 Friday, 2nd May 2008 09:56 Last home game for Blackburn and to add to the party atmosphere, the club has given the Rams up to 7000 tickets to fill the away end. Blackburn Rovers v Derby County That’s generous when you consider that Blackburn’s average gate is 23,823. Blackburn are of the accused of having low gates for such a big club but when you consider that the population of Blackburn is only 137,000 and that most of the surrounding towns and cities have their own successful clubs, then it’s actually pretty good. Blackburn currently lie 8th in the table and unless Villa seriously mess up in their last two games, are unlikely to be getting out their European travel maps. That’s not to say that Mark Hughes won’t be looking for a maximum return from this fixture. They have already exceeded last season’s total of 52 points and will look to be build on a good season this year for a European place next term. The team now seems to be made of sterner stuff than previous seasons. Blackburn have rescued points on several occasions when they have gone behind. Derby fans may remember a two goal burst that cancelled out Matt Oakley’s opener at the end of December. Hughes is building a competitive team ands shipping out the deadwood – to us in the case of savage and Todd it seems. Roque Santa Cruz may well attract some envious eyes in the summer and Hughes may have his work cut out to hang on to him. Current Blackburn Squad No. Position Player Last 5 games Reading 0-0 Blackburn Danger Men Roque Santa Cruz has scored in the last 3 games – He scored equalizer against us back in December. He’s managed 21 goals this season and is probably most of the reason that Blackburn are doing so well this year. The £3.5 million spent by Mark Hughes looks to have been a bargain when you compare the return compared to say Rob Earnshaw. Santa Cruz seems to be able to score even when the team is playing poorly – he scored a hat-trick in the 5-3 defeat by Wigan. Benni McCarthy has managed eleven goals this season though he’s rated doubtful for the game. Chris Samba is expected to be fit after limping off against Portsmouth. The Rams In front of 4000+ traveling fans we can expect the team to play at their best right? Robbie Savage, Andy Todd and Jay McEveley will surely want to prove that Blackburn were wrong to let them go? At the least, we can expect the team to give their all to avoid being officially part of the worst Premiership team ever? If the truth is known, probably not. And why should they? They get paid regardless of how bad they play who remembers who was part of Sunderland's equally dismal squad? The players may pay lip service to our 'magnificent' fans and indeed John Hemsworth from the supporters clubs picked up the players player of the year trophy at the recent end of season dinner on our behalf, but judging by the effort put in on the pitch, they don't really care. Darren Moore was voted player of the year and while I have a lot of admiration for Darren and cannot fault him for 100% effort, it does seem to be a pointless award - akin to best deck chair arranger on the Titanic. It's a struggle to think of anything positive to say about the current squad and frankly the manager as well. Okay we were doomed when he arrived and it would have taken a miracle to keep us up however we should be getting into the right frame of mind for next season. Throwing up your hands and wishing the season was over doesn't cut much ice with us fans who have paid money to watch what's being served up. If we aren't even going to bother competing, tell us and we'll go elsewhere on Saturday. Take the Arsenal game. Picking the slowest defensive line in history against one of the fastest attacks doesn't suggest the manager put much thought into it. Okay Arsenal are a league or more ahead of the Rams but making it easy for them is hardly good preparation for next season. Look at our disciplinary record. We aren't getting many yellow or red cards because our players aren't getting caught out making late challenges. They don't argue with the referee or dispute decisions with the Linesmen. Where is the Robbie Savage we've grown to hate? This one looks like an inept Darryl Powell for the new millennium. Mick's team: Can't be bothered to select one. There’s no formation or magic team selection that will compete or perform. What the bookies think Blackburn are favourites at 2/7 on while the Rams are at 8/1. The draw is 10/3. Don’t waste your money. Information for traveling fans Drinking: Despite reports to the contrary, The Fernhurst is the best 'away supporters’ pub'. It’s on the Bolton Rd, behind the away supporters end. It’s a large pub and well set up to cater for away supporters. A poster on Popside.com took the trouble to ring the pub and was told; “children will be allowed in on Saturday and they only let away supporters in and are the official away supporters pub. It is perfectly acceptable to wear colours.” Other pubs include the Golden Cup pub, about 15 minutes away from the Fernhurst, and the Bear which apparently has good parking. Driving: It's 106 miles to Ewood Park from Derby. The best route is to take the A50 to Stoke and then take the M6 North until Junction J29 where you join the M65. Take the M65 to J4 and take the A666 Darwen and Blackburn (S) road. At the first set of lights turn right and Ewood Park is about a mile down this road. Note that the speed cameras on the A666 are active. Parking: Footballgrounds.com reports that there are many private car parks around the ground charging £3 though various people have reported an increase to £5. Getting away after the game can be slow as many of the roads are closed. If you want to get away quickly, Footballgrounds.com suggests that as you come down the hill on the A666, you will pass a Total garage on your left. Turn right at the next traffic lights and down on your left there are some industrial units where you can park. Mick's Prediction I predict the traveling support will have a good time and sing throughout the match. That’s all.
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