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BRFC CHAIRMAN COMMENTS ON WAGE CAPPING

BRFC chairman John Williams has stated his belief that wage capping could be of great benefit to English football.

It appears that Williams is basing much of his argument on the state of football in general as well as the interests of BRFC. While acknowledging the merits Williams also highlighted that wage caps should be based on competitive equality rather than club turnover.

Quoted by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Williams stated "I believe there are merits to bringing in a salary cap. The idea of capping to make everything equal in football really excites me, it would be like racing drivers changing cars with each other to stop the same Ferrari driver always winning."

"The problem with the idea of caps is when it is talked about in relation with debt and security. People say wages should be kept in relation to turnover and that would not help at all."

"If you said for example, wages had to be 65 per cent of takeover, some clubs would have the capacity to increase wages."

To say it wouldn't help from a BRFC standpoint (or many clubs outside the top 4 for that matter) would be a colossal understatement. Is it clear that the key to success for Blackburn Rovers would be based on the economical capabilities of the club owner rather than current turnover. The success under Jack Walker's ownership obviously relates to that. While the current owners could conceivably stretch spending to a far greater extent that would hardly assist in challenging Chelsea or the potential emergence of Manchester City into title contention. Though from a personal standpoint I feel that new owners who actually show the slightest interest in helping the club succeed is just as important as economical limits.

Williams also made reference to the point at which such a procedure would be called into action. Most notably players contracts would probably have to be honoured on current figures before downscaling to a fixed level. Also it would be difficult to implement the cap across the whole of Europe and beyond which could lead to a mass exodus of star players. Certainly the goals of capping would be to balance competiveness but not downscale the overall quality of player in the premier league.

Indeed it would be no surprise if it took 3-4 years to implement such changes and maybe longer. Therefore the main goal in relation to Blackburn Rovers is still to find a new buyer for the football club. From a competitive standpoint that would allow the club to keep pace throughout that fixed time period while changes are introduced. Of course many will believe that the wage capping call will once again lead to a dead end and it would probably be delusional to expect anything other than that.

It is no particular surprise that Williams has issued these thoughts immediately following yesterday's remarks by "Lord" David Triesman of the national Football Association. Triesman has suggested implementing wage caps and UEFA have also threatened to ban clubs with considerable debts from the "champions" league.

The current economic crisis has already had a negative effect on some clubs mostly West Ham United. They lost their shirt sponsorship deal with the XL company and the club's owner has also had major issues with his own business dealings. They also authorised an astonishing sum of money towards the wages of a greedy, arrogant SOB and they deserve what they getting on the ludicrous nature of that sanction alone. Though it is believed that the player himself will not be affected due to the rumoured release of a potential best selling autobiography "how to make astronomical sums of money with an average talent."

While the economical crisis impact on English Football can be forecasted it is still important to point out that it is yet to have any particular effect on a club by club basis. Time will tell.

BRFC INTERESTED IN VUKCEVIC?

BRFC have reportedly expressed interest in Simon Vukcevic of Sporting Lisbon. The midfielder has performed well in Portugal but recently stated his desire to leave following disputes with club management.

Vukcevic, 22, was quoted as saying "Today I played more than just four minutes, but I'm not here to talk about the match. It's very difficult for me, but I've decided to leave in December."

"I only wanted to play and help the team to win the championship, but it seems that is a bad thing here."

"Thank you very much to the fans for the support they have always given me, but things can't continue like this. I hope this is the best solution for Sporting, who I wish all the best for.

I haven't got another club yet but I have three months to find one. I don't want to spend more time not playing.

In July Vukcevic's agent alleged that BRFC made an offer for Vukcevic but the supposed bid was turned down. If BRFC were to re-register any previous interest a bid is far more likely to be met with acceptance by Sporting.

WHELAN COMMENTS ON NEWCASTLE CHAOS

Former BRFC defender Dave Whelan has stated that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley deserves all the criticism he is receiving. Whelan, once again interfering in matters that shouldn't concern him also made the funniest comment in football heard for some time. The whole country agrees apparently that Steve Bruce is one of the top 4 managers in world football. I've never heard anyone say he's one of the top managers in this country never mind the world. Perhaps Whelan indulged a little too much before making that comment. Perhaps he will say Emile Heskey is one of the top strikers in the Premier League next. For the record as some of you may or not know Whelan initially intended to invest in BRFC but his delay led to Jack Walker gaining control. Missing out on Whelan and getting Jack Walker is like losing 1 penny and finding a gold bar. Luckiest escape this club has ever had.

Following the departure of NUFC “messiah” Kevin Keegan a supporters revolt is destined to end Ashley's tenure at St James' Park. Despite having the emotional fragility of a child and losing a 12 point title lead in 1996 Keegan is worshipped by the Newcastle fans. Unlike the likes of Ewood legend Jack Walker, Brian Clough of Derby/Forest, etc Keegan never actually achieved anything to be greeted with such widespread adulation. If anyone thought Steve Coppell was the king when it came to quitters he isn't even a patch on Keegan in that area.”

What exactly does this have to do with Blackburn Rovers? Well first of all Whelan is linked to the club as a former player and self alleged supporter. Secondly there has been debate on various BRFC boards whether or not Ashley would be a good potential buyer for Blackburn Rovers Football Club. Well if anyone has an interest in takeover affairs at this club it's me. Guilty as charged of having an absolutely obsessive interest in the subject. Ashley has done business with BRFC in the past (Sports World) and that showing was hardly passed with flying colours.

If or when this club is taken over I won't complain no matter who it is. After campaigning in the club's best interests for so long in this area it would be hypocritical of me to moan should a new owner not meet the highest standards. Whether a takeover here would turn out to be a success or failure either way I would be getting exactly what I deserve. Ashley however is certainly not the ideal figure for this football club and there are numerous reasons as to why that is the case. Firstly wearing a club shirt is an empty gesture and should be recognised as exactly that.

What sort of coward gives in to fan pressure so easily? The one move that has ultimately backfired on Ashley was one designed to please the fans. Hiring the "œmessiah" back to the club. Keegan does fit the profile perfectly for Newcastle in many ways. Neither ever seems to actually achieve anything. So Ashley brings back Keegan (something he should never have done in the first place if he wants success) but begins interfering in team affairs. Dennis Wise appointed as director of football has also been hounded with abuse for simply doing his job as advertised.

Ashley should refuse to sell the club until Newcastle fans are forced to apologise to HIM. He clears their debts and goes out of his way to please them. Things go sour after a few months when Keegan quits for the 6656535434343534 time in his managerial career. Personally if I was in Ashley's position I would take personal enjoyment out of taunting Newcastle fans and demand an apology until agreeing to sell anything. Fans forcing someone out of a football club is ludicrous. Supposedly they were going to boycott the match and couldn't even achieve that goal at the first hurdle.

The latest from Toonland is that Newcastle supporters are attempting to mount their own bid for NUFC probably appointing loser Keegan in the process. Well a circus populated by clowns would eventually become owned by the clowns. Who would Newcastle fans blame for their failures then. Obviously it would be anyone but themselves or the "Messiah". While this bid in my estimation is unlikely to lead anywhere it is certainly something worth debating.

What if a situation ever arose at Ewood in which the fans here attempted to launch a takeover? Well it might not be the wisest move for a site looking to attract Rovers fans to say this but honesty is my preferred approach. If Rovers fans ever owned this club I would hang myself. In my wildest imaginations I couldn't think of anything worse than Rovers fans owning this club. Of course Jack Walker did but he was the sole owner and had a level of mentality few BRFC fans could comprehend. For Newcastle though I couldn't think of anything more amusing. Now I don't hate Newcastle, my hatred is reserved for only one club (Manchester United) but their exploits are certainly of great amusement to all outside their little corner of the world.

Everyone else sees in clear, crystal, glorious Technicolor. Newcastle fans only seem capable of seeing everything in black and white and I'm not making reference to their shirts.

CHAIRMAN COMMENTS ON TAKEOVER HOPES

BRFC chairman John Williams has reiterated that the club is continuing to use advisors in preparation of any future sale.

Upon queries by the Lancashire Telegraph regarding sale preference Williams stated that everyone here always wants to wish that the club is eventually passed to someone who will carry on the very proud heritage that we have had since 1875.

It appears that the LET have taken slight liberties with the quotes. Williams is quoted as saying "heritage" not "family heritage" yet the LET uses their own words elsewhere in the article (sub headline and opening paragraph) suggesting that Williams made remarks regarding "family traditions." Whether Williams actually used the words "family heritage" has been left open to debate. Some people like to refer to BRFC as a "family club" whatever that means. If that's the case then all 20 premier league clubs should be called "family clubs" considering the usage of family enclosures at every stadium...except Portsmouth because I wouldn't call that shed a stadium.

The main headline states "we won't sell out" which is supposedly words used by Williams too. Firstly it's obvious that the club aren't going to sell to "asset strippers incorporated." Secondly this phrase does back up the Williams statement regarding carrying on the proud heritage of the club. Really the headline is somewhat pointless as we know already that the club are looking to sell to someone who can take the club further. Considering the article includes comments regarding Manchester City's takeover it is possibly implying that the club won't sell out to a similar group. Williams however has been on record stating that an Abramovich type is exactly what the club are looking for ideally.

Regarding Man City's takeover a particular quote in the Daily Mirror recently caught my interest. "What makes them different to Shinawatra or the glazers, is that they have "sovereign wealth". They have the backing of Abu Dhabi's ruling family and that’s the best guarantee you can possibly have in terms of financing."

Regarding the activities of BRFC's corporate advisors Williams stated "Our owners are looking and continuing to use their advisors to find potential purchasers of the club or shares. There is quite a lot of work going on, and professional people (I.e Rothschild) are out their searching for the right deal for Blackburn Rovers."

There's 2 essential things regarding a future takeover. Obviously cash is the first but with cash you still need to "think big" a certain phrase used by Ewood legend Jack Walker in the past. Some people clearly don't want to see massive transformation in the apparent tradition/mentalities of the club. The only thing that matters to me is the success of the club. As far as I'm concerned as long as money and ambition is provided then it goes without speaking that "future heritage" is part of the deal.

Ewood Legend Comments On Top 4 Stranglehold

Ewood legend Kenny Dalglish believes it would be difficult for any club to break the current top 4 stranglehold.

Speaking at the Singapore Premier Pitch facility Dalglish stated that it would really be difficult for any club to do a Blackburn.

Aside from BRFC's 1995 English Title victory the championship has been monopolised by Chelsea, Arsenal and SCUM Fc. Over the last few seasons another of Dalglish's former clubs Liverpool have also finished in the top 4 on a regular basis. Newcastle United of course came close to winning the title in 95-96 but somehow managed to screw it up in the closing stages.

Ominous comments by Dalglish (whom Newcastle sacked in a showing of breathtaking arrogance) but the opinion of one of the greatest managers in history is of far greater value than the journeymen ITV call pundits.

Outside of the top 4 Rovers are one of the clubs in the next bracket who with the right managerial expertise and significant investment may one day break that barrier.

Dalglish's comments illustrate just how vital a takeover is for Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

Dalglish was appointed as BRFC manager in 1991 by club owner Jack Walker. An appointment that proved to any doubters that Jack Walker truly was and always would be thinking big. In less than 4 years Dalglish expertly assembled the title winning squad that toppled rivals Scum Fc for the premier league crown.

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