The Rovers Return

"It's a no from me," said Simon

Tonight’s game against Hull represents a real chance to distance ourselves from the relegation dogfight.

Last night was fantastic for Rovers, despite us not playing:

Fulham 3-0 Burnley

City 2-0 Bolton

Pompey 1-1 Sunderland

Wigan 1-1 Stoke

Before these matches I asked, almost identically, for that set of results. The only thing I would have preferred was a Portsmouth win, but never mind.

Those results mean Rovers are seven points clear of West Ham and Wolves, who occupy 18th and 19th. We’re also six clear of Bolton, five of Burnley and four of Wigan, which adds another centimetre to my wry smile.

Now, to turn that wry smile into a giggle of delight, Rovers need to turn last night’s results to their advantage by beating Hull at Ewood. In writing, that doesn’t seem a huge ask, but when Rovers are involved, nothing is ever easy …

‘Resurgent’ Hull – who, having won one game against a top six side are now considered ‘in-form’ for some reason – are poor. They are probably good enough to stay up for the same reasons we are, a severe lack of talent in a lot of Premier League sides.

We have to win.

Tonight’s game is given extra ’spice’ by the fact we are playing to honour the memory of John Taylor, the fan who died in the concourse at Stoke.

There will also be a one-minute’s silence before the game, so make sure you’re in your seat in time for that, and the players will don black armbands as a mark of respect.

More added spice, on a personal level for me, comes from the fact I live and work (until April that is!) in Hull, and will have to declare myself unable to work through illness if we lose to the Tigers, at least until the shame has worn off.

As for the team, we are looking remarkably strengthened. Both Jacobsen and Grella (what’s the odds on hi limping off at some stage) come back into the fold after injury, both having played in a reserve friendly at Fleetwood Town in midweek.

That game also saw new-boy Yaldiray Basturk play 45 minutes, after which he was withdrawn, leading to speculation he is being kept fresh for a debut in tonight’s crucial encounter.

I’m particularly excited at the prospect of Basturk. He’s proved himself to be a solid player over the years and, if Tugay has had anything to do with the transfer, which I believe he has, then he’s surely going to be a good-un!

Unfortunately Samba, who has turned into something of a red card addict, will be missing after his sending off on Saturday.

Hull are without an away win in 11 months, and we’ve only lost twice at home all season – both games against Champions League hopefuls – so that, coupled with the fact that in 56 games against Hull, Rovers have won the overwhelming majority, sees the omens in our favour. But on the night it’s ‘11 v 11′ as the old cliche goes.

Tonight also represents a chance for Niko Kalinic to take on the mantle of Rovers’ leading scorer. Although he only currently has one league goal to his credit, he is level with David Dunn on six goals in all competitions. A striker should really be the club’s top scorer over the course of the season, so come on Niko, do it for us tonight!

Report This Post