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Mikey At Ewood

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Well with Sasman and his Aussie counterpart Retro struggling for a stream in the land down under you have all been stuck with me for this final round up in the Rovers season.

As a man who was live at the game I will tell you this – it was the worst game I have watched in a long while. With the exception of a few, Rovers looked like they were on the beach already. The game was overshadowed by the final game of one of the greatest players of our time. Not just at Rovers but in football.

The crowd, complete with masks and Turkish flags etc, were there mainly for one man and one man only…. TUGAY.

The only real bright spots from the game were West Brom’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal and the tricky foot work of the maestro in midfield. It is difficult to say much more other than the sending off of Roberts on the 70 minute mark was at best ridiculous!

The big moment in tha game came after 85 minutes of play. The final sub call was made, the man of the match was announced and off, for the final time went Tugay. Not a person in blue and white was sat down, it was a fitting send off for the man who has given more to the cause in recent years than anyone else.

After Roberts’ sending off the game petered out with Rovers forced to defend and WBA passing the ball around well but being truly wasteful in front of goal.

I must also point out that the men guilty of taking it far too easy were Benni McCarthy, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Vince Grella. All of whom had better concentrate a lot more over the course of the next few seasons otherwise they could be shot on sight!

The post match tribute was a beautiful thing to witness as Tugay appeared on the big screen telling the Rovers fans – ‘I love you and I’ll never forget you’.

Yes there was a football match before this tribute but the day was about more than football.

Player Ratings

Paul Robinson – 7
Didnt have a load to do but pulled off a brilliant save from the impressive Chris Brunt just before half time.

Englands number one indeed.

Andre Ooijer – 6
Also making his final appearance for Rovers but with a lot less fanfare. His performance at centre back epitomized his Ewood career. Steady but nothing to spectacular.

Keith Andrews – 5
Looked sloppy out of position and his judgement was questionable but he did put the yards in unlike others.

Gael Givet – 7
Best defender on show by a mile. He missed the Nelsen connection but he put in several timely blocks and showed good awareness.

Stephen Warnock – 6
Several excellent runs but caught out of position at times. Not the best of goes from Warnock but few can begrudge him the player of the season award.

Diouf – 6
Good touches and some sharp movement but will somebody teach this man how to TAKE A CORNER please.

Grella – 4
Some tough tackling and won possession back but his passing was AWFUL. Sort it out Vince, I have seen you better than this.

Tugay – 11
A legend.

Pedersen – 4
Not good enough Morten. Corner practice with Diouf in the summer please and stop hogging the free kicks.

McCarthy – 5
Still looks out of shape. He looked like he wanted to be on holiday. Some nice touches but that was it.

Samba – 7
Was actually inspired up front in the first half and showed some great control and body language. Hit the post as well. Replaced by Roberts.

Mokoena – 6
Also making his last appearance at Rovers before leaving for Portsmouth. Steady and showed his usual commitement but won’t be difficult to replace.

Olsson – 5
Barely anytime to do anything as he onyl came on so Tugay could go off.
What the heck was that sending off about?! Unlucky guy.

Burnley Promoted
Word has just reached my office that Burnley have been promoted. What great news for the area and we have two local derbies to look forward to!

A last word for the legend
Lets have none of this how can we replace Tugay but the simple fact is we cant.

He is one in a million and can’t be replaced.

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Vital Blackburn Site Editor / Fence Sitter

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