THE Christmas spirit certainly doesn't appear to have embraced certain members of the football fraternity judging by events this week.

First, Vratislav Gresko heard that his winning goal against Tottenham last month had been deemed an own goal by the Premiership's Dubious Goals Committee.

Then young Academy striker Matt Derbyshire learned that his debut 'goal' in Rovers' recent FA Youth Cup victory over Bury Town had been officially credited to Tareck Sakali instead after team boss Rob Kelly had studied a video of the match.

Thankfully, the 17-year-old didn't have long to wait before he did finally open his Rovers account with the winner in the Under 19s' 1-0 victory against Wolves last Saturday.

Taylor blow

MICHAEL Taylor's hopes of securing a move to Reading would appear to be doomed.

The 21-year-old defender has just spent a short period on trial with the Royals and even featured in their reserve game against Watford in midweek.

However, sources in the south claim Royals boss Steve Coppell has told Taylor that he won't be signing him.

Gangster rap

EWOOD Park will be transformed into a gangster's paradise tomorrow night as Blackburn Rovers celebrate Christmas in style.

The club are staging a pre-Christmas party for all their staff and the night will have an Al Capone-type theme.

Some of Graeme Souness's first team squad are expected to be in attendance.

Stuff em'

CHRISTMAS came early at Brockhall this week where Graeme Souness and his first team squad were seen tucking into a specially prepared Christmas dinner on Thursday.

Now let's hope they go on to give Aston Villa a good stuffing, too!