Blackburn Rovers - Are Venky's the only ones to blame?

As an Indian and a keen follower of the Barclays Premier League, the news of Venky’s takeover of Blackburn Rovers was music to my ears for it not only signified growing interest in India towards European Football but also signified India’s gaining prominence globally. Deep down the idea of an Indian Company owning a team in the land of the colonial rulers made people stand up and take notice.

Having seen the likes of Vijay Mallyas, the Lakshmi Mittals and the Ambanis come close to owning a club in Europe’s top flight, it was a welcome relief to see one team finally under control of the Indians.

The fact that it was Blackburn made it even better for Venky’s to promote their business interest namely the restaurant chains and the poultry products which had always found a huge market in Europe especially in England. The club also stood to gain from a huge fan base in Asia and India in particular.

It was made to look as the perfect marriage for both concerned and a fruitful partnership indeed. That the company promised to pump in huge amount of money and transform the club overnight made the fans dance in the isles. Having seen the likes of Chelsea and most recently neighborhood club Manchester City get a huge makeover with foreign ownership, they all got sucked into their promises.

Blackburn Rovers

The start did not look too bad with reports of a huge contract being offered to Ronaldinho to price him out to a move but it was rejected by the player who instead favoured being at home in Brazil. Moves for other transfer targets also failed to materialize and the wheels coming off their sails atleast in the transfer market.

On the field at least, it wasn’t that bad with the then manager Sam Allardyce masterminding a decent campaign based on his tried and tested philosophy of feeding the frontmen in El Hadji and Mame Birham Diouf etc. aerially and being physical. Though it did not look pleasing, I would say in hindsight, could have worked for them season after season.

The manager’s sack soon followed, and it was expected that a change in the footballing style and culture would be brought within the club thereby attracting a wider number of players and increasing the fan base. It was also baffling to see them continue with the interim manager even when the results were not going right for them. To make mistakes is human but to persist with that is sheer stupidity. The expectations plummeted as the season went along and the fans were happy to just stay up in the PL than compete for continental places.

This sort of single minded backing of the Manager was devoid of reason and hence needs serious answering by the top brass of the club. The squad this season was more than decent to beat the drop. The wins against Arsenal and Manchester United and some hard earned draw is a testimony. They also had a decent Carling League Cup run which gave the fans some respite. I strongly believe that a better manager like David Moyes or Steve Bruce would have kept them up.

They had the option of hiring Mark Hughes (who was unemployed at the start of the season) given his track record some seasons ago with them. They could have also gone with Alan Shearer, a true fan favourite as a player or people like Roy Keane (than Steve Kean), Tony Adams who know how to win games or atleast to draw given their playing experience. The fact that these people were relegated with their previous teams could have made them think. Other name that comes to mind is Martin O’Neil who did splendidly with Sunderland (later) turning their season around.

Coming to the transfer front, I want to just clarify one thing that unlike the Oil Rich Billionaire Owners, Venky’s were always prone the market fluctuations for Profits to pay debts and fund the club. Thus, a reduction in the transfer bill compared to the earlier promised was half expected. They lost key players in Phil Jones, Hadji Diouf at the start of the season and looked destined to lose Samba. What transpired was the long tussle between Samba (who had recently signed a long term deal at the club) – the captain and the Manager which began to show during the games and after months of uncertainty. Samba left along with Ryan Nelson and Salgado towards the end of the Winter Window.

This makes it four out of four of their previously successful defensive partnership lost as well as their lead striker gone. The people who were brought in like Yakubu, Olson, Rochina, Formica, Goodwillie, Modeste would have been handful for most teams. Most of them performed in parts for the team.They also seem to have decent players coming out of the youth setup which gives promise to the club.

Venky's out?

It must also be noted that some of their targets like Jelavic , Ba, Jeffren Suarez, Parker chose other clubs and there were not much loan signings to boot. Had they chosen Blackburn the story could have been altogether different for the good. So although they were active in the transfer market there was no adequate quality that was brought in. But if this same squad was given to a different manager they would surely have done a better job so to speak.

To finish it off I definitely hope that BRFC would come back to their rightful place the BPL come next year just like Newcastle United and enjoy a great second season like them. Hope the Venky’s take a cue from Mr.Mike Ashley, learn a thing or two from the Championship and correct the mistakes that they did.

Hope they dont throw in the towel just yet and keep improving. After all great teams are not judged by how they play but also how they come back after being down. It will decide if they are the “elephant” (which takes time to come back) or the “horse” ( Just dusts up and runs at one stretch again with renewed vigour).

Hoping to see the legacy of India and its interest towards football just will continue to increase. Just like any other gutted Blackburn Rovers fan would feel now, its time to make a statement and make the juggernaut roll. Until then proud Indian fans will support and shower their wishes towards Blackburn in their next challenge in the Championship.

The only way now is the way up.