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Sky Sports News can confirm that Blackburn Rovers have recieved a shocking transfer request from winger Morten Gamst Pedersen. The reasons behind the transfer request have been confirmed. Pedersen has stated that his ambition was to win trophies and he felt that Rovers could not help achieve these ambitions.
After hearing this news, manager Faiz Khan has quickly come out and said that he will not allow Pedersen to leave the club. Khan has stated that he was desperate to hang onto his better players so Blackburn can win trophies and fulfil Pedersen's dreams.
Pedersen has responded very well to Khan's words and has stated that he will all he can to help try bring the good trophy winning times to Ewood Park.
08-01-2006, 04:13 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #42
KUQI LATE SHOW MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 0
Well, they left it very late but it was worth the wait. Blackburn Rovers showed that the value of playing all the way to the last whistle as they beat local rivals Bolton Wanderers at Ewood Park tonight. Two stoppage time goals from substitute Shefki Kuqi broke Bolton hearts as Rovers won their first match in four league matches. It was a much deserved victory for Blackburn as Bolton keeper Ian Walker performed wonders to almost deny the home side. Faiz Khan made just one change from the defeat at Manchester City with Paul Dickov coming in for Matt Jansen. Bolton manager Sam Allardyce also made just the one change to the side that beat Middlesbrough last weekend with Ivan Campo replacing Gary Kenneth.
On a typically freezing night at Ewood Park, where the forecast was minus 4 degrees, referee Matt Messias got the proceedings underway. Bolton made a very bright start as they almost took the lead. Campo and Kevin Nolan combined passes to set up Jay Jay Okocha but the Nigerian's shot from the edge of the area was superbly saved by Brad Friedel onto the crossbar - a stunning stop. It took a while for the home side to get going as they threatened on 14 minutes. Passing the ball along the backline, Rovers then found Morten Gamst Pedersen who fizzed a ball right across goal with three players all going close to connecting. On 21 minutes, Lucas Neill threw the ball to David Bentley who sent a cross towards to far post missing everyone until Walker stretched out his right hand to push it aside for a corner. On the half hour mark, the deadlock should have been broken. Fabrice Fernandes sped past Bentley and Neill before crossing to the near post for unmarked Jared Borgetti who could only head wide from six yards out. Five minutes later, Nolan passed to Borgetti who made sure he got the best view of a shot but Friedel was fantastic in stopping the long range effort. Five minutes before halftime, Blackburn missed a great opportunity to break the deadlock. Pedersen went past three players on the left flank before sending an inviting ball towards the edge of the box. Robbie Savage was first to react controlling it delicately into the area but he skied his shot well over the bar with Walker rushing out to meet him. Savage went close again moments later as his 25 yard freekick was superbly tipped away by Walker. Two minutes of stoppage time later, the match was called for the interval. Both sides had started very brightly early on but towards the end of the half, Rovers were really putting the pressure on with Ian Walker more than equal to the task. The score at halftime from Ewood Park read BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 BOLTON WANDERERS 0.
The second half was underway as more than a third of supporters were just getting back into their seats from their break. The first fiveteen minutes of the second period were virtually a non-event as the game descended into a scrappy midfield battle. The home side were getting frustrated best illustrated by Steven Reid's unneccesary offside. On the hour, Khan made a big substitution as Craig Bellamy, having a poor game was replaced by Kuqi to try and add some extra bite and fresh impotus to the home side. And he almost made an immediate impact halfway through the second half. Pedersen went past Nolan and El-Hadji Diouf on the left wing and crossed for Kuqi whose attempted overhead kick flew agonisingly inches wide of the goal. With five minutes remaining, a wonderful one touch passing move including Reid, Kuqi and Savage found Pedersen with space to fire in a shot but it was superbly blocked by Ricardo Gardner to the frustration of Faiz Khan, who was really urging his side on now. Moments later, Dickov missed a fantastic double opportunity to surely win the game for Blackburn. First, Neill sent Dickov clear on goal from inside his own half on the counter-attack but the Scot could only shoot straight at Walker and it was a corner. And from the resultant corner, Dickov saw a powerful header from Savage's set-piece wonderfully stopped by the excellent Walker. As the game was going into the stoppage time, Blackburn started to wonder whether this was going to be their day. But those thoughts were soon destroyed as they finally broke the deadlock. Substitute Brett Emerton sent the ball back to Aaron Mokoena who sent a high ball into a crowded penalty area where Kuqi rose to power a header past Walker to send the home fans into bedlam - not surprising was the fact that Walker got a touch to that as well but couldnt keep it out. Faiz Khan's reaction on the touchline was understandable indeed, jumping up and down almost onto the pitch until the fourth official stepped in. From the restart, Rovers made sure of three precious points. Mokoena was again the provider as his high pass sent Kuqi through on goal. The Finn fooled Walker with a couple of stepovers before sliding the ball past him and he went running to Khan in the tunnel to celebrate - he was obviously delighted with the faith shown in him by his manager. The referee blew the whistle for full time almost immediately as Blackburn celebrated three points. Both side traded early blows but the match began to descend into 'Rovers vs Ian Walker' as the former England keeper was just unbelievable stopping everything until substitute Kuqi came on and made the big dramatic difference. The final score from Ewood Park was BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 0.
Man of the Match : Shefki Kuqi - when your team is struggling to really boss the game, it's time to stand up and be counted. Kuqi came off the bench and Rovers stepped up another which led to his two dramatic goals. What an massive impact!
Attendance : 31354
Referee : Matt Messias
08-01-2006, 04:23 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #43
The Barclays Premiership Player of the Month was Liverpool's explosive striker Djibril Cisseafter scoring six league goals this month, including a wonderful hat-trick against Chelsea at Anfield. His goals have helped his side climb to 3rd place in the Premiership table.
The Barclays Premiership Young Player of the Month was Manchester United's wonderkid Cristiano Ronaldo for the second month running. The winger was wonderful to watch again as his dribbling and skills helped his side retain top spot in October. He contributed two assists this month.
The Barclays Premiership Manager of the Month was Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson as he led his team to a four game 100% record this month. This form saw his side stay at the top with 30 points from 11 games.
The Barclays Premiership Goal of the Month was Walter Pandiani's stunning swerver against local rivals Aston Villa. Picking the ball up on the angle of the area, who viciously swerved a shot from a very tight angle to give Birmingham the lead - the goal wasnt enough to win the match but still, what a goal!
08-01-2006, 08:03 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #45
Finally it happened. Faiz Khan saw his side win their first away game of his reign at the Stadium of Light this afternoon. Two goals from rejuvenated striker Shefki Kuqi and a Morten Gamst Pedersen freekick set Blackburn up for a victory that helped them climb to 6th in the Premiership table. Mikael Dahlberg got a consolation for Sunderland who also had Alan Stubbs sent off in the first half. That dismissal helped Rovers to dominate the match and finish it off with time to spare. There was one change made to Khan's side that beat Bolton with match-winner Kuqi coming in for Paul Dickov. Sunderland chief Mick McCarthy named an unchanged side that were beaten at Middlesbrough (again!) for this match.
On a very cold North East afternoon, referee Steve Dunn blew for the game to get underway. Just a couple of minutes in, Ryan Nelsen was punished for a very high challenge on Andy Gray and was booked almost immediately by the referee. After 13 minutes, Sunderland made their first opportunity. Dean Whitehead sped past Robbie Savage and Steven Reid before playing in Gray nut his effort went drifting wide. Five minutes later, Whitehead and Ivan Castillo combined to set up Tommy Miller 25 yards out but his fierce, low goal went just inches wide of the goal. Blackburn took a long time to get playing but halfway through the first half, they took the lead, albeit fortunately. Kuqi tried finding Craig Bellamy but his pass was intercepted by Whitehead. He was put under pressure by Bellamy and his misdirected pass towards Kelvin Davis was cut out by Kuqi and he rolled the ball into the empty net to score his 5th goal of the season. Just before the half hour mark, Sunderland missed the chance to equalise. Whitehead's high pass was flicked on by Miller to send Dahlberg clean through on goal but he took time too much time on the ball and he stabbed straight into Brad Friedel's arms. After that, Dahlberg was unlucky when he unleashed a shot from 35 yards that flew just inches wide. Five minutes later, the match effectively turned in Blackburn's favour. David Bentley sent a great ball down the right flank to send Bellamy through and as he was about to shoot, he was hacked down from behind by Stubbs. The referee showed no hesitation and brandished the red yard. From the resultant freekick, Pedersen stepped up and swung his shot over the wall and into the top corner at Davis' near post to score his 1st goal of the season. And moments later, Rovers should have scored a third. Bentley intercepted a pass from Nyron Nosworthy and fed Bellamy clean through only for the Welsh international to blast his effort high and wide. That miss didnt matter as just before halftime, Blackburn made sure of a comfortable cushion. Steven Reid dispossessed Whitehead and put Kuqi through on goal and he unleashed a powerful drive that deflected off Mikele Leigertwood up and over Davis into the back of the net. Immediately after the goal, the referee blew for halftime to bring a difficult half for Sunderland to an end. The home side started very brightly but conceded against the run of play. They then saw Alan Stubbs sent off for a professional foul and lost two more goals before halftime. The score line at the Stadium of Light was SUNDERLAND 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 3.
The Sunderland fans gave their players some encouragement before the second half got underway. But from the restart, Rovers almost scored a fourth goal. A slick one touch passing move involving Reid, Savage and Bellamy sent Kuqi through on goal but his shot went crashing into the sidenetting. On 53 minutes, some very slack defending gifted Sunderland a goal. Aaron Mokoena wanted too much time on the ball and Dahlberg took the ball off him, strided towards goal and brilliantly chipped the ball over the onrushing Friedel and into the back of the net. But the goal didnt revive the home side as the match then descended into a scrappy midfield battle with tackling flying in everywhere, but all in good spirit. With a quarter of an hour remaining, another wonderful passing move involving Bellamy, Savage and Reid sent kuqi clear again before thundering his long range effort whiskers over the crossbar, with Davis having no chance if on target. Then with the game drifting towards stoppage time, a difficult moment for the away side happened. Reid went down with seemingly nobody around him and after minutes of concern, he was stretchered off with both sides applauding him off. Moments later, the final whistle went as Faiz Khan celebrated his first away victory as Rovers manager. It looked a very even game up until Stubbs dismissal and that just gave Blackburn a ruthless streak that Sunderland could not resist at all. From the Stadium of Light, the final score read SUNDERLAND 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 3.
Man of the Match : Ryan Nelsen - got an early booking but that didnt effect him at all. The New Zealand international was outstanding as his distribution and no-nonsense style in the air made a standout performer in a great overall team display this afternoon.
Attendance : 34476
Referee : Steve Dunn
08-01-2006, 08:10 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #46
As was first feared at the Stadium of Light this afternoon, Blackburn boss has confirmed that Steven Reid has fractured his ribs and has been ruled out for a minimum of 4 weeks. Depending on his recovery, that length of abscence could stretch to two months. This is a big blow for Blackburn as the Irish international had been starting to play some excellent football but now he has to start again when his return could be as early as Christmas. Khan has given Reid all his support to recover and his team-mates have stated he will be missed.
08-01-2006, 08:17 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #47
Well, we havent had one for a while as the results seemed to have gome by the form book but Middlesbrough got an unlikely point at Arsenal this afternoon. Thierry Henry equalised almost immediately after Franck Queudrue's early opener. In a game which the Gunners dominated, it was the Boro defence, particularly Queudrue that stood firm and held onto a valuable point at Highbury.
08-01-2006, 08:22 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #48
Despite his serious injury on Saturday afternoon, Steven Reid's performance was superb and got noticed by the Premiership and was selected in the Premiership Team of the Week. The team is as follows:
Mike Pollitt (Wigan)
Mario Melchiot (Birmingham)
Ledley King (Tottenham)
Zat Knight (Fulham)
Niclas Jensen (Fulham)
Steven Reid (Blackburn)
Damien Francis (Wigan)
Claus Jensen (Fulham)
Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham)
Agustin Delgado (Wigan)
Emile Heskey (Birmingham)
08-02-2006, 03:41 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #49
SHOCK OF THE DAY KUQI BRACE SHOCKS THE CHAMPIONS CHELSEA 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2
Well, as shocks go, this has got to be up there with the rest. Blackburn Rovers went to Stamford Bridge with many neutrals predicting a routine win for the defending champions but Faiz Khan's men proved them all wrong with a fantastic result. Two first half goals from man of the moment Shefki Kuqi were enough to shock Chelsea this afternoon. Chelsea dominated possession and had more shots than their opponents but Rovers were vital in their composure in front of goal. Khan brought in David Thompson to replace the injured Steven Reid. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho also made just the one change from their magical victory in the Nou Camp with Didier Drogba coming in for Carlton Cole.
On a cold afternoon in West London, referee Alan Wiley got the match underway. Blackburn made a very bright start to this match - so bright they actually took the lead after just 3 minutes. David Bentley took the ball off Arjen Robben and found Craig Bellamy with a great pass. The Welshman then saw the run of Kuqi, played him in and the Finn sweeped the ball first time into the far corner, giving Petr Cech no chance at all. Chelsea were visibly stunned by Blackburn's start and the champions were slow to get going. So slow that their first clear came halfway through the first half, where they should have equalised. Paulo Ferreira played the ball into the area to an unmarked Michael Essien who had players waiting for a tap-in and he gave Eidur Gudjohnsen the chance to equalise but his effort was stopped miraculously by Brad Friedel - a stunning save. And that missed opportunity proved costly as Rovers extended their lead on the counter-attack. Kuqi stole the ball from Gallas and sent Bellamy clean through with acres of space. Bellamy stormed towards goal, took the ball wide of Cech before squaring for the onrushing Kuqi to tuck away the ball into the bottom corner to send the away fans wild and delirious. Just after the half hour, Chelsea should have scored. William Gallas sent Robben away towards the left byline before his cross was headed well wide by Drogba - an absolute sitter considering he was unmarked from six yards out. Chelsea really started putting the pressure on with another breakaway. Drogba and Gudjohnsen combined to send Robben clear on goal. The Dutchman saw the better option and squared the ball to Frank Lampard but the England international sent a chance what was always a goal inches wide with Friedel rooted to the spot. On the stroke of half time, Blackburn missed the chance to score a third. Lucas Neill took a short freekick to Bentley, who crossed into the box for Bellamy to score but his shot went at Cech and to safety. Soon after, the referee blew for the end of the half. Blackburn made a very good start scoring two goals in the first halfhour but after that, Chelsea started to show why they are defending champions with constant pressure to the away goal. You've got to think if Chelsea score early in the second half, it will be very interesting to watch. But at half time, Rovers are the winning team at Stamford Bridge with the scoreline of CHELSEA 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2.
Faiz Khan had been telling his players at halftime that they were only halfway there and they better not get too carried away. The second half began with that talk ringing in the player's ears. Early in the second half, Essien took the ball on the halfway line, powered his way towards goal before unleashing a 35 yard shot that was easily smothered by Friedel. A couple of minutes later, Bentley and Kuqi exchanged passes before teeing up Bellamy from 25 yards out but his effort looked more like something you would see in American Football as his shot went well over the crossbar. After that chance, the game quietened down by a great degree with both sides cancelling each other out. The way the game was going was just perfect for Faiz Khan and his players as the home side were struggling to apply any significant pressure. The next piece of action didnt come until seven minutes from time when Rovers should have scored a third. Neill picked up the ball on the halfway line and sent a high cross into the area to an unmarked substitute Paul Dickov but he headed over the bar with Cech rushing out to meet him. Moments later, Chelsea missed an absolute laughable sitter. Ferreira sent Carlton Cole through with yards of space and he squared the ball to Essien at the far post for an empty net but his effort was so weak that Friedel had time to get to collect the ball - Essien hung his head in shame and gave a rueful smile for the cameras. After that, Cech pulled a great save when Morten Gamst Pedersen's deep cross was suddenly heading for the top corner. Three minutes of stoppage time came and went and the referee blew the final whistle. Chelsea fans booing and jeering their team off the pitch and it was understandable. The defending were beaten by Blackburn. The early start from Rovers was massive and it was something that the home side never and didnt look like recovering from. But for Faiz Khan and his side, it was a wonderful result and it takes them up into 6th place in the Premiership towards the end of November. And people thought they were fighting against relegation this season. The final score from a despondent Stamford Bridge was CHELSEA 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2.
Man of the Match : Ryan Nelsen - Kuqi may have got the plaudits for his goals but Nelsen was just fantastic making Eidur Gudjohnsen look plain ordinary. Was hard in the tackle and composed on the ball. This is great form from the New Zealand international.
Attendance : 42493
Referee : Alan Wiley
08-02-2006, 04:34 PM
A Little Success Story Called Blackburn Rovers Post #50
Blackburn Rovers manager Faiz Khan ahs confirmed that his side will be without two key players over the next month. Brad Friedel and Craig Bellamy have both sustained injuries during the wonderful victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
American goalkeeper Friedel turned awkwardly and fell over with nobody near him twisting his knee and he will be out of action for 4 weeks at the most while Welsh international Bellamy suffered a badly gashed head from a late tackle and he is out of contention for the next fortnight at least.
This will be a big blow for Khan as Friedel has been outstanding so far this season while Bellamy had just come back from a serious injury and was beginning to show why Blackburn bought him in the summer.
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