UPBEAT Blackburn manager Mark Hughes insists Rovers have had another outstanding season - whether they end up in Europe or not.
With just one game of the campaign remaining, against Birmingham City at St Andrew's on Sunday, it is still possible for Rovers to claim a top-six finish in the Premier League and a place in the Intertoto Cup.
A win for Rovers in the Midlands, coupled with a draw or a defeat for Aston Villa at West Ham, would leave the way clear for Hughes' players to qualify for the UEFA Cup through the back door.
But even if Rovers were to fall short in their mission, Hughes feels his players can be proud of their efforts, having never been out of the top half of the table at any stage during the last nine months.
Looking ahead to Sunday's nailbiting finale, the Welshman said: "We just have to deal with what we can deal with, and make sure we do our part of things.
"We've got one game to go, there's three points up for grabs, and who knows what will happen on the last day of the season?
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"There are always twists and turns and we may pinch a place (in Europe).
"But irrespective of what happens on Sunday, we've still had an outstanding season; we've never been out of the top 10 all year, which is unbelievable really.
"We have had little blips now and again, but we've regrouped and come again.
"Now we face one more game, with something still riding on it, so I think that shows us great credit."
Rovers appeared to be long-shots for the Intertoto place just a couple of weeks ago, as they trailed Villa by six points with only three games of the season remaining.
However, back-to-back victories over Portsmouth and Derby have since revived Rovers' chances, ensuring the race for Europe will go to the wire this weekend.
And just to add to the intrigue, the outcome of Sunday's showdown at St Andrew's is also of massive importance to Birmingham, with Alex McLeish's side needing at least a point to stand any chance of avoiding an instant return to the Championship.
Hughes said: "It's a huge game for both teams now, and I'm sure there will be a lot of interest in it.
"Once again we've just crept up outside the radar and we are still involved, and we'll play a big part in the future of not only ourselves but another club as well."
Meanwhile, Hughes is also hoping West Ham can do Rovers a favour by beating Villa at Upton Park.
The Hammers, who have nothing left to play for other than pride, were well beaten by Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, but Hughes hopes that crushing defeat will provoke a reaction.
He added: "They will be disappointed, I'm sure, with their showing at Old Trafford.
"This is also their last home game so they will have to put in a performance in front of their demanding public.
"Maybe that will focus their minds and they are very capable of getting a result against Villa, so we'll wait and see."
Posted by: ossy rover, ossy on 11:58am Thu 8 May 08
well done Hughsie great season, lets have one more big performance from the team this weekend, highest we can finish is 6th lowest 9th thats a difference in prize money of approximately £2M, so its well worth the effort. also the added bonus if results go our way european footy next season.
come on you blues.
keep the faith
well done Hughsie great season, lets have one more big performance from the team this weekend, highest we can finish is 6th lowest 9th thats a difference in prize money of approximately £2M, so its well worth the effort. also the added bonus if results go our way european footy next season.
An impressive season in the League for sure, but it could have been so much better. The early exits from Europe and the FA Cup were major disappointments, as were the many lost home points against lower opposition (Fulham, Middlesbrough, West Ham). If only we could have played against them (and Coventry!) like we did against Man United and Liverpool and we could have been challenging for fourth or fifth spot and even a first FA Cup win in 80 years.
An impressive season in the League for sure, but it could have been so much better. The early exits from Europe and the FA Cup were major disappointments, as were the many lost home points against lower opposition (Fulham, Middlesbrough, West Ham). If only we could have played against them (and Coventry!) like we did against Man United and Liverpool and we could have been challenging for fourth or fifth spot and even a first FA Cup win in 80 years.
Posted by: Moving Stands, Riverside on 1:32pm Thu 8 May 08
Re: riversider comments
Isn't that just so typical on of the ungrateful morons that seem to populate this stand. You pay less than a 1/3 of the average price to watch the best league in the world and still complain! Since the loss of Jack Walker's personal ambition, the club is punching well above it's weight and that is tesimony to the manager and chairman. Finishing in the top 10 is a compliment to that ability, I for one take great pride in that fact alone. Mark Hughes must be gutted when if he reads the comments like yours, from the cheepest seats in the house, how demoralising can you get. There's been a drunken idiot like you sat behind me all season, slagging the team off at any given oportunity. Despite his obscene, moronic and often racist outbursts, the club have still failed to take action. The only reason can be that his measly £250 is as good as yours!
WELL DONE ROVERS!!! See you next season (from a different stand for sure)
Re: riversider comments
Isn't that just so typical on of the ungrateful morons that seem to populate this stand. You pay less than a 1/3 of the average price to watch the best league in the world and still complain! Since the loss of Jack Walker's personal ambition, the club is punching well above it's weight and that is tesimony to the manager and chairman. Finishing in the top 10 is a compliment to that ability, I for one take great pride in that fact alone. Mark Hughes must be gutted when if he reads the comments like yours, from the cheepest seats in the house, how demoralising can you get. There's been a drunken idiot like you sat behind me all season, slagging the team off at any given oportunity. Despite his obscene, moronic and often racist outbursts, the club have still failed to take action. The only reason can be that his measly £250 is as good as yours!
WELL DONE ROVERS!!! See you next season (from a different stand for sure)
Posted by: Moving Out, Riverside on 1:42pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]riversider[/bold] wrote:
An impressive season in the League for sure, but it could have been so much better. The early exits from Europe and the FA Cup were major disappointments, as were the many lost home points against lower opposition (Fulham, Middlesbrough, West Ham). If only we could have played against them (and Coventry!) like we did against Man United and Liverpool and we could have been challenging for fourth or fifth spot and even a first FA Cup win in 80 years. [/quote] Typical moaning riversider, never happy even after 23 goals from Roque and a top 10 finish! Get real in the cheap seats, they'd do better with more support, not whingers like this.
riversider wrote:
An impressive season in the League for sure, but it could have been so much better. The early exits from Europe and the FA Cup were major disappointments, as were the many lost home points against lower opposition (Fulham, Middlesbrough, West Ham). If only we could have played against them (and Coventry!) like we did against Man United and Liverpool and we could have been challenging for fourth or fifth spot and even a first FA Cup win in 80 years.
Typical moaning riversider, never happy even after 23 goals from Roque and a top 10 finish! Get real in the cheap seats, they'd do better with more support, not whingers like this.
Spot on Ozzy...to say we were around 3 million in the red for the financial year 06/07, (85% of the turnover ouch!) another 2 million would go a long way to balance the books.
On another note what can you say about Hughes that has not already been said?
He continues to deliver each season within the most restricted transfer budget in the Premiereship.
A class act... i only hopt that the top four continue to employ foreigners!
Spot on Ozzy...to say we were around 3 million in the red for the financial year 06/07, (85% of the turnover ouch!) another 2 million would go a long way to balance the books.
On another note what can you say about Hughes that has not already been said?
He continues to deliver each season within the most restricted transfer budget in the Premiereship.
A class act... i only hopt that the top four continue to employ foreigners!
Well done to Hughesy and everyone else at the club. It HAS been a fantastic season and they are keeping it going right to the end.
It is a miracle how Rovers perform given such low levels of income and so few supportive supporters. If only we were in a bigger and better catchment area! It must be so frustrating for Hughesy and the players.
Still, it is a well-respected and well-run club - you only have to look at Newcastle to see that massive revenue and great fans do not, in themselves, make for a happy club.
If we do get into Europe it will be a fine bonus but, in any event and for what it's worth, the club has my thanks for a splendid season.
Roll on August!
Well done to Hughesy and everyone else at the club. It HAS been a fantastic season and they are keeping it going right to the end.
It is a miracle how Rovers perform given such low levels of income and so few supportive supporters. If only we were in a bigger and better catchment area! It must be so frustrating for Hughesy and the players.
Still, it is a well-respected and well-run club - you only have to look at Newcastle to see that massive revenue and great fans do not, in themselves, make for a happy club.
If we do get into Europe it will be a fine bonus but, in any event and for what it's worth, the club has my thanks for a splendid season.
Posted by: Woody Riversider, Blackburn on 3:32pm Thu 8 May 08
With you all the way on the season. All things considered it's been well above whats been expected & MH must take great credit for this.
Of course disapointments have reared there heads but in the main I want to say a BIG THANKS for doing us all proud & to say we've had a bad season & possibly finish sixth is a major achievment for this great club of ours.
I say this: [bold]Is the glass half full or half empty?[/bold]
I know which way I choose to look at it.....
C'mon boys one last push for europe...
[bold]Arte et labore[/bold]
With you all the way on the season. All things considered it's been well above whats been expected & MH must take great credit for this.
Of course disapointments have reared there heads but in the main I want to say a BIG THANKS for doing us all proud & to say we've had a bad season & possibly finish sixth is a major achievment for this great club of ours.
I say this: Is the glass half full or half empty?
I know which way I choose to look at it.....
It's been another season of improvement for which we have Hughes to thank. So, a big 'thank you' to the staff!
As for the 2 million, they are actually more. Because of the overseas money every position higher in the table will bring another 2-3 million to these 2 million already mentioned
It's been another season of improvement for which we have Hughes to thank. So, a big 'thank you' to the staff!
As for the 2 million, they are actually more. Because of the overseas money every position higher in the table will bring another 2-3 million to these 2 million already mentioned
It is a great testament to MH and the squad that Rovers are still in with a chance of finishing 6th.
Of course we can all say that "If only we'd done this, or that...", but that's football - things don't always go the way they should. I'm sure everyone, myself included, was disappointed with the displays against Coventry, Fulham and Middlesbrough, etc. but you get over it. I'd much rather prefer to concentrate on the good performances.
The truth is we ARE punching above our weight. We've been in the top half since August, not once having had to look at the relegation zone with fear. Let's celebrate what we have achieved, and not "what could have been".
It is a great testament to MH and the squad that Rovers are still in with a chance of finishing 6th.
Of course we can all say that "If only we'd done this, or that...", but that's football - things don't always go the way they should. I'm sure everyone, myself included, was disappointed with the displays against Coventry, Fulham and Middlesbrough, etc. but you get over it. I'd much rather prefer to concentrate on the good performances.
The truth is we ARE punching above our weight. We've been in the top half since August, not once having had to look at the relegation zone with fear. Let's celebrate what we have achieved, and not "what could have been".
[quote][bold]Trev[/bold] wrote:
aah shutup moving stands, moving out etc.. riversider makes a bloody good point, you're the one whos doin the moaning, get over it.[/quote] Thanks for the support, Trev. Call me old fashioned, but all things considered, I would swap a couple of league positions for a decent cup run. Beating Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup last season was one of the most thrilling nights ever for me in 30-odd years of going to games (and watching in that time from all four sides of the ground, not all at once of course!). The improvement in League position this season has been wonderful but the Intertoto used to be a consolation prize and now it is an objective in itself. And honestly what is the point of getting into Europe if you then go out to a team of Greek rubbing rags, while Bolton, a much inferior side to us this season, go on to play Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon. Top half in the League, including a home win over Man United, and a good cup run would be my ideal season. As a long-time opaying customer, not a cheapskate, a moron or a drunkard, I think I am entitled to me view, which is meant to be entirely constructive.
Trev wrote:
aah shutup moving stands, moving out etc.. riversider makes a bloody good point, you're the one whos doin the moaning, get over it.
Thanks for the support, Trev. Call me old fashioned, but all things considered, I would swap a couple of league positions for a decent cup run. Beating Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup last season was one of the most thrilling nights ever for me in 30-odd years of going to games (and watching in that time from all four sides of the ground, not all at once of course!). The improvement in League position this season has been wonderful but the Intertoto used to be a consolation prize and now it is an objective in itself. And honestly what is the point of getting into Europe if you then go out to a team of Greek rubbing rags, while Bolton, a much inferior side to us this season, go on to play Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon. Top half in the League, including a home win over Man United, and a good cup run would be my ideal season. As a long-time opaying customer, not a cheapskate, a moron or a drunkard, I think I am entitled to me view, which is meant to be entirely constructive.
Yes Hughsey another great season. Well done to all the lads. Nowhere near the top 5, hammered at home in the FA Cup to a side that almost got relegated......Anoth
er great season!!!!
Yes Hughsey another great season. Well done to all the lads. Nowhere near the top 5, hammered at home in the FA Cup to a side that almost got relegated......Anoth
er great season!!!!
Posted by: Rovers girl, Blackburn on 10:16pm Thu 8 May 08
Gotta say we've had a brill season. everyones been terrific. the manager, the players and the fans, keep up the good work! I wish i could say more but gotta revise for my gcse's.
THE FIGHT FOR EUROPE IS STILL ON!!
COME ON ROVERS!!
Gotta say we've had a brill season. everyones been terrific. the manager, the players and the fans, keep up the good work! I wish i could say more but gotta revise for my gcse's.
THE FIGHT FOR EUROPE IS STILL ON!!
COME ON ROVERS!!
Posted by: Woody Riversider, Blackburn on 2:20am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]riversider[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Trev[/bold] wrote: aah shutup moving stands, moving out etc.. riversider makes a bloody good point, you're the one whos doin the moaning, get over it.[/quote] Thanks for the support, Trev. Call me old fashioned, but all things considered, I would swap a couple of league positions for a decent cup run. Beating Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup last season was one of the most thrilling nights ever for me in 30-odd years of going to games (and watching in that time from all four sides of the ground, not all at once of course!). The improvement in League position this season has been wonderful but the Intertoto used to be a consolation prize and now it is an objective in itself. And honestly what is the point of getting into Europe if you then go out to a team of Greek rubbing rags, while Bolton, a much inferior side to us this season, go on to play Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon. Top half in the League, including a home win over Man United, and a good cup run would be my ideal season. As a long-time opaying customer, not a cheapskate, a moron or a drunkard, I think I am entitled to me view, which is meant to be entirely constructive. [/quote] [bold]Riversider[/bold] you make great points & some to have a good debate on.
[quote][bold]while Bolton, a much inferior side to us this season, go on to play Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon.[/quote][/bold]
For me your comment above (regarding BRFC) was all in the mind of the players(esp in Larrisa) & I personally think were underestimated(Larri
sa) but this is part of any season for any club & & I guess it's a fine line between success & failure.
For me any competion is worth being in regardless of how far we progress & esp BRFC for euro football.
Not many teams compete from in Great Britian on the euro stage & having my beloved club competing for that is awesome.
We all know we punch above our weight & that in itself is something to be extremely proud of. Which I'm sure you are.
Regards
riversider wrote:
Trev wrote: aah shutup moving stands, moving out etc.. riversider makes a bloody good point, you're the one whos doin the moaning, get over it.
Thanks for the support, Trev. Call me old fashioned, but all things considered, I would swap a couple of league positions for a decent cup run. Beating Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA Cup last season was one of the most thrilling nights ever for me in 30-odd years of going to games (and watching in that time from all four sides of the ground, not all at once of course!). The improvement in League position this season has been wonderful but the Intertoto used to be a consolation prize and now it is an objective in itself. And honestly what is the point of getting into Europe if you then go out to a team of Greek rubbing rags, while Bolton, a much inferior side to us this season, go on to play Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon. Top half in the League, including a home win over Man United, and a good cup run would be my ideal season. As a long-time opaying customer, not a cheapskate, a moron or a drunkard, I think I am entitled to me view, which is meant to be entirely constructive.
Riversider you make great points & some to have a good debate on.
while Bolton, a much inferior side to us this season, go on to play Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon.
For me your comment above (regarding BRFC) was all in the mind of the players(esp in Larrisa) & I personally think were underestimated(Larri
sa) but this is part of any season for any club & & I guess it's a fine line between success & failure.
For me any competion is worth being in regardless of how far we progress & esp BRFC for euro football.
Not many teams compete from in Great Britian on the euro stage & having my beloved club competing for that is awesome.
We all know we punch above our weight & that in itself is something to be extremely proud of. Which I'm sure you are.
Regards
Posted by: Trev, manchester on 8:56am Fri 9 May 08
i think we're due a good run in the fa cup next season, especially as recent times have gone, going out to Coventry was our lowest moment and thats why there's always room for improvement and we could have done much bette this season - why not aim higher, our position in the league shows this.
i think we're due a good run in the fa cup next season, especially as recent times have gone, going out to Coventry was our lowest moment and thats why there's always room for improvement and we could have done much bette this season - why not aim higher, our position in the league shows this.
Posted by: the realbluenwhite on 7:42pm Sat 10 May 08
One more win and it will have been another great league campaign no matter what villa do.
Just dont blow it tomorrow rovers, make villa fight for that european place.
What a travesty that man city are in Europe through fair play league. Spend 40 mill, finish below Rovers and get rewarded for not fighting hard enough to win games, pathetic
One more win and it will have been another great league campaign no matter what villa do.
Just dont blow it tomorrow rovers, make villa fight for that european place.
What a travesty that man city are in Europe through fair play league. Spend 40 mill, finish below Rovers and get rewarded for not fighting hard enough to win games, pathetic
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