Rovers 1-2 Rangers: Not to worry
Posted by: roversreturn on 
Jul 25th, 2010 | 
Filed under: Match
A 2-1 defeat to the Scottish champions is nothing to be too ashamed of.
Unfortunately, I’m not in Australia, so I wasn’t there, and there was no chance of me getting up at 6am on a Sunday to watch the game online, so I haven’t seen it, but most are saying it was a poor performance.
Gleaned from the comments section of the Telegraph website from people who, I assume, did see the game:
Roberts up front on his own failed to impress. I still reckon Roberts is a decent player who can score goals, he just needs support. He is coming in for a lot of criticism at the moment, but maybe it’s a little harsh to judge players in pre-season …
One commenter says we did nothing until the introduction of Grella and Emerton. That’s good to see, at least we’re giving the locals something to cheer about. Apparently, Brett Emerton, who was born in Sydney, got a great standing ovation from the home crowd.
There is more, but it’s largely negative.
What I think people are forgetting is that Rovers landed 33 hours before kick off, so were full of jet lag. They were always going to struggle against a team that had had more time on Australian soil to adjust to the change of time zone.
We are also still missing key players. Niko, Olsson and Samba are all injured, and there was no Nelsen involved. That’s four key players – not just squad players – not involved in the game. Rangers were almost at full strength, so were clear favourites.
There’s a lot of negativity coming from Rovers fans this pre-season, which is disappointing to see. We need to get used to the fact that a takeover probably won’t happen before the end of the transfer window and our small transfer budget may not be enough to bring in any new faces.
Remember, though, that this is essentially the side that came 10th last season. We haven’t lost any key players to other clubs, so have a bit of faith in the team.
On a side note, I was hoping the Sydney Festival of Football website would be nicely up to date, maybe with highlights of the matches and live updates, etc, etc.
However, upon visiting sydneyfestivaloffootball.com.au and looking at the news section of the site, the latest update is Vince Grella predicting Holland will win the World Cup. A poor effort there by the organisers.
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July 25th, 2010 at 4:17 am
It might only be pre-season but it was a strong team that Rovers put out. It’s not just the result, it’s the manner of defeat which is most important. Changes need to be made quck to avoid these performances being taken into the new campaign. I’d offer Villa and Stoke a million pound each for Heskey and Beattie. I think they could cause mayhem with Pederson’s throw-ins. As for “jet lag”, whose brainbox idea was it to arrange the flights so close to the game being played?? Is this Rovers board penny pinching on hotel accomodation by any chance??
July 25th, 2010 at 4:21 am
Good run out for both our boys.
Bearing in mind we have just lost half our best players, that was a patched up Rangers team.
Still, good game for both teams, still another 2 to go.
Good luck for the season Rovers.
July 25th, 2010 at 4:57 am
Im a Rangers fan, tried to get up early to watch the game but fell back asleep and caught the last half hour. The last half hour, going by what the commentators said, was a lot better from Blackburns point of view. Rangers played very well in the first half and despite this only being our 2nd pre season game, this would maybe have been expected over a blackburn side who had not long landed in Australia. I expect blackburn will be a lot better in their second game… They started getting into the game a bit more as the pressure of a one goal lead (Rangers missing a penalty then Blackburn going right up the park and scoring their own) meant some heavy defending at times for Rangers but we still looked dangerous on the break, composed on the ball and tidy in posession. Diouf was looking to make things happen, he was always wanting the ball but he had little end product. Roberts huffed and puffed but couldnt get through a strong Rangers defence. The Rangers team was at full strength but as you could see, that team that played was our only senior players, bar a sub goalie and our injured RB on the bench, every other player we have brought to Austrialia is an ‘up and coming’ youth player. The scoreline could have been worse for Blackburn but I dont think they have cause for concern as the second game should prove to be a lot better for them.
July 25th, 2010 at 5:49 am
6 fingers down – We didn’t really have much choice but to fly out on Thursday as we had a game Weds. Think we’ve tried more than £1m for Beattie and been rejected. I really don’t understand that situation as Pulis has made it quite clear he doesn’t want him but is seemingly hanging on for a big transfer fee that he will struggle to get! I know what you mean about Heskey and Beattie, though. With our style of play that would be a good partnership, were we able to afford it.
Rangers fans – Thanks for the comments. Always nice to get an opposition fan’s view, and, as you’re not in the same league as us, I can genuinely say good luck for next season!
July 25th, 2010 at 6:41 am
As a Rangers fan myself, I never take these game to seriously. Rovers came a live somewhat after they pulled a goal back, but to be honest I thought the Rangers dominated the match. However as I said, these games are all about fitness and getting the players up and running after the break.
I would reckon our club which is the deep stuff due to a conniving owner and severe mismanagement would beat most Premiership teams, despite the poor league we play in. So don’t be too downbeat Rovers fans, it’s the first game back and means nothing really.
Good luck with the new season.
July 25th, 2010 at 6:44 am
Cheers ‘Roversreturn’ keep up the good work. By all accounts Sam is getting a bit fed up of the situation (and rightly so in my book). 6 months after losing Benni we still haven’t bothered to replace him and since then we have lost Di Santo as well. This protracted takeover has been another nightmare. The quicker it is sorted out the better for all concerned. I just get the feeling our board and owners need a kick up the backside now and again – I’m sure it must be frustrating for Sam. If it carries on for much longer we could be looking for a new manager as well as a striker….
July 25th, 2010 at 11:56 am
I would just like to say, for as long as I can remember, our club has never done well in pre season. They are friendly games. They mean nothing at all. People need to stop with the negativity.
July 25th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Amen to that brother
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