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Oppositions view vs Blackburn Rovers

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This is the premier of a new feature on the site, as we travel up north t’ Lancashire t’ see how the Rovers fans across at VitalBlackburn are feeling before the big lunch time kick off:

1. What were your expectations for this season? And have they now changed?

Mikey Delap- My expectations heading in were for a steady season after the turmoil of the one before. A mid table position and a good cup run were my hopes but we’ve started badly. As a result, yes my expectations have changed now – I’d quite happily shake hands on 17th place in the league and have done with it.

*Dave*- I was expecting the team to be in the bottom half of the league for most of the season but without flirting with relegation too much. A 10th placed finish would have represented a good season.

They have changed because Steve Kean has not delivered and has shown himself to be a terrible manager. I will be amazed if we survive this year.


Pedebumchin- Fighting relegation if Steve Kean was in charge was my expectation, so no, my views have not changed as that is where we are. With a decent manager we could be top 10.

2. Who would you say is your danger man?

Mikey Delap- Look no further than Junior Hoilett. He’s quick, he’s good very fluid movement and he’s can beat a man in a flash. I wish the guy would track back once in a while but I am nit picking… He’s the guy to watch out for.

Pedebumchin- Rochina or Hoilett. Both capable of a moment of magic that could turn a game, that is if our defending is drastically improved.

3. What would you say are your strengths as a team?

Mikey Delap- Well for all the turmoil that this season has bought we do have a good spirit amongst the players which has come to the fore in recent games.

Pedebumchin- Attacking, one thing that Kean has done is turn us into a team that scores goals – unfortunately this has led to our weakness which is in the next question.

Rye_of_the_Rovers- Our pace down the wings with Hoilett and Olsson (when we can get him away from left back that is). The trouble is I don’t think we’ve used that strength enough this season.



4. What would you say are your weaknesses as a team?

Mikey Delap- The leaky defence. Can’t keep a clean sheet for toffee and we look shaky every time someone pours forward.

Rye_of_the_Rovers- Defence is a complete shambles, no organisation or consistency in the selection either + THE biggest weakness, our inept manager…step forward Mr Steve Kean.

5. How do you feel about your manager?

*Dave*- Complete and utter failure. With only 1 win in 11 games I cannot believe he is still here.

Pedebumchin- He is the evil spawn of satan and is sucking the life and soul out of this club. He is far too close to Venky’s for our own good as they keep backing him despite every single shred of evidence that he should be sacked. 12 Months in charge, 33 league games, 6 wins sums him up. Only won 3 in the last 26 and 1 in 12 this season. Pathetic manager and should be removed ASAP.



6. You had a bit of luck at the weekend with the ‘illegal goal’, firstly what did you think about it? and Secondly, Do you believe this could spark a change in luck you desperately need?

Mikey Delap- I think we got very fortunate with it as it should not have counted but then having said that we were due some decent fortune after the few games before the Wigan game.

I don’t think there was any malice involved in it for what it is worth but it was a bit naive and a clear misunderstanding.

Pedebumchin-Hilarious IMO. Quite funny that we got away with it. No, with Kean in charge we seemingly have no luck. I suspect that is to do with his shocking tactics rather than lady luck.

7. Which player (s) do you fear from the Stoke City side?

Mikey Delap- Big Matthew Etherington fan I think he is highly underrated and a cracking outlet down the wing, I think you guys lucked out by getting him but more power to you.

Pedebumchin- Walters, he is on form and I think will cause our defence some issues this weekend.

Rye_of_the_Rovers- Crouch, who has a nack for scoring against us.

8. Is there any Stoke players you would like to add to your squad?

*Dave*- Ryan Shawcross, Etherington, K.Jones.

Rye_of_the_Rovers- Crouch, Huth and Etherington



9. What is your likely line-up for the match?

*Dave*-

——–Robbo

Lowe-Samba-Dann-Givet

Hoilett-Pedersen-N’Zonzi-Olsson

——–Rochina

——–The Yak

Rye-of_the_Rovers-

——-Robinson——–

Lowe Samba Dann Givet

–N’Zonzi Pedersen—–

Hoilett Rochina Olsson

——-Yakubu———-


10. Finally, what`s your score prediction for the match?

Mikey Delap- Can’t see us winning but I am going to stick to my usual (blind) optimism here and say a score draw – call it 2-2.

*Dave*- Stoke 3 Rovers 1 – Bad times.

Pedebumchin- You will win 2-1 or 3-1. Kean doesnt have a clue how to set up a team against opposition and panics when managers make changes against him. We’ll be level or ahead at HT and you will dominate in the 2nd half.

Rye_of_the_Rovers- We don’t know how to keep a clean sheet so I will go for 2-2.

It seems the general feeling at Ewood Park is a Stoke win or a score draw, with the fans pushing to end the reign of Steve Kean, but you all know Stoke like to help out ailing managers and teams on poor runs, you only have to look back a few weeks ago to the Bolton match, here’s hoping anyways we can grab a vital 3 points and make the Britannia a fortress once again.

Thanks to the lads at Vital Blackburn for their responses. All responses in full can be found Here

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