Black: 'I won't let Blackburn Rovers players hide behind excuses'
10:14am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
Caretaker manager Eric Black
ERIC Black insists he won’t let his Blackburn Rovers side hide behind any excuses as he puts the focus solely on getting back to winning ways at the City Ground this evening.
Steve Kean’s former assistant has been put in temporary charge for tonight’s Championship test at Nottingham Forest and is adamant the uncertainty of the past few days won’t derail their promotion charge.
Black, 49, who has managed at both Coventry and Motherwell and been a caretaker boss at Sunderland and Birmingham, was the first to admit Kean’s Friday night resignation was a shock but knows it is time to move on.
He said: “My focus is purely on Nottingham Forest at the moment and trying to get a positive outcome and then I will refocus on Wolves.
“I have been in this situation before and I don’t want anyone to use this as an excuse. I’m not. Judge me on what happens, if it’s one game, two games, whatever.
“Don’t use any excuse that the players are a little unsettled and in a bit of limbo after what has happened. I am not having any of that.
“They are professional players, they are resilient individuals and let’s see if they can perform.
“I’m not using this as an excuse. I managed at Motherwell and Coventry and was a caretaker at Birmingham and Sunderland.”
Black’s first game at the temporary helm saw Rovers draw 1-1 at Charlton Athletic, with everyone at the club bewildered by Kean’s sudden departure.
But, Black revealed he has now spoken to his senior players about the way forward and is confident the players are strong enough to cope with the recent upheaval.
He said: “I took the nine senior players and spoke with them and told them where we are and they are very comfortable with what was happening.
“I don’t want to use this as a time of uncertainty, we can’t afford not be competitive in these games. I won’t allow that to happen.
“It is my responsibility to make sure the players aren’t knocked out of their stride and I am fully prepared to take on that responsibility.
“Some players will be unhappy, some will be happy, and all will carry on playing football. They will want to be in the team and they will be unhappy if they are not in the team.
“Footballers are a lot more resilient than you would believe and I don’t want this to be a reason for not performing.
“I think we have a settled group who know they can perform better. I’m not hiding behind that, we can perform better. But results wise the players have done extremely well for the club and we need to try and convey both. That is the challenge.”
Black, 49, faced the inevitable questions about his own future as he was strongly quizzed on whether he was interested in the full time position.
The former Aberdeen player though insisted that was something that would be looked at at a later date as he focuses on the now.
“I am in the position tomorrow night and I am looking forward to it,” he said. “Looking forward the club deserve a time to reflect what the next step is and I would hope I deserve time to reflect.
“We are very comfortable on that and I am focusing solely on the game at Nottingham Forest.
“There has been no time scale put on it, the club has every right to take their time. It is a very big job and I fully respect that it is a very, very attractive job and a lot of people will want to be in the position.”
Comments(52)
Sherwoodforest
says...
10:27am Wed 3 Oct 12
NickH1982
says...
10:28am Wed 3 Oct 12
angryandy
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10:33am Wed 3 Oct 12
baz58
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10:42am Wed 3 Oct 12
French Rover
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10:46am Wed 3 Oct 12
givet82
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10:47am Wed 3 Oct 12
handsj14
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10:48am Wed 3 Oct 12
I for one do not think the club should appoint Black as manager but for the time being i'm so happy that he taking control.
jinkyjase
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10:49am Wed 3 Oct 12
MxMave
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10:51am Wed 3 Oct 12
If Venkys appoint this guy as manager we can kiss goodbye to promotion.
dangerous dave
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10:52am Wed 3 Oct 12
OUT WITH HENDRY AGNEW SINGH VENKYS
benal13
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10:53am Wed 3 Oct 12
!
marcusbrfc95
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11:05am Wed 3 Oct 12
b12simon
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11:17am Wed 3 Oct 12
jinkyjase wrote:Spot on jinkyjase
Hope you do ok next couple of games Mr Black, but don't bother applying.
lusorover
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11:31am Wed 3 Oct 12
Good luck to Eric and all the lads for tonight.
bburnrover
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11:38am Wed 3 Oct 12
roverfoxy
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11:39am Wed 3 Oct 12
moh
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11:41am Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13 wrote:reports are he did,nt have a row, some players allegedly had a row.
black not done to bad though hes had his first row with a player just hours after taking over theres a pattern forming there i think consistant id call it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
thresholdweller
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11:46am Wed 3 Oct 12
MxMave wrote:I admire your wit and ability to read the future. Experience managing Coventry is probably more relevant to getting out of the Championship than experience at Real Madrid or Inter, or experience as a top class player. There are some impressive names being mentioned and I hope that the selection/interview process goes well. Eric Black deserves to be considered, but it is down to him to justify why he is is more likely to deliver than the other candidates.
Oooooo Coventry AND Motherwell... boy we were wrong to say this guy has no experience.
If Venkys appoint this guy as manager we can kiss goodbye to promotion.
blue12
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11:54am Wed 3 Oct 12
Let's show any Club coming to take points off our Team that they will face a Team and Fan's that will go the full distance. Our Team needs us, "COYB's,
bring on the Dingles".
benal13
says...
11:59am Wed 3 Oct 12
moh wrote:seen it all in last 2yrs nothing new then!!!!!!!
benal13 wrote:reports are he did,nt have a row, some players allegedly had a row.
black not done to bad though hes had his first row with a player just hours after taking over theres a pattern forming there i think consistant id call it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
ronnie clayton
says...
12:02pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Manager -Motherwell when he left they went into administration.
Coventy -Jan 2004 to July 2004 - sacked
Birmingham - 9 days caretaker manager. -- replaced
Sunderland - 3 days caretaker manager -- replaced .
Sorry , but we need to bring in a experienced man who has been there before , Schuster has and by the way so has Roy Kean.
thresholdweller
says...
12:21pm Wed 3 Oct 12
ronnie clayton wrote:You might like to look up Bernd Schuster on Wikipedia as well, particularly the last 4 years. He has had success and also failure. He has experience of working with Portuguese players, but has a record of bust-ups and some have found his tactics reckless.
Hope Eric Black does not apply for the job as manager , had a look at wilki ,his history of management and carete,and he says he was a caretaker manager is,
Manager -Motherwell when he left they went into administration.
Coventy -Jan 2004 to July 2004 - sacked
Birmingham - 9 days caretaker manager. -- replaced
Sunderland - 3 days caretaker manager -- replaced .
Sorry , but we need to bring in a experienced man who has been there before , Schuster has and by the way so has Roy Kean.
RUinsane
says...
12:55pm Wed 3 Oct 12
If I was paying wages, would I hand it over willingly knowing that I was getting value for money. If the answer is no, you need to drop that players arse. Danny murphy out he has been dross and Bradley Orr has been dross too.
GameRoverMan
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1:01pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Bangkok Rover wrote:Erm nope! Nzonzi was sold, not loaned to Stoke.
Good interview. 6 points at stake and that's the focus. “Some players will be unhappy, some will be happy" So Orr, Murphy unhappy and everyone else happy? Nzonzi back in the New Year potentially. COYB!!!!
walshy2866
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1:01pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Get behind the man instead of looking him up on Wikipedia you sad gits, get behind the team too cos to be honest with the squad of players we have (apart from odd defensive fraulties) I could manage this lot to a serious promotion push.
All we need is another centre half and if we can't sign one, get Nzonzi back in Jan and play him there, big strong, good header of a ball and can pass too.
Use what assets we've got , instead of being hoodwinked into signing some more dog5hit like Dann
fitz808
says...
1:04pm Wed 3 Oct 12
dangerous dave wrote:from what i saw at the valley, orr and dann were two of the better players, so i think you're a bit harsh there. murphy was poop. i really expected more, but that's the first live game i've seen this season, so i wouldn't want to judge too harshly.
Sensible words from Black with both feet on the ground - hope he has the sense to drop Orr and Murphy - they are just not up to the mark nor is Dann just hope we get three points tonight!! OUT WITH HENDRY AGNEW SINGH VENKYS
it is certainly good to see some pragmatic language and a willingness to be held to account by black. i think we'd all like to see a bit more of an exciting appointment, but if he did well and had some good plans for taking things forward, then why not.
solskjaer looks like a very interesting link. he has certainly been touted as a potential top level manager, and to have immediate success with molde looks good. no uk experience, but surely less of a gamble than sherwood or shearer.
at the end of the day, i just hope we get someone who can not only talk a good game, but also back it up with some managerial nouse.
buzzinfly
says...
1:34pm Wed 3 Oct 12
ROVERSCAN
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1:53pm Wed 3 Oct 12
roverinmanchstr
says...
1:55pm Wed 3 Oct 12
fitz808 wrote:I can'y believe your criticism of Fitz808.....nothing positive seems to be happening ref: actual applications except fthat Black's obviously thinks he is in the running for the job.....Hmmmm now that's a cheap option for Venky's
dangerous dave wrote: Sensible words from Black with both feet on the ground - hope he has the sense to drop Orr and Murphy - they are just not up to the mark nor is Dann just hope we get three points tonight!! OUT WITH HENDRY AGNEW SINGH VENKYSfrom what i saw at the valley, orr and dann were two of the better players, so i think you're a bit harsh there. murphy was poop. i really expected more, but that's the first live game i've seen this season, so i wouldn't want to judge too harshly. it is certainly good to see some pragmatic language and a willingness to be held to account by black. i think we'd all like to see a bit more of an exciting appointment, but if he did well and had some good plans for taking things forward, then why not. solskjaer looks like a very interesting link. he has certainly been touted as a potential top level manager, and to have immediate success with molde looks good. no uk experience, but surely less of a gamble than sherwood or shearer. at the end of the day, i just hope we get someone who can not only talk a good game, but also back it up with some managerial nouse.
ronnie clayton
says...
1:59pm Wed 3 Oct 12
thresholdweller wrote:Its like comparing Ronaldo to Robbie Slater .
ronnie clayton wrote:You might like to look up Bernd Schuster on Wikipedia as well, particularly the last 4 years. He has had success and also failure. He has experience of working with Portuguese players, but has a record of bust-ups and some have found his tactics reckless.
Hope Eric Black does not apply for the job as manager , had a look at wilki ,his history of management and carete,and he says he was a caretaker manager is,
Manager -Motherwell when he left they went into administration.
Coventy -Jan 2004 to July 2004 - sacked
Birmingham - 9 days caretaker manager. -- replaced
Sunderland - 3 days caretaker manager -- replaced .
Sorry , but we need to bring in a experienced man who has been there before , Schuster has and by the way so has Roy Kean.
Compare the stats at management,
but apart from Schuster and Black,
anyway Roy Keane is ready.
kfc yummy
says...
2:03pm Wed 3 Oct 12
RachRovers
says...
2:09pm Wed 3 Oct 12
kfc yummy wrote:The only "pullet" associated with you is to do with your personal habit.
Rednapp just offered job not enough money 2 hens 1 pullet.
Now be a good dingle, cut along and comment on your bunch of losers at turd moor (not even worth capital letters).
roverinmanchstr
says...
2:10pm Wed 3 Oct 12
ronnie clayton wrote:We all know what is needed but sorry to say that no experienced manager will work for Venky's!!!
thresholdweller wrote:Its like comparing Ronaldo to Robbie Slater . Compare the stats at management, but apart from Schuster and Black, anyway Roy Keane is ready.ronnie clayton wrote: Hope Eric Black does not apply for the job as manager , had a look at wilki ,his history of management and carete,and he says he was a caretaker manager is, Manager -Motherwell when he left they went into administration. Coventy -Jan 2004 to July 2004 - sacked Birmingham - 9 days caretaker manager. -- replaced Sunderland - 3 days caretaker manager -- replaced . Sorry , but we need to bring in a experienced man who has been there before , Schuster has and by the way so has Roy Kean.You might like to look up Bernd Schuster on Wikipedia as well, particularly the last 4 years. He has had success and also failure. He has experience of working with Portuguese players, but has a record of bust-ups and some have found his tactics reckless.
harwoodblue
says...
2:45pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Lowe - Dann - Givet - Olsson
Nunes - Dunn - Etuhu - Rochina
Gomes
Rhodes
Tell them to play a lot wider than normal and let Nunes and Rochina run riot on the wings, 3 Points, job done give me the job.
harwoodblue
says...
2:51pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Is Jerome Anderson the agent of anyone on this list of names.
zenoufthebirdcatcher
says...
2:53pm Wed 3 Oct 12
harwoodblue
says...
2:58pm Wed 3 Oct 12
zenoufthebirdcatcher wrote:Need a big name and big personality that isnt going to let Shebby and the Venkys interfere with the running of the team. Just use Shebby to visit india and buy the players on the MANAGERS shopping list.
Our problem is the ownership of the club, it is impossible to second guess Mme Desai who, clearly, knows nothing about football. However, that is something we must live with at present, after all lousy owners are nothing new in football: Sam Longson at Derby; Bob Lord at B***ley; The Glazers; the two clowns at Liverpool, the list is endless. If Mme Desai takes a back seat, after appointing an MD with real power (Shaw is pitiful), then we might get back onto an even keel. This managerial appointment is crucial to the club's future, but any individual is a risk. For my part I would go for Keith Hill.
Cant see Keith Hill doing that.
vikassingh
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2:59pm Wed 3 Oct 12
..
harwoodblue
says...
3:09pm Wed 3 Oct 12
thresholdweller
says...
3:39pm Wed 3 Oct 12
roverinmanchstr wrote:Clearly there are experienced managers prepared to work for the Venkys.
ronnie clayton wrote:We all know what is needed but sorry to say that no experienced manager will work for Venky's!!!
thresholdweller wrote:Its like comparing Ronaldo to Robbie Slater . Compare the stats at management, but apart from Schuster and Black, anyway Roy Keane is ready.ronnie clayton wrote: Hope Eric Black does not apply for the job as manager , had a look at wilki ,his history of management and carete,and he says he was a caretaker manager is, Manager -Motherwell when he left they went into administration. Coventy -Jan 2004 to July 2004 - sacked Birmingham - 9 days caretaker manager. -- replaced Sunderland - 3 days caretaker manager -- replaced . Sorry , but we need to bring in a experienced man who has been there before , Schuster has and by the way so has Roy Kean.You might like to look up Bernd Schuster on Wikipedia as well, particularly the last 4 years. He has had success and also failure. He has experience of working with Portuguese players, but has a record of bust-ups and some have found his tactics reckless.
To those who automatically want a big name, if you needed someone to drive an ambulance and Lewis Hamilton was available, his experience at driving fast may not be relevant.
Let's hope that the correct person is appointed - we are in the Championship, need to get out of it, and we don't need somebody who lacks hunger or the ability to organise or motivate the players we have.
mellorb&w
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3:43pm Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13
says...
4:00pm Wed 3 Oct 12
mellorb&w wrote:black will be forever linked with kean whether that be right or wrong now is the time for venkys to make a clean breast of it ,out with the old and in with the new whoever they may be!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the end of the day we all want the same thing, promotion. Surely if the team keeps winning and actually play well, should Black not be allowed to at least stay in charge until that situation changes?
londonrover
says...
4:13pm Wed 3 Oct 12
benal13 wrote:I agree benal13.
mellorb&w wrote:black will be forever linked with kean whether that be right or wrong now is the time for venkys to make a clean breast of it ,out with the old and in with the new whoever they may be!!!!!!!!!!!!
At the end of the day we all want the same thing, promotion. Surely if the team keeps winning and actually play well, should Black not be allowed to at least stay in charge until that situation changes?
French Rover
says...
4:53pm Wed 3 Oct 12
harwoodblue wrote:Murphy for Dunn and you might have the right team....
Robbo
Lowe - Dann - Givet - Olsson
Nunes - Dunn - Etuhu - Rochina
Gomes
Rhodes
Tell them to play a lot wider than normal and let Nunes and Rochina run riot on the wings, 3 Points, job done give me the job.
glp
says...
5:21pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Venkys promised us Champions League football but gave us Championship football
Venkys where very quick to get rid of Big Sam but even after 2 years of dreadful mismangement did not get rid of Kean and are reported to be disappointed he resigned.
the monkey as gone but the organ-grinders are still here
for me to return to supporting my beloved Blackburn Rovers I will need to see action and change of heart from Venkys before Venkys receive any more of my money and backing
Blackburn Rovers supporter 1973 to 2012 and hopefully will be back again soon
Harwoodstblue
says...
6:31pm Wed 3 Oct 12
glp wrote:The Jury is still out until we see some action.
Steve Kean is gone very good news for all us Rovers Fans
Venkys promised us Champions League football but gave us Championship football
Venkys where very quick to get rid of Big Sam but even after 2 years of dreadful mismangement did not get rid of Kean and are reported to be disappointed he resigned.
the monkey as gone but the organ-grinders are still here
for me to return to supporting my beloved Blackburn Rovers I will need to see action and change of heart from Venkys before Venkys receive any more of my money and backing
Blackburn Rovers supporter 1973 to 2012 and hopefully will be back again soon
Harwoodstblue
says...
6:33pm Wed 3 Oct 12
glp wrote:The jury is still out until we see some action, and hopefully some ambition.
Steve Kean is gone very good news for all us Rovers Fans
Venkys promised us Champions League football but gave us Championship football
Venkys where very quick to get rid of Big Sam but even after 2 years of dreadful mismangement did not get rid of Kean and are reported to be disappointed he resigned.
the monkey as gone but the organ-grinders are still here
for me to return to supporting my beloved Blackburn Rovers I will need to see action and change of heart from Venkys before Venkys receive any more of my money and backing
Blackburn Rovers supporter 1973 to 2012 and hopefully will be back again soon
pbirty
says...
6:42pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Bangkok Rover wrote:we sold nzonzi for 3.5 million on transfer deadline day
Good interview. 6 points at stake and that's the focus.
“Some players will be unhappy, some will be happy"
So Orr, Murphy unhappy and everyone else happy? Nzonzi back in the New Year potentially.
COYB!!!!
ewoodsaythat
says...
6:44pm Wed 3 Oct 12
goldfinger59
says...
10:02pm Wed 3 Oct 12
roversok
says...
7:41am Thu 4 Oct 12
Whoever comes in will be getting a two-three year contract so needs to know what the Premiership is all about or at least have a pedigree in proven football management. OGS is a good shout, I would rather have Gary Flitcroft/Matt Janson than Alan Shearer.
Roy Keane better than Mick McCarthy
The ex Madrid man to hoof ball and falls out with everybody.
Tim Sherwood on a rolling contract if he cannot cut it he goes.
However we all know Venky's will not spend money so we will have to get used to having Eric black at the helm Mid championship club we will remain at least we might get to play the turds again next season before they get relegated for good
Bangkok Rover says...
10:26am Wed 3 Oct 12
“Some players will be unhappy, some will be happy"
So Orr, Murphy unhappy and everyone else happy? Nzonzi back in the New Year potentially.
COYB!!!!