When the Premiership began in the early 1990s, Blackburn Rovers had just been promoted from the old Second Division.  Jack Walker injected much-needed millions into the Lancashire club and made them a powerhouse to rival Manchester United. Long before Jose Mourinho was spending Roman Abramovich's money, Kenny Dalglish was out on the transfer market buying players such as Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton for record amounts of millions.

However, after Shearer and Dalglish left the club for various reasons and Walker sadly died a few years ago, Blackburn were left as an unfashionable club. Where are the Blackburn people in the south of the country, they asked.  Why would a player want to join a small team like Rovers? Spirit is the answer. The team has passion.

True, the supporters can sometimes be quiet and the attendances can dwindle, but you will never see a team with more passion and drive than at Ewood Park. Current manager Mark Hughes has regained some of the respect that Blackburn used to have. He has used his name, like Dalglish did, to persuade players to join the club. World-class players like Benni McCarthy, Roque Santa Cruz, David Bentley and Morten Gamst Pedersen have all arrived under the management of Hughes and have consistently played well.

'Can Rovers regain their former glory? The answer lies in the manager and his ability to keep hold of his players'


The question is, can Rovers move even further on? Can they go higher than the sixth place they achieved a few years ago? Can they regain their former glory? The answer lies in the manager and his ability to keep hold of his players. Hughes needs to fend off the Chelseas and Manchester Uniteds, although this is easier said than done as money talks. Especially to a club like Blackburn.

Arsene Wenger commented at the weekend that Rovers showed '''violence'' in their play. Isn't football a man's game? Aren't these players being paid enough to battle it out on the pitch and defend their team's goalmouth?

Blackburn's tactics have worked well so far this season, a season  where they are still unbeaten in the Premier League and in Europe.  They should make the top eight again this season and produce a good UEFA Cup campaign.

Hopefully they will use their power and determination to challenge the big boys - and make the people of Blackburn proud once again.