Vital Blackburn’s Joe was kind enough to answer a few of JF’s questions ahead of our game tomorrow. Here’s what he said.
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1) So, a new season, what hopes have the Rovers faithful got? Where do you think you`ll finish?
I am split to be honest, it could go either way. We have been promised new signings by the end of the window (9 new players in total!) and if they all come off it will be a massive boost. Our squad is very thin and so everyone we can get is needed. If we do strengthen I think we can look forward to a positive season, perhaps say 12th place? If not and the signings don`t come off then I fear we will get relegated due to lack of numbers. We really need a goal scorer ala Darren Bent!
2) The manager… the right man or a disaster having pushed aside Big Sam?
Personally I don`t think he is the right man to do the job, however he is in charge and we have to back him. Big Sam had his style of football but I`d take that and guaranteed survival over what we had last season and day. This summer provides Steve Kean with the chance to put his own stamp on the team so we shall see!
3) What are the impressions of your ‘new` owners now they have had time to settle in?
I think they need a little longer. They have learnt a lot in the last 10 months and I still think they have a lot more to learn. The PR at the start was a disaster with the whole “Ronaldinho saga” was rather embarrassing but now the tide seems to have turned. The princes trust charity sponsor along with naming a stand after a legendary player who recently passed away have gone down well with the fans so things seem to be looking up!
4) Not much action in the transfer window for most teams this summer, have you seen any comings and goings and what do you think of them?
Incomings we have had just 2 of note – David Goodwillie from Dundee United, who I rate highly, and also a midfield lad called Petrovic from Partizan Belgrade. Both were needed additions. Goodwillie came in for £2 million which is a real bargain as if he was English he would have commanded a Connor Wickham type fee. Petrovic is also a great buy for £3.5 million, and we beat off a host of teams such as Juventus for his signature. Outgoings we have had quite a few, mostly loans. Santa Cruz, MD Diouf and Jermaine Jones all left after their loan deals expired as well as Benjani who`s contract ran out. Kalinic has left for pastures new for £6 million and the main one is Phil Jones off to United for £16.5 million. No wonder we are short on numbers eh!
5) You fed up playing Villa?!?! lol What do you think of Villa and our new manager Alex McLeish?
Of course! Almost every damn year we get you in the cup! And to make it worse we had you lot in pre-season as well! I like McLeish as a manager, although I don`t think he is anything special. I know I wouldn`t have minded ex-Burnley manager Owen Coyle in charge of Rovers despite his history, so I think you should give him a chance.
6) If you could have two of our players (you can`t btw, this is not a contract!!!) who would they be and why?
Darren Bent as we are desperate for a striker, and also Richard Dunne. He is a solid defender and that is something we also could do with!
7) Which players should Villa be most scared of on Saturday?
Darren Bent! He always seems to score against us! Much like Anelka and Van Persie!
8) Where do you think Villa will finish this season (like you care!)
11th. Just above Rovers in 12th. For me the loss of Downing and Young is not fully compensated for by N`Zogbia so I think you have lost out there.
9) Match prediction please kind sir.
A score draw. 1-1. Bent for Villa, Formica for Rovers.
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