Blackburn Rovers

Sunday, May 24 2009 will go down in history as the end of many era's in English football. The day that is the end of a phenomenal Premier League campaign, arguably the best since it's inception.

Quite possibly the end of Newcastle United's 16 year reign in the top flight, and their first relegation since 1989, should the worst happen. But one ending that'll be largely overlooked, is Tugay Kerimoglu's last Blackburn Rovers appearance, marking his retirement from the game.

Since his £1.3 million transfer from Glasgow Rangers in 2001, Tugay has become something of a cult with the Ewood Park faithful. His sheer passion for the game, and dedication for his employers and supporters, has touched the hearts of every Blackburn fan.

In his eight years at the Lancasharian club, Tugay has made 230 appearances in the famous blue and white halves, scoring 11 goals. Where he has lacked in goals, he sure hasn't in quality of over all play. Any Rovers fan will tell you they can't recall a bad game from him, and the goals he has scored, almost everyone of them can be described as phenominal.

A tough tackler as well as a great passer, Tugay could quite possibly slot into the centre of any team, even at 38 years of age. A testament to his calibre can be found from former Blackburn manager Mark Hughes.

Asked whether he wished Tugay was ten years younger, Hughes answered, "No, because if he was, he'd be playing in a Barcelona shirt."

Tugay's contribution doesn't end at Blackburn, however. He played at the highest level in his home country of Turkey, making 234 appearances for Galatasary. He also played in the Scottish Premier League with the rangers Rangers, 42 games for the Glasgow outfit. He also captained Turkey, scoring two goals in 94 caps, and leading the Eastern Europeans to third place in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Tomorrow's match against West Brom will be an emotional farewell for the "Turkish Delight." If there is any justice, in Ryan Nelsen's absence, Sam Allardyce will hand Tugay the captaincy, and the board will grant the humble Turk a testimonial match in reward of his contribution.

Tugay is a well loved member of the Blackburn family, a role model to young aspiring footballers, and lastly, a Blackburn Rovers legend.

Tugay Kerimoglu, I speak for all Rovers fans; you are our Turkish Delight. Thank you for your services, we will miss your magic.

Blackburn Rovers have assured their participation in next year's English Premier League with a reasonable finish to the season which saw them able to go to Stamford Bridge with enough points to not be overly concerned with the outcome.

This is a luxury that Sunderland, Newcastle, and Hull can only dream of going into this weekend's games.

This strong position was built on the expertise of the much maligned Sam Allardyce who took over from the seemingly bewildered Paul Ince who found the Premiership was not as easy a place to work as Mark "Sparky" Hughes had made it look.

All Allardyce really did was start making logical team selections as well as shoring up the midfield which was giving away possession like a billionaire philanthropist on Ecstasy would money.

Another thing he started to do was play Benni McCarthy again which was a major part of the teams renaissance, the guy is a quality striker with a CL medal to boot and Blackburn will be lucky to hold onto him next season.

Europe seems a long way from where Blackburn are now, but they still realistically have the playing staff and the club set up to really make a challenge for a reasonable placing next season.

The question again for a club like Blackburn is whether they are going to actually compete again with the top sides in the way they had began to under the guidance of Hughes.

Hughes had done admirably considering the limitations he had in his time at Ewood, and I am sure Jack Walker would have been grateful to Hughes for the work he did in restoring the respect of visitors to Ewood park.

It was Jack Walker's money that originally enabled then manager Kenny Dalglish to make the step up to contenders and winners of the 1995 premiership trophy.

The good news for Allardyce for next season is that at this stage the Walker Foundation is believed to be still on board to make a contribution to team funds as they were earlier this season for Paul Ince.

The playing staff is packed with talent and the question will be as it always is around this time, just who will be lining up for Blackburn in the new season.

One would think that big Sam has been having a quiet word to several of his core players and making sure that they know what his plan for next year is.

Sam Allardyce is one of the Premier League's unsung heroes, with a quite impressive record in the time he has spent managing within it.

He once again will be given the opportunity to prove this with a capable group of players and a proud fan-base.

Can he win the club some silverware next season?

Barney Corkhill's Unofficial World Club Championship (UWCC) saw another defence today as champions Chelsea took on Blackburn in their last home game of the season.

Chelsea's last outing had been an impressive one, thrashing Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates, and they still hadn't given up on ousting Liverpool for second place.

Blackburn went into this match knowing they would be playing Premier League football next season after the results on Saturday, and so were free of pressure and perhaps motivation.

It certainly seemed that way as Chelsea strolled to a comfortable 2-0 win.

Guus Hiddink was greeted with hundreds of signs pleading with him to stay at Chelsea in what is presumed to be his final match at Stamford Bridge.

The attention was soon drawn away from the manager, however, as his players made a blistering start. Just four minutes were on the clock when Nicolas Anelka's cross found the in-form Florent Malouda, who nodded that ball past Paul Robinson to give Chelsea the lead.

This came just after Morten Gamst Pedersen shot straight at Petr Cech after doing well to create space for himself. Blackburn continued to threaten soon after the opener as well, this time Ryan Nelson heading just over.

In an entertaining, end-to-end match, Anelka was next to come close, but his effort was saved by Robinson.

The former England No.1 was well and truly beaten soon after, however, as Frank Lampard unleashed a trademark strike, only to see his effort cannon back off the crossbar.

Robinson was beaten again just a few minutes later, this time courtesy of Malouda, but Ryan Nelson got back in time to clear the ball off the line.

The second-half picked up where the first left off. Stephen Warnock was denied by Cech before Malouda missed a gilt-edge opportunity to double Chelsea's lead.

They wouldn't have to wait too much longer for that second goal, however, as Anelka struck from the edge of the box to score his 18th league goal of the season, drawing him level with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the goalscoring charts.

As the game wound down the chances kept on coming. Anelka had two more chances, while Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Michael Essien all could have extended Chelsea's already comfortable lead.

Chelsea were unable to further increase their goal difference in the end, a factor that could prove vital in the race for second place.

The match was Chelsea's tenth defence of the UWCC title, breaking Fulham and Manchester United's record.

Malouda's goal was his sixth in UWCC history, becoming only the third player to reach that total, the others being teammates Lampard and Drogba. Anelka's goal also put him on five, the sixth player to reach that landmark.

75.9 percent of voters in the poll thought Chelsea would be able to retain the UWCC title so well done to the majority again!

Chelsea's run

Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea (Chelsea become new champions)

Chelsea 4-3 Bolton Wanderers

Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool

Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

Chelsea 0-0 Everton

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

Barcelona 0-0 Chelsea

Chelsea 3-1 Fulham

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona

Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea

Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn

(Click here to see the complete history of Barney Corkhill's Unofficial World Club Championship)

Chelsea's next title defence comes next Sunday as they travel to Sunderland in the last game of the Premier League season. Will Sunderland become the best team in the world?!

Quiz Question No. 1 Answer:

Nwankwo Kanu

Quote No. 1:

"They're dominating the possession when they have it, Chelsea" - Robbie Earle

Chelsea v Blackburn

Sunday 17 May 2009, Stamford Bridge

Kickoff: 16:00

Chelsea

Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 at the Emirates in their last league match, the Blues' third straight league win.

In their last five, Chelsea have won four and drawn one, picking up thirteen points from the fifteen on offer. The Blues currently sit third in the league, three points behind second placed Liverpool and nine points clear of fourth placed Arsenal.

Chelsea have no new injury concerns, missing Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira for the match.

Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers beat Portsmouth 2-0 at home in their last league match, virtually assuring themselves of Premier League survival at the end of the season.

In their last five matches, Blackburn have won two and lost three, earning six points from the fifteen available. The Rovers are currently 14th in the league, six points from the relegation zone with only two matches to play.

Blackburn may be without Jason Roberts for this match.

Prediction

Chelsea defeated Blackburn 2-0 earlier this season at Ewood Park, whilst last season's Chelsea vs Blackburn fixture at Stamford Bridge ended in a 0-0 draw.

Neither side has too much riding on the outcome of this match, but Chelsea will be looking to keep up the pressure on second placed Liverpool, with only three points difference between the two sides.

Blackburn, on the other hand, are all but assured of survival in the league, and any further points would 100 percent guarantee their place in next season's competition.

The superiority of the Chelsea squad, as well as their home advantage, will likely prove too much for the Rovers, and the Blues enter this match as convincing favourites for the win.

Read the complete preview with the best odds for on-line betting at the Chelsea v Blackburn preview page now!

Then read our other weekend football match previews including Manchester United v Arsenal, Everton v West Ham, Newcastle v Fulham and Tottenham v Man City for Saturday's matches. As well as West Brom v Liverpool on Sunday.

Big Kiwi defender Ryan Nelsen was finally able to convert a chance versus a somewhat mediocre Wigan the other day.

Previously he had struck the post around 4567 times for Blackburn since his move there in 2005.

Over the weekend he was able to put a neat little flick in the back of the net on the end of a free kick.

It was well known to many that he had been extremely keen on getting his first goal, and seeing the way in which he was mobbed by his team mates, it is evident that they were happy for him also.

The goal was also crucial to Blackburn remaining in the top flight and Nelsen has once again underlined the value he has brought to this team and Big Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce has done good things since taking over from Paul Ince, who seemed to be a bit of a fish out of water and probably needs a couple more years in the lower divisions before he can realistically compete to the managerial standard in the premier league.

For Blackburn Rovers, former winners of the Premier themselves and the only club other than Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea to have won it, they still have work to do and will look to stay up comfortably.

You would think that Allardyce will go to work in the objective of restoring Blackburn to the top half team that Hughes left them as.

Nelsen may even put a few more in the net in the new season heralding a new age for kiwi goal scorers in the premier league, maybe someone back home will even, some sweet day, name a sheep after him, we can only dream....

With a goal scoring center back like this, perhaps Blackburn will take the league by storm next season.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article about the Premier League relegation battle. Teams have played three games since then and it is time to revisit the crystal ball. Remember that 37 points have been enough for survival in eight of the last 10 seasons and only one side has been relegated with 39 or more points in the same period.

Who is safe?
It has been two great weeks for Stoke City who have picked up 4 points and will be staying in the Premier League another season. I believe that Bolton and Portsmouth are also safe. Bolton have games left against Wigan, Sunderland, Hull, and Manchester City and I cannot imagine a scenario where they do not pick up 3 more points.

Portsmouth are in a similar position where they control their own destiny. With games against Newcastle, Sunderland, and Blackburn, I expect them to pick up the three points they need for safety.

On the bubble
Sunderland is the one bubble team. Last weeks win over Hull was huge, but at 35 points they probably need 1 more victory. There schedule is not too bad (West Brom, Bolton, and Portsmouth), but the problem is that all three of these games are away from home where Sunderland has only won three times this season. Ultimately I think Sunderland will survive, but it will be close.

In trouble
That leaves four teams fighting for survival and two of them will go down. Earlier this month I wrote that Hull’s season comes down to the next three games as they are all huge relegation battles. They play Portsmouth at home, then go to Boro and Sunderland. If Hull can pick up four points from these three games then I think they will have the confidence back in the squad to survive. If they pick up less than three points then I will think Hull will go down.

Well Hull picked up one point from those three games and they still have to play Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United. Standing on 33 points unless Hull can beat Stoke at home and get a point at Bolton away, I cannot envision a scenario where Hull stays up.

Also sitting on 34 points is Blackburn. Big Sam really has his work cut out as Rovers face Wigan (H), Man City (A), Portsmouth (H), Chelsea (A), and West Brom (H). They need at least four more points and I expect that Blackburn’s fate will be settled on the last day of the season at home to West Brom.

Sitting in the 3rd relegation spot on 31 points is Middlesbrough and things are looking really tough for Boro fans. With their next two games away to Arsenal and home to Man United, Boro will have little opportunity to close the gap on the teams directly above them. That means the last three games take on even more importance. The big derby against Newcastle is huge on May 11th. Win at Boro might stay up. Anything less and Boro are going down.

Middlesbrough who still have to face Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Arsenal. Boro need to pick up at least six points against fellow strugglers Newcastle, Bolton and Hull if they are going to avoid relegation.

The big wild card is the relegation battle is Alan Shearer and Newcastle. I wrote three weeks ago that to reach 37 points Newcastle will need maximum points from its three homes games against Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and Fulham. It is a tough task but I expect Shearer to further cement his legacy in Newcastle and keep them up.

It is a tough task for Newcastle, but I expect them to grab the 7-9 points they need to avoid relegation.

Relegated
Already planning next seasons trip to Coventry.

Prediction

So with five games to go I am sticking by my prediction that that Boro and Blackburn will join West Brom in the Championship next year. Do you agree or disagree?

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League (for two hours at least) after a comfortable 4-0 win over Blackburn at Anfield this afternoon.

Two goals from Fernando Torres and one each from Daniel Agger and David Ngog earned the Reds full points.

The match was preceded by a minute's silence to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy, which saw 96 Liverpool fans lose their lives.

Blackburn's defender and former Liverpool footballer Stephen Warnock placed a memorial wreath in front of the Kop in an act which was very much appreciated by the home support.

Liverpool rested Steven Gerrard, who picked up a knock in the defeat to Chelsea midweek, so Dirk Kuyt started behind Torres as Liverpool set out their stall to attack.

Blackburn, coming off a big win at home against Tottenham last weekend, were without a recognized striker so giant centre-back Christopher Samba started up front as Blackburn tried to utilise his physical prowess.

On the other hand, Liverpool's front line was lead by Torres, and the gulf in class was visible after just five minutes.

Captain-for-the-day Carragher flighted a ball forward over the Blackburn defense, and Torres controlled it perfectly with his back to goal before swiveling and unleashing an unstoppable strike past Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson.

Javier Mascherano, who missed the game against Chelsea through suspension, should have added to the lead minutes later.

A quick break from a Blackburn set piece saw Kuyt play the Argentinian international through on goal, but Mascherano was unable to beat Robinson and Torres blazed the rebound over.

Blackburn were unable to keep the ball, and makeshift striker Samba was left isolated up the pitch more and more frequently as the game progressed.

Liverpool were showing much of the same confidence that saw them pick up memorable victories over Manchester United and Aston Villa recently, and the left-side pairing of Albert Riera and Emiliano Insua caused all sorts of problems for Blackburn right-back Keith Andrews.

Kuyt should have made it 2-0 but unfortunately headed straight at Robinson from three yards out following a fantastic cross from Insua.

But Liverpool continued knocking on the door and it opened after Andrews was booked for a foul on Riera.

From the resulting free kick Xavi Alonso found Torres, who got ahead of Samba to head home his and Liverpool's second.

The second half started in much the same way as the first ended. Alonso was finding far too much space for Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce's liking and was at the heart of much of Liverpool's attacking play.

Still, the home side was unable to find a third goal despite their domination of possession, and Samba almost made them pay.

A rare foray into the Liverpool half ended with the ball falling to him in the Liverpool box, but his shot was comfortably saved by Jose Reina.

Shortly afterwards, Liverpool sealed the victory when Agger was allowed to stroll through the Blackburn midfield before unleashing a left-foot drive from 25 yards out that beat Robinson at his near post.

Then, the rout was completed on the stroke of full-time. Carragher's cross was headed towards goal by Lucas, and substitute Ngog had the simple task of nodding the ball into the net.

New Zealand is about as far from the Premier League as you can get, thousands of miles across the ocean, it is to the English, a distant holiday spot or a place where some relatives moved to.

Interestingly enough it is also one of the only Commonwealth and former empire member countries that was able to garner a treaty with the power that was the British Empire in the last century.

This was something to do with the aforementioned distance and the tenacity of the inhabitants.

This tenacity is still witnessed in New Zealand sport, most notably displayed by the All Blacks, who are routinely the most powerful in world rugby before inexplicably imploding each time they play in the World Cup.

Luckily for those who follow the round ball game down here, the tenacity that I speak of is one of the sole reasons why we in New Zealand are lucky enough to have a representative playing in the heart of the defence of a team that is one of only four to have won the Premier League title.

Christchurch's Ryan Nelsen captains Blackburn Rovers from the centre of the defence. His performances since Mark Hughes nabbed him on a free transfer have been solid, occasionally skillful, and often tenacious.

A promising sportsman as a youth, he was a handy cricketer but decided that he would rather run around in the cold than stand around in the sun.

Looking back now surely he has made a fine decision.

After a promising start in Christchurch, he made a move to the United States and Greensboro College in North Carolina, and success there led to him to Stanford University in California, before he eventually gained a draft spot in the 2001 MLS superdraft.

Playing for DC United, Nelsen was soon captaining the side and was able to lead the team to the title in 2004.

It was in 2005 that he was noticed by Blackburn Rovers. Manager at the time, Mark Hughes, had played with a few decent centre-backs in his time and must have thought that the big antipodean might just have the goods.

Signed initially on an 18 month deal, he was immediately able to make an impact. Nelsen so impressed Hughes that he was offered a three year deal. His solid play had such a positive effect on the Rovers defence that it could only be thought of as a quite masterful piece of management.

Promoted to the captain's role under Mark Hughes, his consistent play is something that the Blackburn faithful can be confident of from week to week.

A talented defender who is totally committed, he is the type of player a team can base its play upon, safe in the knowledge they can attack with faith that the backline is well marshaled.

Most notably for New Zealanders, he is the only Kiwi face in perhaps the most popular league competition in world football and the most identifiable New Zealand footballer since the great Wynton Rufer.

Bringing a New Zealand presence to the Premier League is a beacon for Kiwi footballers and fans alike. He is a popular figure at the Lancashire outfit and this popularity follows him back home when he stars for the national team.

Blackburn and New Zealand will watch with interest in the coming weeks as the fight to stay alive in the Premier League continues.

The tenacity of Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers side was witnessed this weekend as they fought to a victory over Spurs.

Nelsen was in the thick of it, as always, and his fighting qualities will be pushed to the limit in the battle to come in the following weeks.

New Zealand fans of the Premier League will hope that he and his team are still there when the dust settles and the vultures start to pick through the unfortunate fallen.

Arsenal v Blackburn

Saturday 14 March 2009. Emirates Stadium

Kickoff: 15:00

Arsenal

Arsenal beat West Brom 3-1 away in their last league outing, ending a run of five straight league draws and continuing a run of fourteen straight league matches without a single loss.

In their last five matches, Arsenal have won one and drawn four, earning seven points from the 15 on offer. In these matches, the Gunners scored three goals and conceded one, and currently sit fifth in the league, three points behind fourth placed Aston Villa and four points ahead of sixth placed Everton.

Arsenal will be without Cesc Fabregas (knee) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) whilst Emmanuel Adebayor is still in doubt, although Mikael Silvestre is hopeful for a return.

Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 away in their last league outing, their third successive league match without a loss.

In their last five matches, Blackburn have won two, drawn one and lost two, picking up seven points from the 15 on offer. The Rovers scored five and conceded six in this games, and their latest win brings them out of the relegation zone to 15th place, two points behind 14th placed Hull and one point ahead of 16th placed Stoke.

Blackburn will be without Brett Emerton (ACL knee) and Steven Reid (knee) on long-term injuries.

Prediction

Arsenal demolished Blackburn 4-0 earlier this season at Ewood Park, and last season's Arsenal vs Blackburn fixture saw the Gunners victorious 2-0.

Both teams had some inspiring midweek results, with Arsenal progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a gripping penalty shoot-out win against AS Roma in Italy, whilst Blackburn came from behind to post a much-needed win over Fulham that takes them out of the relegation zone.

A win for both teams is absolutely vital for differing reasons; Arsenal are just three points behind fourth placed Aston Villa and so a win against the Rovers would put them into fourth place, if even for a day.

With Arsenal closing the gap on Villa for the final Champions League spot, a win is definitely needed for Arsenal in order to regain their all-important "Big Four" status.

Blackburn, on the other hand, need as many points as they can in order to stave off the threat of relegation, with the Rovers only two points clear of the relegation zone in a very congested table that currently sees only seven points separating eighth placed Manchester City and 18th placed Portsmouth.

With the return of Theo Walcott and Eduardo to Arsenal's ranks, the Gunners will receive a much-needed boost coming into a crucial part of the season where results are absolutely essential.

As such, with a starting squad that is regaining much-needed firepower after lengthy injury layoffs, and with the massive crowd at Emirates behind them, Arsenal will go into this fixture as imposing favourites for victory.

However, with both teams having everything to play for, and with the Rovers currently holding a very impressive away record, the Gunners will need to knuckle down to ensure that they do not post their 6th draw in seven matches in this weekend's encounter.

For the entire preview with best betting odds and bookmaker free bets, go to the Arsenal v Blackburn match preview now!

Hull City v. Blackburn Rovers

Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull England, 12:30 GMT, Sunday, Mar 1, 2009.

In the first meeting of the two clubs in the English top flight, the Tigers managed to gain a credible 1-1 draw against Blackburn.

Richard Garcia's looping header drew the Tigers level at the 40 minute mark, two minutes after Jason Roberts had hit a hammer strike to beat Boaz Myhill in the Hull City goal.

Things have changed for both teams since the second game of the 2008-09 Premiership season. Hull City went on a fantastic run, beating Arsenal and Spurs, drawing with Liverpool, and almost turning over Manchester United.

However, since reaching 27 points, the pickings have been slim for the East Yorkshire outfit. With only two points since the victory against Middlesbrough in early December, it has seen the Tigers slide down the table to 13th place.

For the Blue and Whites, the 2008-09 season hasn't been a bed of roses either.

Paul Ince, in his first Premiership managerial role, was not given a chance to cement his time in the top flight because of a set of poor performances, not least, the draw against the Tigers. (In hindsight, that point looked pretty good at the time he was given his marching orders.)

With the Blackburn hot seat vacant, the Rover's board turned to experienced Premiership campaigner Sam Allardyce. Brown and Allardyce have a long history together, with Allardyce giving Brown his first taste of coaching whilst at Blackpool before the pair moved to Bolton Wanderers.

The two took the Wanderers to the brink of European football, before their partnership split with Phil Brown stepping up in a managerial position of his own.

Brown had a torrid spell at Derby County, and then Allardyce, seeing that he could not take Bolton much further, tried his hand at the current disaster that is Newcastle United, before he too was shown the door.

During Allardyce's absence from the game, he was a regular confidant of Brown and was even in the dressing room with the Tigers when they won the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

However, this will be the first meeting between the two old friends that sees them going head to head.

Who will win out?

Hull City will be without the services of Caleb Folan, who was injured in the mid-week FA Cup victory over Sheffield United. The Tigers' skipper Ian Ashbee is also a doubt after missing the game, but will have a late fitness test.

Phil Brown will also be buoyed by the return of Craig Fagan who missed the last two games after minor knee surgery.

Blackburn's Vince Grella and David Dunn may miss out with groin strains, but they will be given late fitness tests. 

Allardyce will be hoping that Blackburn's poor run of form, which has seen them only pick up two wins in that last eight games, will be halted with a victory against his old friend.

Likewise, Brown will be hoping that beating his mentor will help to put the Tigers back on track.