Atmosphere key to Rovers success
7:27am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Sport
ROVERS boss Eric Black wants to create a winning atmosphere at Ewood Park as the club bid to end their five match winless run against Sheffield Wednesday tonight.
The caretaker boss has overseen four of those matches since Steve Kean’s resignation and is desperate to ensure that events off the pitch don’t affect results on it.
“I won’t allow that to happen,” he said. “The circumstances are the circumstances and whether they are the right conditions to move forward is an opinion.
“They are professional football players and what I am trying to do is ensure it (the manager search) is not an excuse.
“Knowing the group, I haven’t had that worry and they have given me everything they have and that’s all that matters.”
And Black is adamant that the club’s ongoing search for a new boss couldn’t be further from his mind, despite the uncertainty it creates over his future.
“It’s a slight concern but I have been in the game long enough to know how it operates. If I have to walk out of the door or I am told to leave I will do so with my head held high.
“I can’t affect it (the manager search) and I can’t allow myself to be caught up it,” he added.
“I am only focusing on when the game starts and what we are going to do with the ball and what we are going to do in possession.”
Black is also hopeful the fans who do make the journey to Ewood Park tonight do so in support of the team.
And he knows that improving home form will help the cause on all fronts, yet he is wary of the threat Wednesday, who have not tasted a victory of any sort since August, will pose having travelled to Yorkshire to watch the 1-1 draw with Leeds United last Friday night.
“The more people that come in and shout for Blackburn Rovers then the happier I am going to be,” said Black.
“The atmosphere at Hillsborough was absolutely fantastic and anything that we can do to match that is a good thing.
“We are trying to change a lot of things to get a stable platform going forward.
“We’ve had three out of four difficult away games. If we are going to get where we want to be we have to start winning games.”
And there is no better time to start than tonight with the Owls heading to Lancashire on a dreadful run of form that leaves them winless in nine matches.
“From what I saw on Friday night they will be difficult opponents,” said Black. “I don’t pay an awful lot of attention to the league at the moment because of the early stage of the season, I just look at the performance.
“I went to the Wednesday game the other night and watched an extremely exciting British football match.
“There were a lot of incidents that we wouldn’t want to cover but in terms of a spectacle on the pitch I thought it was excellent and Sheffield Wednesday contributed enormously to that.
“They’ve got Premiership ability, they’re physical and they want to play for the manager.
“Most of the teams in the division have got that and unless you’re prepared to match that then anything else becomes irrelevant.”
The Rovers caretaker boss is taking plenty of positives from the weekend draw at Derby when only a late leveller prevented his side from taking all three points.
“I thought on Saturday for the first hour we were in control of the game, looked a decent side and had a decent structure about us,” he added.
“I thought we created, remember we were away from home, enough chances against a really high energy Derby team who try and press the ball at every opportunity.
“The disappointing factor for me is that in the last 25 minutes we dropped into a lull which I think for the players we have is not acceptable. We need to resolve that very quickly.
“The players deserve credit for that first hour but they have been made fully aware that if we are going to get where we want to get then the last 25 minutes is not where we want to be.”
Black can call on the same squad that travelled to Pride Park, which included the return of David Dunn in the middle of midfield.
And Black believes the form of Dunn could be crucial to Rovers chances of climbing the table.
“David Dunn has been desperate to play, he’s a Blackburn lad and he wants to affect the outcome,” said Black.
“I thought on Saturday he did that. We’ve got to get him into a position where he can do that on a regular basis.
“Obviously fitness wise we knew he wasn’t quite there but it’s our responsibility, and his, to get his fitness up to a level where he can contribute more and more. But I thought for the time he was on the pitch he did really well.”
Black has also added youngster Raheem Hanley into the squad for tonight’s game.
And whatever the outcome of tonight’s game, Black wouldn’t swap his place in the dugout for anywhere else.
“It’s football management, people are under pressure to win games,” he said.
“You have to accept that or you don’t get involved in the industry.”
Comments(36)
philmoulden
says...
7:54am Wed 24 Oct 12
MAD WORLD by tears for fears
very appropriate for the lunacy that surrounds our club , how to drum up an atmosphere at a funeral ,because thats how it feels .
sheddy kidology
grimupnorth
says...
8:05am Wed 24 Oct 12
jonjonweatherman wrote:if you have supported rovers for 70 years you must have seen some Class and Some Dross in your time. But do you not remember how McKinlay was never up for the fight, always injured Made that famous gaff about staying injured and picking up his wage. His Boozing with Colin the Brawler was legendary . Not what we need !!!
It would seem that some of the supporters are against the appointment of Billy McKinlay, if so they are being Stupid. Every manager has to start somewhere even the Brian Cloughs & Fergusons. Wenger came from an obscure Japanese team. Both McKinlay & Sherwood have had a respected career in football in this country both on and off the field.My choice as a vintage supporter( since the wartime league) would be Harry Redknap but I certainly wouldn't object to either Sherwood or McKinlay.
Tatts
says...
8:16am Wed 24 Oct 12
jonjonweatherman wrote:Billy McKinlay could be the next Alex Ferguson just as I could be the next prime minister. It's possible but highly unlikely.
It would seem that some of the supporters are against the appointment of Billy McKinlay, if so they are being Stupid. Every manager has to start somewhere even the Brian Cloughs & Fergusons. Wenger came from an obscure Japanese team. Both McKinlay & Sherwood have had a respected career in football in this country both on and off the field.My choice as a vintage supporter( since the wartime league) would be Harry Redknap but I certainly wouldn't object to either Sherwood or McKinlay.
You need to wake up to the realisation that Rovers are looking for a coach rather than a manager so that Venkys / Shebby Singh can poke their noses into team affairs without any objection.
Venkys think that by installing a former player into the role that we fans will be happy with it.
Look at the list of failed coach turned managers that we've had - Harford, Kidd and Kean - all of them highly rated coaches, but turned out to be awful managers.
We need a manager with experience and a successful track record. Then we'll be happy.
Jake and Elvis
says...
8:18am Wed 24 Oct 12
bypass06
says...
8:25am Wed 24 Oct 12
jonjonweatherman wrote:Get your head out of the clouds.
It would seem that some of the supporters are against the appointment of Billy McKinlay, if so they are being Stupid. Every manager has to start somewhere even the Brian Cloughs & Fergusons. Wenger came from an obscure Japanese team. Both McKinlay & Sherwood have had a respected career in football in this country both on and off the field.My choice as a vintage supporter( since the wartime league) would be Harry Redknap but I certainly wouldn't object to either Sherwood or McKinlay.
Captain Dreckley
says...
8:40am Wed 24 Oct 12
dangerous dave
says...
8:45am Wed 24 Oct 12
OUT WITH SHAW AGNEW BLACK HENDRY SINGH VENKEYS
steralc
says...
8:50am Wed 24 Oct 12
Being has they own it
Give your head a wobble dangerous dave
roverinmanchstr
says...
8:59am Wed 24 Oct 12
steralc wrote:Yes,and the very near future we could be without a club, Care of the Venky's,
Without venkys you ain't got a club
Being has they own it
Give your head a wobble dangerous dave
roverinmanchstr
says...
9:05am Wed 24 Oct 12
Jake and Elvis wrote:and on the minus side he like every one else respected/non-descri
Simon Grayson has done very well since he became a manager, he would be my choice, on the plus side he is an ex Rovers player and knows the club.
pts will take a job working for the arrogant clueless idiots in India
Captain Dreckley
says...
9:06am Wed 24 Oct 12
steralc wrote:Blackburn Rovers were here a long time before Venkys and will be here for a long time after they have gone. To suggest we have no club without Venkys leads me to think you must be on the same happy pills as Kean and Singh as you obviously live in the same deluded reality. Venkys were not the only bidders for Rovers and within our supporter base we have proven we have the skills and competencies to bring together a supporters Trust. Venkys or not (and I prefer not), Rovers will go on.
Without venkys you ain't got a club
Being has they own it
Give your head a wobble dangerous dave
Rovers 1495
says...
9:07am Wed 24 Oct 12
kronic
says...
9:10am Wed 24 Oct 12
French Rover
says...
9:10am Wed 24 Oct 12
Matt Newcastle
says...
9:12am Wed 24 Oct 12
Obvious that noone must have had any influence over the odious one.
Just shows what an utter mess any new manager is going to inherit thus the need for a very experienced manager with a great knowledgeable coaching team behind them to totally overhaul our great club and bring it back to some semblance of order.
Most names being bandied about at the moment I would not have thought fit the needs we desperately have.
thommovat
says...
9:37am Wed 24 Oct 12
Sam-the-Man
says...
9:47am Wed 24 Oct 12
"3 Points tonight would put us back in a play-off place"
And a 2-0 defeat will out us below the Dingles.
Sorry to put a dampner on your optimism FR.
As for Black talking sense, if I close my eyes i can still hear The Odious One.
French Rover
says...
9:51am Wed 24 Oct 12
Sam-the-Man wrote:both statements are correct of course Sam.....but I know which I want, do you?
French Rover wrote
"3 Points tonight would put us back in a play-off place"
And a 2-0 defeat will out us below the Dingles.
Sorry to put a dampner on your optimism FR.
As for Black talking sense, if I close my eyes i can still hear The Odious One.
100%ROVERS
says...
9:57am Wed 24 Oct 12
Billy McKinley was a poor footballer who could not keep up with the pace & skill of the English league when he came here ..
The fans often derided him with songs about never being fit .. I remember when he returned after many months out we were all shouting "Sick-note is back" !!!!!!
HE WASNT UP FOR THE FIGHT THEN .. AND HE'S NOT WELCOME AT EWOOD NOW !!!!!!
Move onto the next one Shebby (TUGAY) ...
vicn1956
says...
10:01am Wed 24 Oct 12
But my question is- why are the stewards on the Darwen End doing their best to ruin the fans enjoyment and support for the team by behaving like thugs and numpties?
vicn1956
says...
10:01am Wed 24 Oct 12
But my question is- why are the stewards on the Darwen End doing their best to ruin the fans enjoyment and support for the team by behaving like thugs and numpties?
Rovers 1495
says...
10:16am Wed 24 Oct 12
French Rover wrote:If "getting on and doing the job" means 3 points out of 12, then I'll have a go at that. Please accept my request to be considered for the job.
Eric Blacks words are very sensible and quite sound.....and whatever I thought about him in the past, I think that right now he is getting on and doing a very difficult job in a dignified manner in very difficult circumstances. He understands that he is not in the frame for the job and that he may well be out of work when we do appoint a new manager but he is just getting on and doing the job. Certainly he needs a win tonight and another on Saturday to help his case if he wants to be kept on at Ewood as part of the new managers coaching staff. 3 Points tonight would put us back in a play-off place that is how tight this league is, would be good for Black to be able to hand over the reins to the new guy with us in the top six.
madrover
says...
10:53am Wed 24 Oct 12
benal13
says...
11:08am Wed 24 Oct 12
French Rover wrote:the way black is talking sugests to me he knows he is going to hull with steve bruce watch this space !!!!!!
Eric Blacks words are very sensible and quite sound.....and whatever I thought about him in the past, I think that right now he is getting on and doing a very difficult job in a dignified manner in very difficult circumstances. He understands that he is not in the frame for the job and that he may well be out of work when we do appoint a new manager but he is just getting on and doing the job. Certainly he needs a win tonight and another on Saturday to help his case if he wants to be kept on at Ewood as part of the new managers coaching staff. 3 Points tonight would put us back in a play-off place that is how tight this league is, would be good for Black to be able to hand over the reins to the new guy with us in the top six.
greenscreener
says...
11:27am Wed 24 Oct 12
Most people enter the ground feeling apprehensive because there is a sad inevitablitiy about the pedestrian defensive possession football that we are trying to play.
We want to see some up-tempo attacking football, there is nobody in this league we should fear on our home patch, so lets take the game to them and play on the front foot with a bit of energy. You might just see a reaction from the crowd and get a lift from them rather than the depressing death spiral of a frustrated crowd shaking their heads at a shoddy display.
However, that really needs a team to be fit, organised and motivated and it takes an experienced manager to do that.
RespectTheK-Dog
says...
12:24pm Wed 24 Oct 12
This club needs a hard drinking Scot who can successfully drink 14 pints and gamble ferociously with other people's life savings.
BLACK OUT
HENDRY IN
In the ORC we trust. Colin Hendry.
dallydally
says...
12:33pm Wed 24 Oct 12
Londonrover24k
says...
12:38pm Wed 24 Oct 12
jonjonweatherman wrote:Rovers fans want someone experienced because we have already been down that road?.
It would seem that some of the supporters are against the appointment of Billy McKinlay, if so they are being Stupid. Every manager has to start somewhere even the Brian Cloughs & Fergusons. Wenger came from an obscure Japanese team. Both McKinlay & Sherwood have had a respected career in football in this country both on and off the field.My choice as a vintage supporter( since the wartime league) would be Harry Redknap but I certainly wouldn't object to either Sherwood or McKinlay.
French Rover
says...
12:49pm Wed 24 Oct 12
Rovers 1495 wrote:I think you are being a bit hard on him 1495 - as I am surprised we have won any points whilst this mess is going on....I don't think we should shoot Black down for simply trying to keep things together while we bring in someone who will possibly kick him out...someone has to do the job in the meantime.
French Rover wrote:If "getting on and doing the job" means 3 points out of 12, then I'll have a go at that. Please accept my request to be considered for the job.
Eric Blacks words are very sensible and quite sound.....and whatever I thought about him in the past, I think that right now he is getting on and doing a very difficult job in a dignified manner in very difficult circumstances. He understands that he is not in the frame for the job and that he may well be out of work when we do appoint a new manager but he is just getting on and doing the job. Certainly he needs a win tonight and another on Saturday to help his case if he wants to be kept on at Ewood as part of the new managers coaching staff. 3 Points tonight would put us back in a play-off place that is how tight this league is, would be good for Black to be able to hand over the reins to the new guy with us in the top six.
ronnie clayton
says...
1:40pm Wed 24 Oct 12
Sensible advice would be to start looking for a new job , unfortunately apart from your poor results you are tainted with the fact you were Steve Keans assistant,but apparently you are a good "coach" so you should have no problem finding another club.
Hendry on the other hand is tainted with much more than being one of Steve Keans drinking mates ,Hendry is tainted ,as a swindler , we have seen all the proof, and now he does not deny he swindled that old couple out of their life savings, Hendry`s tainted because ONCE AGAIN he has been locked up in jail for domestic violence, he is tainted again for turning on the Rovers supporters and backing Steve Kean when he knew how much pain Rovers fans were going through with Kean.
Hendry is tainted because he took a job as a "defensive coach" but in reality it was as Keans driver ,as Kean moved to Lytham and Hendry would pick him up ,drive him to Rovers then home and go drinking together.
Why do Rovers employ a person with such a dishonourable/dishon
est history.
ronnie clayton
says...
1:41pm Wed 24 Oct 12
Sensible advice would be to start looking for a new job , unfortunately apart from your poor results you are tainted with the fact you were Steve Keans assistant,but apparently you are a good "coach" so you should have no problem finding another club.
Hendry on the other hand is tainted with much more than being one of Steve Keans drinking mates ,Hendry is tainted ,as a swindler , we have seen all the proof, and now he does not deny he swindled that old couple out of their life savings, Hendry`s tainted because ONCE AGAIN he has been locked up in jail for domestic violence, he is tainted again for turning on the Rovers supporters and backing Steve Kean when he knew how much pain Rovers fans were going through with Kean.
Hendry is tainted because he took a job as a "defensive coach" but in reality it was as Keans driver ,as Kean moved to Lytham and Hendry would pick him up ,drive him to Rovers then home and go drinking together.
Why do Rovers employ a person with such a dishonourable/dishon
est history.
glp
says...
2:53pm Wed 24 Oct 12
MxMave
says...
3:14pm Wed 24 Oct 12
jonjonweatherman wrote:Are you high or just incredibly stupid?
It would seem that some of the supporters are against the appointment of Billy McKinlay, if so they are being Stupid. Every manager has to start somewhere even the Brian Cloughs & Fergusons. Wenger came from an obscure Japanese team. Both McKinlay & Sherwood have had a respected career in football in this country both on and off the field.My choice as a vintage supporter( since the wartime league) would be Harry Redknap but I certainly wouldn't object to either Sherwood or McKinlay.
How can the appointment of another inexperienced manager be a good thing? You must seriously be the only Rovers fan in the country who thinks this.
If you can name me 2 teams which have appointed an external coach as manager and have had immediate promotion success then please feel free to let me know.
greenscreener
says...
3:39pm Wed 24 Oct 12
glp wrote:Not exactly full but I agree with your point.
If we had owners who knew anything about running a football club, If we had a chairman and board of directors who knew what they were doing. If we had an experienced Manager, If we had some coaching staff who knew how to train football players, If we a squad of decent and fully fit players. If we had a full set of club sponsers. If we go back in time 2 years to when we had all that then we would have a stadium full of fans to create an Atmosphere.
Kind of says it all when here we are a few hours before kick off and nobody seems bothered about the game, no speculation about the team, no predictions, nobody really gives a 5hit any more.
I better wrap up warm tonight, could be lonely down there.
RespectTheK-Dog
says...
2:47am Thu 25 Oct 12
Flitcroft is not the man
I've been around the block long enough (72 years) to know a no good dullard when I see one. And I tell you what I see now: a no good dullard.
Chorley! what sort of credentials are those?
Jesus, can this man even hold a pint glass properly? Kean and Hendry could drink their beer like proper men but I doubt this new puppet of Shebby's even sups real ale. Disgusting.
No - this is all going to end in tears I tell you. 72 years experience tells me. I can sniff out the wronguns I tell you.
When I look at Flitcroft I see WEAKNESS. Yes, there's a bit too much of "I'd prefer to set up the cones for training" about him than "I'm off to steal my neighbours' life savings and pi.ss it all away gambling on NFL all night while drinking special brew". I can see it in his eyes.
This doesn't bode well for BRFC.
Arte et Labore”
jonjonweatherman says...
7:51am Wed 24 Oct 12