Blackburn Rovers - A fan's view
Wednesday, 23 May 2007 18:02
Good, bad or just the same old, same old. What the fans made of the 2006/07 season.
This season has generally been a successful one for Blackburn Rovers.
The club eventually finished 10th in the league, which is a little disappointing and many will feel the club should be achieving a top seven finish at least.
However whilst league form wasn’t perfect, Rovers excelled in the cup competitions this season. The club made it to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, eventually losing to Bayer Leverkusen - ending the best run in European competition Blackburn has ever had.
There was also a fantastic run in the FA Cup to cheer, with Rovers eventually succumbing to Chelsea and a Michael Ballack extra-time goal in the semi-finals. It was a bitterly unlucky result after missing two golden chances to win the game, including Morten Gamst Pedersen hitting the woodwork.
David Bentley was the star player of the season, fulfilling his obvious youthful potential and living up to the expectations placed on him. Benni McCarthy, Matt Derbyshire, Shabani Nonda and the ever-reliable Morten Gamst Pedersen also had great seasons. Older players Brad Friedel, Tugay and Robbie Savage also all had impressive years and look good for next term too.
Manager Mark Hughes again showed his undoubted pedigree as a top Premiership boss, bringing about another successful campaign at Ewood Park. His continual success has led to his name being mentioned as often as anyone for every vacant Premiership managerial role.
By drawing 3-3 with Reading in the last game of the season, Blackburn qualified for the Intertoto Cup and potentially have another European campaign to look forward to next season. The club will hope to build on this steady season and fans will hope for a higher league position next time around, perhaps automatic continental qualification.
Grade: B
High Point
Benni McCarthy’s brilliant 87th minute goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round replay.
Low Point
A demoralising 6-2 defeat to Arsenal in the League.
Fan's Player of the Year
David Bentley
The former Arsenal player fulfilled his undoubted potential this season, scoring seven goals and claiming 13 assists from midfield. Bentley was a major factor in the team’s success this year and he continued to play for the England under-21s, scoring against Italy in the first game at the new Wembley, the first Englishman to score at the rebuilt national stadium. Bentley also earned himself a call-up for the end-of-season England B international against Albania on May 25th.
Needs for Next Season
The focus for next season must be on the league. An Intertoto Cup run before the season has begun will perhaps be an unwanted distraction, but Mark Hughes will be gearing his players for an assault on the Premiership. The club will look to challenge the likes of Tottenham and Bolton for the places below the top four.
With Hughes still in place as manager, there is no reason why the club cannot push on from the success this season. A few signings may be required, especially if Benni McCarthy is to leave this summer and Shabani Nonda returns to Roma. A top-quality striker should therefore be top of Blackburn's shopping list and maybe a bit of quality elsewhere as well.
Richard James
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