Episode 4 Late Kick Off North West

Well not since Graham Norton had Robert di Nero and Sly Stallone has

BBC1 had a sofa line up likd this. This man's played 110 games for his

country and was the fans' f`vourite at Wigan and Preston. This lan's in

charge of a Burnley team on course for the Premier League. And tonight

they're with me on Late Kick Off. Coming up in the next half hour

Over the worst ` a look at Blackburn's rebuilding job tnder

Bowyer. I come and watch thd games now, instead of watching thd

protests. And from the Turf Moor sideline to the Late Kick Off sofa,

the man behind Burnley's promotion push, Sean Dyche is here. And all

the goals that matter to our 14 Football League teams. Well you ve

seen our stellar line up of guests. Plenty to come from Sean Dyche and

Kevin Kilbane throughout thd programme. Lads, thank you for

coming in. Now, what makes ` good season? Is it promotion, avoiding

relegation or simply stabilhty? Well, for Blackburn it's probably

latter, given the chaotic events of recent years since the owners of the

Venky's chicken brand, the Rao family took over in 2010. Btt while

the play`offs may prove a step too far this season, things havd settled

down under Gary Bowyer. Ian Haslam reports from Ewood Park. It's been a

long, often miserable journdy for Blackburn fans this last few

seasons. Relegation, hirings, firings, protests and gener`l gloom.

But things are getting bettdr. When this programme came here around a

year ago Blackburn were in turmoil and about to part company whth their

third permanent manager of the season. Eventually they dechded that

Gary Bowyer was the man to steady the ship and take things forward.

And that David Dunne told L`te Kick Off recently is exactly what he s

done. It's the off the pitch stuff as well that needed sorted `nd I

think that's what he's done. Certainly at the football club there

was that much chaos going on. That's the view of a senior player then.

But what does everyone else think around Ewood Park. Where ard

Blackburn Rovers at right now? I think the key word at the moment is

stability. We're not free f`lling like we used to. We certainly got

stability. It's no longer a farce. At least it's a good stable club

now. Is stability enough for Blackburn fans in the long`term Not

at all no. Which could be p`rt of problem. This remains a big club

with big expectations, but with a big hangover from past mist`kes

including multiple ill`fated signings. There's 19 players come in

since the summer. More than 10 went out in January and the manager's

been at pains to say that it will take him three or four transfer

windows to do exactly what he wants to do. Seen by many Rovers fans as

the man responsible for the post Premier League spending sprde,

financial advisor Shebby Singh now lives abroad and now seems tp likely

to return to rovers while the Rao family have kept a low profhle. Not

much protesting or anything like that as there used to be. So it s

nice to come and watch the games now instead of having to watch the

protests. They continue to back the club, which is a huge thing, because

whether the supporters like Venkys or not, if Venkys decide to pull the

plug and say we want out, this club would be in massive financi`l

turmoil. More than it is at the moment. And that is Blake and Webb's

in there and hooked away. Kdeping a close eye on Rovers situation is

this man, the worst war record holder, Derek Fazakerley. Wdll, you

only have to look down the road at a name that I can't mention and the

Blackburn public wouldn't lhke you to mention as well, for a tdam

that's done exceptionally wdll this season and they have done it on a

reasonable budget and I think that's something for all clubs to look at.

The club have obviously got to cut their cloth accordingly, and it s

those issues that have got to be sorted out in the next 12 to 18

months for the club to make progress again. Like Rovers, Saturdax's

visitors Leicester have worked to reduce a big wage bill. Likd Rovers,

they have had numerous managers but have kept faith with this m`n. It is

the model we've got to try `nd emulate a bit. I think Nigel

Pearson's been there two and a half seasons, maybe longer. And ht takes

time and it just shows you what you can achieve stability. Blackburn

have turned off again! Delap's ball in. 1`0. Vardy scores for Ldicester.

Conway to deliver. And it's in. The equaliser's come from Kilgallon

It's a good result and we ddserve to be where we are. Played quite well.

They're a strong team Leicester Promising for the future. You're

resigned to being a Championship club again next season? Yes. Then

they will build on it and spend some money and hopefully do it ndxt year.

Blackburn fans if not ecstatic, certainly seem happy with the

situation, rather than a ye`r ago Kevin. What kind of job has Gary

Bowyer done there? Well, he's certainly settled the club down I

think from the outside lookhng in it did seem chaotic. Since thex sacked

Sam Allardyce, there is a lot of managers have that come and gone,

but Gary Bowyer's come in. He's known the club, he's been whth the

youth team and the Academy side and he stepped up. But as David Dunne

said, he has sorted one or two issues that they have had off the

field as well and that was probably the most important things that they

have got a a bit more dialogue between the owners and the lanager.

Nine points off the play`offs, but with a game in hand, is it possible?

It seems to be written off this season. You never know what can

happen. There is still a lot of points to play for. But it light

just be a little step too f`r for them this season. But they have

still got quality in that spuad that could kick on and do it. Se`n you

played Rovers recently. Did you see the makings of a promotion side

there? Well they have invested quite heavily actually again, but not in

the grand scheme of what thdy have invested previously. But thdy have

invested in a different style of players. They have brought hn some

younger players and Gary's `lmost made a mark of that. So I think

they're a team going through probably a settling period, but also

a growth period. You can sed signs that that team will develop, as long

as they keep it together and the players will improve with

experience. I think Gary will be happy with what's gone on this

season. It is his first chance at this. There is things he has had to

clean up a little bit and hd has had to adapt and brought his own group

together. Over all he will be pleased. Thank you. While Rovers are

tenth in the table the north`west has interest above and below them.

We will have a look at Burnley's weekend win a little bit later. But

with the rest of the Championship action, here is Howard Booth.

It's nine wins from ten gamds now for Wigan, who came from behind to

beat Watford. The Hornets took the lead through McGugan, but that just

stung the home side into action and they were level four minutes later

when Beausejour followed up after the initial effort was saved by the

keeper. The points were sealed on the hour when Waghorn turned in a

scuffed shot. The Latices vhsit QPR on Tuesday and then Bolton next

Saturday. Wanderers showed real real resolve to earn a point at Xeovil

who led 2`0 at the break. Own goals from Miller and Dawson. Jutkiewicz

got them back into the game in the second half. But it looked like all

hope was lost when Baptiste conceded a penalty and was sent off. But

Miller's spot kick hit the post and Bolton made the most of the miss.

Ten yards inside the Yeovil half of the field. Clipped to the edge of

the penalty area and Zak Knhght has headed in the equaliser! Brhlliantly

placed free kick. It's two home wins out of two now for Blackpool who had

Ricardo fuller to thank for all three points at home to

Huddersfield. His early goal was the only one of a poor game, although

Wells did have an effort ruled out for Town. It wasn't pretty `t

Bloomfield Road but at least it s effective. I have got to a stage now

where we have just got to grind out results. I made that decision a

couple of weeks ago and now that's two home wins. It's not gre`t to

watch on the eye, but at thd end of the day it's three points on the

board and hopefully we can get a few more. Well here's what all that s

done to the table. We'll talk Burnley with Sean shortly, but

Wigan's play`off place at ldast looks assured.

Burnley with Sean shortly, but Wigan's play`off place at They have

got a huge game at QPR tomorrow We can see the value of those three

points for Blackpool. Bolton right there with them, nine points above

the bottom three. Kevin let's focus on Wigan. What a run they h`ve been

on. Since Uwe Rosler has cole in he has changed them around, got them

more organised and let the players go out and express themselvds. I

have been impressed with hil and none more so than that cup win

against Manchester City the other week. I think they're on a run of

nine wins in ten games. So he can be very pleased with what he's done. I

think they're in the play offs. If they stay where they are, I think

they will go up. I don't want to frighten the man sat next to you,

but everyone says they still could be in with a shout of autom`tic I

think it's probably a stretch too far. If they can continue that run,

who knows. Of course Burnlex in the driving seat now. And what do you

think make of Uwe Rosler? Hd is a bit like you. He is a young manager

being talked about by a lot of people. Obviously I'm a lot more

handsome than he is! I described him the other week as the biggest

non`surprise of the season. He is a good manager, he's went in there, he

has earned his spurs at Brentford. He had taken over a strong group.

Are they are the strongest squad in the league. They are amongst them.

You could argue on paper QPR. But with the depth of squad there and I

must make it clear it's not doing Uwe down, because I agree there is a

good feel about the group, there is a clearer organisation. But the

quality they have, the depth they have within the squad it is not a

major shock that they were going to put a run together. It cert`inly

wasn't a shock to me to see them put a run together. And briefly Kevin,

they have got this semi fin`l against Arsenal. Away, that's a big

game for them. Again could that be a distraction? I am not sure. I think

that is something the club can look forward to after last May bdating

Manchester City. I was at that Cup Final, it was a wonderful occasion.

Thank you. Well you might h`ve noticed that we just addressed the

Championship without mentioning our best performing team, Burnldy. They

sit second in the table, ten points clear of the play`off places. This

is the man who is leading the charge. But for those not too

familiar with the Clarets m`nager, here is all you need to know. Sean

Mark Dyche was born in Kettdring in 1971. After being released by

Nottingham Forest he made hhs professional debut for Chesterfield,

captaining the side and scoring a penalty in an FA Cup semi fhnal

against Middlesbrough. Wherd Sean Dyche signs, promotion follows.

Chesterfield, Bristol City, Millwall and Northampton all moved up a

division with the sceptre b`ck in the side. Three years ago hd became

the manager of Watford, despite leading them to their highest

Championship in four seasons, he was sacked by the new owners. So he

arrived at Burnley, manager, motivator, telephonist. Gre`t signs

of it again today. That's a fine if someone's phone is riinging. That is

a fine. Mr Richardson! Hello! Yeah, good, thanks, it's Sean Dyche,

manager of Burnley, who's that? Fondly referred to as the Ghnger

Mourinho, Sean Dyche is a popular man around Turf Moor. Oh, hd's a

revelation he's phenomenal. Faultless, really really fatltless.

He's really good and without him we wouldn't be anywhere near the

automatic positions. Wise words indeed there. That was like This Is

Your Life, isn't it and there was some bouffant at the start of that.

You can see why I shaved it off can't you? We can look forw`rd to

the next nine games, but looking back to the weekend, we are going to

show the goals. Putting aside the fact the pitch was like somdthing

off Emmerdale, what did you make of it a great start for Ashley Barnes.

Yes, he's worked very hard. He's came into the group. I made it clear

not just to support, but to challenge. It's fair to say an

injury's given him his chance. But he's worked ever so hard. Good

finish. As you suggest, we played really well on a truly awful pitch.

Sam Vokes pops up with a penalty. We have had seven not given. Wd were

happy to get one and he slots it in and Michael Kightly with a nice

finish to the game. But a good bit of skill and trickery to get in

there and score a goal. Burnley fans now are no longer shocked when they

see a result like that after the way the team have played this sdason.

But a lot of people comment`ting about Burnley say they're strprised.

Have you been surprised by what you have achieved? Well surprisdd by the

fact that we are sitting whdre we are with the points in the bag,

because we know how tough the division is. We know there `re

certain challenges we had at the start of season, financial

challenges, squad size et cdtera, but I'm not surprised by thd

competitive nature of the group We work with quite a lot of group last

year and then we changed sole faces in the summer. We brought in some

real good characters, but also some real good quality players I feel. So

once the group's galvanised and we worked on the things that wd think

are appropriate and important, the fitness levels, the organis`tion,

the tactical organisation and the values that we hope to work to as

group and you add in the skhll level and at minimum you're competitive.

And we think we have taken that competitive edge further. How do you

assess the character of somdbody before you bring them on

Chance, availability. Dave Jones had a number of promises, idle promises.

We got him in straightaway. Tom Eaton is one of his mates. He said

that nothing had come through for him, I said that we should get him

in. What if he he had come in and not

fitted in with your ethos? I tried to take Tom to Watford. I

had a real feeling about it. I met him for dinner, and then I changed

changed clubs. But I always thought that I would go for him agahn. When

the chance arose, I did. People resisted it, because he had been

relegated. I thought that whth the good framework that we had, we could

bring him to the fore. I thhnk he is a very good keeper, he will be in

another season. Can I ask you a yes no question. Burnley up? Yes. I have

got to say, between two big Burnley men now, but the way that you have

played this season, it is a testament to the team. The thing

that you are always saying hs how hard you're working. What do you do

to keep the squad fresh? Wh`t do you do day`to`day?

Like anyone, I've found the support around me. I think, my assistant and

my coach, you get to go through they have been fantastic. Whth the

physiotherapy, and we have got great interns. We have made the players

aware that we are willing to give up everything we can. We have got good

dietary support, our chef is fantastic. He is open`minded to good

ideas. We do our version of it, we think we do it well. We bal`nce it

with days off. Arsene Wenger was questioned about giving plaxers a

day off, I could not believd it Do you say that you have to stay in

the house? No, there is a trust between what we

do as a professional unit. H make them aware that I absolutelx trust

them. It is for them to dechde if they let that trust down. I think

they trust what I do. I think the players probablx

appreciate that more, because if they get that trust from thd

managers, it is extra responsibility to make sure that they are right for

training. If you are asking them to ghve

everything, which we are, you need to not only be physically rdsted,

but mentally rested. Not lo`ds of days off, but sometimes the players

get worn out. Sometimes I s`y that they should shut down and sde the

kids, then they come in fresh. You played for a number of years like I

did. That freshness is key. We are running out of time. You have

to trust them not to get carried away. How do you stop yoursdlf

looking ahead for the next nine games and asking what might be?

Because I believe in what I suggest. It is one game at ` time. I

am not naive enough to think that you can plan so far in advance when

I'm working with a small group. You have to make sure that the group is

ready and organised. I have stuck with that and I believe it.

One question that Burnley f`ns will want me to ask. Trippier back by the

end of the season? Yes, looking good at the molent We

are really pleased with the news on both of them. When Owen Coyle was at

Burnley, he was immortalised. You aware that you have been

immortalised? You are aware of the Lego Movie.

He is even in a Burnley suit. Look at this. There you are.

To be honest, the head shapd is definitely similar. I am not sure

about the bit sticking out of the top. Look at the facial expression.

Suddenly Burnley go 1`0 down. An own goal. A grimace. Not been too many

of those. You can have that. Thank yot. I

think we got the idea from Ben Foster.

Hopefully an automatic promotion for the championship and maybe the same

from League Two. Here is a round`up about Rochdale.

Rochdale roll on after a thhrd successive win 2`0 at Wycombe. Jamie

Allen is already on the rad`r with several top teams and this goal will

surely attract even more. H`ving set up Allan's strike, Peter Vincenti

turned scorer, stealing a point with 15 minutes to go, after a scramble.

We have the best chance in the first half. It is safe for the

opposition's keeper. But I'l more than happy going to half`tile with a

clean sheet. It gives us solething to build on and on over the players

that we have, it will creatd opportunities. We are still toe to

toe with them in the first half You have to fight for the opportunity to

get the ball in play. I feel that is what we did.

A day to forget for Fleetwood. Heavy defeat by Exeter summed up by John

Parkin's own goal to put thdm behind and an error from the goalkdeper to

round off another miserable day in Devon.

Morecambe recovered well from Tuesday's warning to take a point at

home against improving Northampton. It went from the ridiculous to the

sublime. Andy Wright's own goal putting them behind before `

brilliant equaliser. Stanlex's script followed a similar p`ttern.

They fell behind to Plymouth, when Rueben Reid scored. There w`s also a

point after the break. Therd was a header that really was towering

Bury don't lose many matches, but worryingly for the Shakers, they are

not winning many either. Thhs was their fourth draw in five g`mes and

came after they took the le`d after a goal from Chris Hussey. Btt as is

often the case, they could not hold on. Andy Proctor's late header

nearly won it for a very side badly needing a break.

Well, if we have a look at the top of the table, we will see jtst how

well things are going. Rochdale top of the pile. That was a costly

defeat. Bury really need to be turning draws into wins. As we were

just hearing, Stanley are couple of points better off. There is no room

for complacency. There is far too much north`western

involvement in the battle for relegation in League One. Wd will

speak about promotion chasing Preston first. This was a

disappointing defeat for Prdston, one which ends their unbeatdn run at

12. Michael Smith's penalty was the

difference between the sides. He converted after Neil Kilkenny. North

End improved after the introduction of Kevin Davies, but it was not

Preston's day. Two big wins, the bottom Crewe and Oldham. Thdy won

their first match in seven, thanks to this goal against Crawlex.

Frustration that they failed to take any of the other chances. Crewe won

for the first time in six g`mes Their win at Gillingham described by

the radio. It could go anywhere. 1`0! Hn the

penalty area, it goes wide. Header across. Right side, and a goal! What

a goal. A terrific goal. He is running to the byline, what

will he do? Into the penaltx area. Goal! He is doing the dance. It s a

class goal! The flip side of those victories for

Alex and Oldham is that thex leave Tranmere in even more trouble. They

were three down before Jason Koumas gave them ultimately futile hope of

salvaging a point. There was just one point now between them `nd the

bottom four. We sat with the radio commentator

and calmed him down. After Saturday's defeat at Swindon, it

looks like the action is for Preston. It will go right up to the

final day of the season. The main reason for the success of

our quiz is the support of the clubs. A genuine thank you to all of

them for taking part. But there is one team that always wants to go

further. Last year, Blackpool became the first club to pitch man`ger

against Assistant Manager, `nd this time is no difference. Here is the

quiz, Seasiders style. Scousers versus Scots.

What is the capital city of Canada? Oh, you can't have that one. He s

been there. I know.

Which national honour with Barry Ferguson awarded in 2006? MBE.

Which Oscar Wilde quotes dods Barry Ferguson have tattooed on hhs arm?

Oh. No, I think that's right. No. I would have guessed it. It's

something to do with saints. Every saint has a future?

Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future.

How many animals did Moses take onto the Ark?

How many? Two of each. There you go. Name the misshng

member of take that? Gary B`rlow, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Howard

Donald and... Jason orange. A few demons coming out here.

Spell definitely. Go on. D`E`F`I`N`I`T`L`Y. LX. You

got it wrong. Is that right? It is not an E.

Is that an A? Go on then, you spell it. Is it D`E`F`I`T`N`T`L`E`Y? Oh,

it's not? D`E`F`I`N`N`I`T`L`Y. Come on!

Do you know what, that was like a nightmare edition of University

Challenge, wasn't it. So wh`t would you think about getting your players

involved in that? I think they are travelling together. Kevin, you need

a time like that, it breaks up the week. Yes, I know way few of those

lads. It is nice to see thel. Tuesday night is just like `

Saturday afternoon. In the Championship Bolton host Bl`ckpool

while QPR`Wigan is the big one. In League One, Crewe have a proper six

pointer against relegation rivals Notts County while North End will

hope to get one over on forler boss Darren Ferguson when they t`ke on

his Peterborough, the side directly below them in the table. In League

Two, Rochdale can do themselves and Bury and Stanley a favour bx beating

lowly Portsmouth. Fleetwood are also at home to a

stuggler and will hopefully get back on track against Bristol Rovers

You can hear all about this on your local BBC Radio station.

Doncaster at home, a potenthal split? We take every game sdriously.

I do not think that you can afford not to. We have outstanding form,

and you have to deliver. We have been ready all season. Therd is no

reason why we should not be. You believe that you have not looked

towards that game at all? I know it is a fact. So Wednesday morning you

consider? We have a meeting, we already have information. Btt that

will kick in when we start looking at the weekend.

And Kevin, then QPR, that is a big game. Yes, it is a big opportunity.

It will be a test of who thdy could play against. Do you think that

Wigan will fancy QPR? It is the same in the league from top to bottom.

You cannot take Doncaster lhkely. Whoever they play against, ht is

difficult. I think it would suit Wigan, it is the kind of opdn game

that they like to play. That is it for tonight. Thank you to

Sean and Kevin. I will see xou tomorrow night. We are back next

Monday at the same time, 11:20pm. From all of us in the studio, this

night. `` good night.