was clear against Everton when he gave away a penalty and needed Phil Jones to bail him out on several occasions. It's very possible he's no longer able to be a full time starter and might be best used as a veteran substitute from now on.


Gael Givet was rescued from the basement of Marseille and brought to Blackburn, where he performed admirably during his six month loan. After the deal was made permanent his performances have been a little less consistent. Sometimes he'll play very well, closing down on the ball and covering runs with zeal. Other times he'll be caught out of position at inopportune moments or get beaten by wingers who are then able to provide dangerous service into the box.


David Dunn would win this award by a landslide if he was able to feature in more than half of Blackburn's matches. In 36 league matches this season he's played in 21 (three as a substitute) scoring 8 goals to become Blackburn's leading scorer. However, his inability to stay healthy has often left the squad without a capable goal-scorer. His absences displayed the need for a creative player to lead the attack and without him in the lineup Rovers often failed to break down determined defenses.


Steven N'Zonzi has been one of the buys of the season, playing in almost every match in the Premier League. For a player with no previous experience in English football, he performed admirably. However, it was very rare for any of his performances to jump out at you. He would turn in a decent shift but at the end of the match a person could be left wondering why they missed seeing him for long stretches at a time. I believe his youth and relative inexperience prevented him from stamping his authority down in most matches, and hopefully in a season or two he will be able to really stake a claim for this award.


Martin Olsson is another player who performed well after little first team experience for Blackburn. Pace is something that's been sorely lacing in the team, and he's provided it in abundance down the left wing. He has performed much better as a midfielder than as a defender, and hopefully Big Sam has taken notice of this. However, he has also failed to make a big impact in many matches, possibly due to his youth and inexperience. He is another player that should be doing big things in a few seasons.

As a Blackburn fan it's tough to admit that this is a tight race simply because none of the team's players have performed exceptionally well. That being said, someone's gotta win this thing, right? Therefore, with no further ado, drum roll please, my vote for Blackburn Rovers "Player of the Year" for the 2009/10 season goes to... David Dunn!


Even though he only played in half of the League matches this season no one else came close to scoring as many as Dunny, and with goals at a premium he's just about earned himself this award.

Goal of the Season 2009/10

Check out Blackburn's website to review all the candidates for this year's "Goal of the Season".

For importance, my vote goes to Pascal Chimbonda's goal against Burnley.

For sheer skill, entertainment, and football brilliance, and for the overall award, my vote goes to Martin Olsson for his fantastic overhead kick against Aston Villa in the semi-finals of the League Cup.

I think he'll run away with the award, if not, probably one of Dunny's three entries!

What do you think?

2010 Summer Transfer Window - Incoming

Blackburn Rovers are small for a Premier League club, and because of this they don't have the same level of resources that clubs like Manchester United, Aston Villa, or even Sunderland have. They spend significantly less each transfer window, and the money the club does spend has to be done so very carefully. Nikola Kalinic was signed this past summer for approximately six million pounds, which for Blackburn is an exorbitant sum. Unfortunately he has yet to justify that high of a fee with goals, but he has shown flashes of extraordinary talent.

Blackburn will finish in a respectable midtable position this season. With one game remaining, they could end up as high as 10th or as low as 13th. Each higher place means about 750 thousand pounds in extra funds. Finishing 10th would give the club an extra 2.25 million pounds which would be a huge windfall. The Walker Trustees also give the club a few million pounds every summer, as do the club's various sponsors. Combined with the players that are liable to be sold (see my earlier article) the club should have a decent amount of funds to reinvest.

Goals have been a problem all season, so a new striker is a necessity. The goalkeepers and defense are set for the most part, but the midfield could use a few new additions, both in the center and out wide. With that being said, here are my candidates to become new Blackburn players this summer.

Senijad Ibricic

Ibricic is a young Bosnian midfielder who has been plying his trade in the Croatian league for the past 6 years. He would add some much needed flair and pace for Blackburn on the right wing. On his own he would be a valuable addition, but when you take into account his previous fruitful relationship with striker Niko Kalinic it seems like the perfect buy. Blackburn have previously sent scouts to check on him, and this summer may be the club's best chance of nabbing him.
Chance of Acquisition: 50%
Sale Price: 4 million pounds
*Transfer Rating: 8.5

Jamie O'Hara

O'Hara came up through the ranks of Arsenal and later Tottenham, but he's been unable to nail down a first team spot for Spurs. With players such as Luka Modric, David Bentley, and Niko Kranjcar in front of him, that's not really surprising. That's not to say he's not a good player, as he's performed very well whilst away on loan, most recently to Portsmouth. He's a versatile midfielder who can play in the middle or out wide, with an eye for a pass and a good shot. He's also English which would help with the new "Homegrown Player" quotas.
Chance of Acquisition: 30%
Sale Price: 2 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 7.5

Aruna Dindane

Dindane spent the past season on-loan to Portsmouth from French club Lens, and his performances have been up and down. He's scored some great goals en route to leading Portsmouth to the FA Cup final. However, he's also had some horrendous misses and failed to impress in spells. Blackburn's biggest problem this season was a lack of goals, and I am skeptical that Dindane will be the man to solve this problem. He's cast in the same mould as Jason Roberts but with none of the upside of Niko Kalinic. The club needs a clinical finisher similar to Darren Bent, but manager Sam Allardyce seems enamored of Dindane.
Chance of Acquisition: 70%
Sale Price: 2 million - 4 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 5.5


Roberto Soldado

A name that's been bandied about as a possible solution to Blackburn's goal problem is Getafe's Spanish hitman, Roberto Soldado. Having come up through the ranks at Real Madrid is pedigree is under no question. He's been banging in goals for Getafe and has been capped twice for Spain. Because of this his price tag is high, and it would be a gamble for a small club like Blackburn to spend that much money on a single player. Also, it's unknown how he would adapt to the Premier League. I think the chance that he would be an expensive flop is too great for the club, and it's unlikely they will try to sign him.
Chance of Acquisition: 5%
Sale Price: 8 million - 10 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 6.5

Jason Koumas

Koumas is a player that has been on Blackburn's radar since Mark Hughes' time at the club. He knew the player from his days as the manager of the Welsh National Team. Koumas is a central midfielder who prefers to act as a playmaker, chipping in with goals and setting up his teammates. He has largely underachieved at Wigan and it is widely believed that Roberto Martinez would be more than happy to offload him. He would be a good fit at Blackburn as a partner for Steven N'Zonzi. He would provide veteran leadership and would help to relieve David Dunn of some of the goal-scoring responsibilities.
Chance of Acquisition: 35%
Sale Price: 1.5 million - 2.5 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 7

Colin Kazim-Richards

An English born Turkish-Cypriot, Kazim-Richards is a skillful winger who spent this past season on-loan to Toulouse from parent club Fenerbahce. He's achieved a reputation for immaturity and poor decision-making off the field, but with age and experience hopefully this has diminished. Seemingly surplus to requirements at the Turkish giants, he could probably be brought back to England at a decent price. He would add some flair and pace to the wing, as well as attacking depth. However, nothing seems to indicate that Blackburn have taken notice of him and it's not likely that he'll be signed.
Chance of Acquisition: 15%
Sale Price: 1 million - 2 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 8

Nadir Belhadj

Belhadj has been one of the few bright spots in Portsmouth's league campaign this season, and it's unlikely that he'll remain with the club after being relegated. Gael Givet has done well at left back, but Belhadj would add some much needed depth and could form an extremely interesting partnership with Martin Olsson down the left side. His versatility and attacking flair would make him a valuable addition to Blackburn's squad. Also, due to Portsmouth's financial trouble it's likely that he'd be available relatively cheaply.
Chance of Acquisition: 45%
Sale Price: 1 million - 2 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 8

Jimmy Bullard

Bullard is one fo the most well-liked figures in the Premier League today, but he's been the victim of some horrific and lengthy injuries in his career. Hull paid a little over five million pounds for him at the beginning of the season. Their impending relegation will force them to sell several prominent players, and Bullard will likely be one of them. An attack-minded central midfielder, he's best known for his passing and is also a threat from set pieces. His injury history and advancing age are certainly a worry, but if he could be had for a decent price he would add a veteran presence and goal-scoring threat to the midfield.
Chance of Acquisition: 20%
Sale Price: 1.5 million - 3 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 6.5


Stephen Hunt

Another Hull City player likely to be leaving the KC Stadium this summer, Hunt is an influential winger and an Irish international. He's a player who works hard and is possessed of excellent technical ability, and would vastly improve Blackburn in wide areas. He would be a good mentor for young Martin Olsson and is also able to play in other attacking positions. He only joined Hull at the beginning of the season, but their relegation could see Blackburn sign him for a cut-price fee.
Chance of Acquisition: 25%
Sale Price: 1. 5 million - 2.5 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 7.5

Anthony Annan

Annan was all set to join Blackburn when Paul Ince was in charge, but unfortunately the deal fell through. A defensive midfielder from Ghana, he has impressed with his performances in the Norwegian league and for his national team. He's tough tackling and skillful, and breaks up play well in the center of midfield. At only 23, he's young enough that he will continue to improve. A successful trial with Blackburn seems to mean that he was able to adapt to English football. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear to be on Sam Allardyce's rader.
Chance of Acquisition: 25%
Sale Price: 2.5 million - 4 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 8.5

Martin Petrov

A veteran Bulgarian winger who has played in several of the top leagues in Europe, he seems to be out of favour at Manchester City. As the moneybags club of the Premier League they will undoubtedly spend an extraordinary amount of money again this summer. Petrov is one of several players likely to be shown the exit. As the saying goes, however, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Petrov's skill and guile would be an excellent addition for Blackburn.
Chance of Acquisition: 25%
Sale Price: 2 million - 3 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 8

Michael Johnson

Another Manchester City player likely to be surplus to requirements come the summer, Johnson is a young English box-to-box central midfielder. A few seasons ago he was playing regularly, but the arrival of several high profile veterans has pushed him down the pecking order. He's likely to seek a new club to play for in the summer, and at 22 he would be an excellent investment that could contribute right away.
Chance of Acquisition: 30%
Sale Price: 2 million - 4 million pounds
Transfer Rating: 9


All of these players are possible targets, and there are heaps more that Blackburn have been linked with or are rumoured to be interested in. Only time will tell who the club eventually signs, but it's sure to be an interesting summer.

*Transfer Rating: This is a 1 -10 scale judging how beneficial to Blackburn each player would be. Future performances, wages, transfer fees, ages, and other factors are all taken into account.

2010 Summer Transfer Window – Outgoing

It’s almost that time of year again, when hope springs anew and supporters get themselves into a tizzy imagining all the superstars the manager will bring to the club. The transfer window is one of those times where clubs can strengthen their starting eleven, add important depth, and jettison any deadwood in the squad. From the 1st of July to the 31st of August, the possibilities are seemingly endless. It’s a fun and entertaining time to be a football fan, even if the reality rarely ever matches the expectations.

Blackburn Rovers will certainly be heavily involved this summer, and this week’s post will focus on the players currently at the club that look most likely to leave at some point before the start of next season. Without further ado, here is my list of players who stand a good chance of, deservedly, being sold or cut during the summer transfer window.

El Hadji Diouf

Diouf has been a problem child at every club he's played for, and Blackburn has been no different. On field spats with players, screaming at referees, and even spitting at a fan are some of his crimes. More importantly however, he hasn't played well. He's almost 30 and doesn't have the pace he did at Liverpool. He doesn't score nearly enough goals and some matches he doesn't even look like he's trying. A talented player, but he's wasted much of it. Combined with his poor attitude, I see no reason for Sam Allardyce to keep him around. However, the manager seems to have a thing for him, and the chance of him leaving is small.
Chance of Departure: 25%
Sale Price: 1 million - 1.5 million pounds
Likely Destination(s): Most likely a return to France, or a rich Middle Eastern club

Pascal Chimbonda

Chimbonda was signed at the beginning of this season from Tottenham, and started out very well. His performances began petering out around December and since then he's rarely featured, sometimes not even making the bench. In my opinion both Michel Salgado and Lars Jacobsen are both better options at Right Back, both in terms of footballing ability and attitude. However, because he was brought in by Big Sam and has only been with the team for one season, it's likely he'll still be with the squad at the start of next season.
Chance of Departure: 20%
Sale Price: 1 million - 2 million pounds
Likely Destination(s): Possibly a return to the French league, Wolves, Wigan Athletic, Newcastle, West Brom

Vince Grella

Grella joined Blackburn from Italian club Torino in August 2008, the marquis signing of then-manager Paul Ince. The Club paid 4.2 million pounds for him, and have regretted it ever since. In his two full seasons with the club he has played in just over 30 matches, and has yet to score a goal. He has played reasonably well when fit, but the trouble is, he never is. He seems to be injured more than David Dunn without contributing the heaps of goals and clever link up player that his English counterpart does. Grella was a costly mistake and one of the contributing factors for Paul Ince's dismissal. He's a good player, but he simply can't stay healthy and he's simply sitting in the physio's office all year collecting a paycheck. The man has to go!
Chance of Departure: 50%
Sale Price: 1.5 million - 3 million pounds
Likely Destination(s): A return to Italy would probably be best, a club like Parma, Lazio, Udinese, or Cagliari being a good fit.

Steven Reid

He will always be remembered fondly for the screamer that he scored against Wigan in the 2005-06 season, but he's not the same player anymore. Injuries have kept him out of the game for lengthy stretches, and he seems a shadow of his former self. He's out of contract in the summer and it is unlikely he will be signed to an extension. He's been on loan to Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion during the season, and has played reasonably well in the Championship.
Chance of Departure: 95%
Sale Price: Out of Contract
Likely Destination(s): Millwall, West Brom, QPR, any Championship club

Maceo Rigters

One of Mark Hughes' rare poor signings, Maceo Rigters has yet to rediscover the form that saw him win the Golden Boot at the UEFA European U-21 Championsips for the Netherlands. He's gone on a few loan spells to clubs in the lower levels of English football, but has yet to really impress. At this point he's just dead weight, and it would be best for the player and the club to part ways.
Chance of Departure: 85%
Sale Price: Nominal Fee
Likely Destination(s): A League One or Championship team is possible, but would probably be best suited to return to the Dutch league, possibly old club NAC Breda.

Keith Andrews

Keith is actually a player that I really like. He's not the best athlete in the team, and certainly not the most skilled footballer, but he works hard all the time and always seems to be healthy. However, he's not good enough to be starting for Blackburn and as squad cover, at best, it would probably be best for the player to move on. Combined with an unsavory incident where he squirted a heckling fan with a water bottle, and it seems like Andrews will be on the way out.
Chance of Departure: 60%
Sale Price: 1 million - 1.5 million pounds
Likely Destination(s): West Brom, Newcastle, West Ham, or any Championship club.

Zurab Khizanishvili

Zurab has been out on loan all season, first to Newcastle and more recently to Reading. This is best for the club and the player, as he is not skilled or athletic enough to be playing for Blackburn. Writing this I'm recalling a match a few seasons ago where he was tormented at Right Back by Martin Petrov, and it makes me shudder. He's a capable central defender at Championship level, and Reading have mentioned that they would like to keep him. As long as they make a decent offer, I can't see Big Sam holding on to him.
Chance of Departure: 90%
Sale Price: 750k-1 million pounds
Like Destination(s): Reading, Newcastle, any Championship club

Morten Gamst Pedersen

MGP is another player that's hard for me to pass judgment on. He was absolutely phenomenal about three seasons back, even attracting interest from top teams such as Manchester United. This season, over 50% of Blackburn's goals have come from set pieces, something Pedersen is mostly responsible for. This can be seen in his club leading 8 assists. However, his form has been up and down the past two seasons, and that's me being polite. So as much as I'll miss beauties like this one against Sheffield United, I think it's in the best interests of the player and the club to amicably part ways.
Chance of Departure: 70%
Sale Price: Out of Contract
Likely Destination(s): Olympiakos, Wigan, Sunderland, Fulham, or possibly a shock return to Norway

Others: Aaron Doran (Loan), Mark Bunn (Loan), Alan Judge (Loan), Franco di Santo (Back to Chelsea, loan not extended), Gavin Gunning (Loan), Frank Fielding (Loan), Marcus Marshall (Loan), Andy Haworth (Loan), Nick Blackman (Loan), Alex Marrow (Loan).

Welcome!

Blackburn Rovers is a football (soccer for any Americans reading) club in Lancashire, England. I’ve been a passionate supporter for many years, ever since I developed an interest in football. No matter the sport, I’ve never been a fan of supporting the best, largest, or most successful teams. I like the idea of rooting for the underdog, so I chose a small town club with a lot of history.

I’ll be writing about all aspects of the club, but my main focus will be on things you can’t find on Sky Sports, or the BBC website, or any other sports websites. Therefore I’ll be mostly steering clear of match previews and reports and instead focusing on other aspects of the club. I hope you enjoy the material and please leave comments and recommend to friends. Cheers!