News

Blackburn Rovers- The Current State

|
Image for Blackburn Rovers- The Current State

For once, Sas has had very little to say. Ever since the initial take over by the Venkys Group, Sas has remained quiet. Many a rant has been said, and I have made my views on Sam Allardyce clear in the past, but its time to look at what we have, where we are going, and who is leading us where.

Before I continue, only continue reading if you dare to take an open minded approach. Put the past week in the back of your mind, and just read. This is not a Pro Venkys article, yet its not an Anti Venkys article as well. Just read on….

First of all, its important to discuss what has happened. Sam Allardyce. The man saved us from almost certain relegation, brought stability to the club, and appeared to be making great progress with the minimal funds he had. Sam was the man. However, in his 2 year tenure, Sam appeared to fall out with many. Matt Derbyshire, Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts, Lars Jacobsen and Pascal Chimbonda are some names who have aired their dirty laundry. But for every one of those, there was the Chris Samba, El Hadji Diouf and Ryan Nelsens, who swore by the methods of Sam. What can we take from all this. Personally, I believe watever happened in the backroom, stayed in the backroom with our lads. On the pitch, they fought for one another, inspired by the leaders in Samba and Nelsen. So what has changed?

The figures who held the stability in the past, appear to be uncertain. Chris Samba, Ryan Nelsen, and even the man who was at the very top of the food chain, Mr Williams, have doubt in their mind. However, their can be some optimism in this. The doubt is not about whether the next pay cheque is their last. The doubt is whether the club they love so much, has a positive future.

This brings us to the, where we are now stage.

At the moment, we are at the cross roads. How many paths one can take, well, realistically, who knows? We have a new manager at the helm, who somehow has managed to convince owners he is the man to lead the club onwards. With that, brings us Mr Kean. Whilst a relative unknown, Kean has been backed in the field by many that know him, even once afforded the assistants role by Mr Scolari at Chelsea. What does Kean bring to the ball park, that realistically has no answer. What we do know though, is whilst Mr Kean is the manager, there appears to be people behind the scenes, people who appear to be ambitious, but whether this ambition is realistic. Venkys.

After speaking to several Indian Sources of mine, Venkys appear to be a superbly run organisation, attempting to maximise profits throughout their enterprise. The organisation has grown year after year, hence providing the funds to purchase Blackburn Rovers Football club. To my personal surprise, the other contenders who attempted to purchase Blackburn, Mr Al Syed and Mr Shah, are unknowns in their homeland. Their unknowns in their towns, whilst Venkys is seen to be a massive organisation, with a public figure. But what does such an organisation have to do with Blackburn Rovers.

This brings us back to the first point, Venkys attempt to maximise profits throughout their enterprise through a well structured business model. To them, it appears Blackburn Rovers is a part of this model, allowing them to expand. Had anybody in England heard of Venkys prior to this? Heck, Venkys is the word on my mouth, and I am in Sydney. So far, Venkys has brought massive exposure to their organisation, simply buy purchasing Blackburn Rovers Football Club. But how can Venkys, an organisation whose owners are self confessed Cricket fans, take Blackburn Rovers to brighter pastures?

Kentaro/SEM. Think about it. A leading sports agency, managing and abundance of talent. Mr Jerome Andersen brought the likes of Elano to Manchester City. And whilst their was a Roland Bianchi for every Elano, if Blackburn Rovers could get 2 or 3 players of this talent, surely it could be beneficial for the club? Or, would Kentaro/SEM have total control in the transfers? With one of their own at the helm in Mr Kean, where does this leave the likes of Chris Samba, Ryan Nelsen, Brett Emerton and Michel Salgado. The players who bleed blue and white, but arent managed by this agency. Will they be forced out?

There are many questions which can be asked, many many questions. And the problem is, these questions have no immediate answer. At the current time, it looks like Blackburn are on the path to nowhere. However, Blackburn do have 3 things working in their favour.

1) The English Premier League. We are a Premier League Club, and we are still in the Premier League. This can be seen as Venky’s major asset and call card. For Venkys to make any profit, Blackburn need to be a Premier League Club. For Blackburn to remain a Premier League Club, the likes of Ryan Nelsen, Chris Samba and co must remain at the helm. For Blackburn to improve and climb the ladder, funds must be provided. Realistically, who cares if these players are managed by Kentaro. If Kris Boyd comes in and bangs the goals, if Geovanni comes in and knocks the ball around half as good as Tugay did, if anybody came in and put the Blue and White halves on and fought as hard as Ryan Nelsen does, or ran as long as Brett Emerton does, then they are playing for my team in the fashion we want them to.

2) Our Squad. We have a good, young squad. The players we have realistically are good enough to maintain a 10th to 12th spot. Yes the owners want 5th, well the owners need to be realistic. 10th to 12th is the aim, once they realise the manager needs 20 mill pounds, then we talk 5th to 7th.

3) Mr Williams- One of the smartest, informed and intelligent men in the game today. Mr Williams is the X Factor. Apparently, he spent 4 hours on the phone trying to convince the owners to change their decision on Sam Allardyce. Mr Williams knows whats best for the club. And need I say it, Venkys need to acknowledge that Mr Williams knows how to run Blackburn Rovers. If the day comes where Venkys think otherwise, thats when we can start worrying. But for know, Mr Williams is there.

Confused? Heck, I am. But what can we do about it? Not much. What should we do? Well you tell me…

What we do know though is the following.

– Mr Kean is at the helm, apparently until the end of the season
– Funds will be provided, how much, who knows?
– Kentaro will play a role, what we do want is 2 Elanos to the 1 Bianchi
– There is a split in the squad, even Tony Parkes said some of the players will be happy with the situation, whilst some are outright frustrated

Personally, I believe we hold our judgement come February. January will be the month where we see the direction we will head into. Dont forget, last window our big signings where MB Diouf on loan, and Benjani on a free. How much more we gain in this window will decided exactly how much love Venkys will gain. Or will it be how much we lose this window that sways yours truly?

Questions…..too many questions….

Time Will Tell

Arte Et Labore
BRFC

Share this article

The Man for All Jobs

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *