Advertise on podcast: The Blackburn End Podcast

With no Rovers game this weekend, we're doing something a little different on The Blackburn End. Mike & Mark are joined by Blackburn Rovers Her Game Too ambassadors Meg and Nic for a special episode all about Her Game Too. We find out what the campaign is all about, why it was started and what being a Her Game Too ambassador at Blackburn Rovers actually involves. Meg and Nic share their experiences following Rovers and discuss the progress that's been made for women and girls in football, the issues that still exist, the importance of challenging and reporting sexism, and what supporters can do to help make football welcoming for everyone. We also hear about Nic's son Hugo and Hugo's Football Adventures, with Hugo joining The Blackburn End as a fellow finalist at this year's Football Content Awards! A massive thank you to Meg and Nic for joining us. #BRFC #Rovers #HerGameToo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight Championship games down and now a three-week international break - so it's time to take stock of Tony Mowbray's Blackburn Rovers. Mike & Mark ask whether Rovers have got the points their performances deserve, how happy we should be with what we've seen and how positive the opening weeks have left us feeling. There's plenty to be encouraged by. Rovers continue to show character when falling behind, they're looking increasingly dangerous going forward and the players appear to be embracing Mowbray's ideas. But there's still work to do defensively, while keeping players fit between now and January could be crucial. We also look back at the 2-2 draw at Portsmouth, discuss Dapo Afolayan's excellent form and celebrate Kristi Montgomery's Scotland call-up. PLUS your Three Word Reviews and SpeakPipe reactions! 🎙️ Have your say: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheBlackburnEndPodcast #BRFC #Rovers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Balaji Rao made a surprise return to Ewood Park this weekend in what appears to have been his first Blackburn Rovers match in more than 13 years - and the supporters made sure he heard exactly how they feel. Mike & Mark discuss the furious reaction towards Venky's and the hierarchy, but also an incredible atmosphere as that same passion was used to back Tony Mowbray and his players. On the pitch, Dapo Afolayan inspired Rovers to a much-needed 3-1 victory over Millwall. We look at the impact of returning players, Kristi Montgomery's superb start and another frustrating performance without reward against Sheffield United. There's also time to appreciate a quite beautiful Championship bottom three before looking ahead to Saturday's trip to Portsmouth. PLUS your Three Word Reviews and SpeakPipe reactions! 🎙️ Have your say: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheBlackburnEndPodcast #BRFC #Rovers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The transfer window has closed. Blackburn Rovers are still trying to finish their squad. After a 0-0 draw at Lincoln and defeat at Preston, Mike and Mark examine the bigger issue facing Rovers: how did Tony Mowbray end the window still desperately short of proven Championship quality? New CEO Steve Curwood has faced the music and offered his explanation, discussing injuries, Mowbray's arrival and assessment of the squad, and how specific the manager became about the players he wanted. But explanation isn't necessarily accountability. We discuss Rudy Gestede and the cumulative record of Rovers' football operation, how last summer's recruitment has hampered this summer, Venkys and the familiar questions over budgets and timing, Suhail Pasha's role and whether Mowbray's supposedly narrow recruitment criteria are actually lessons the club should already have learned. There's also the injury crisis, Gady Beyuku, the deals that collapsed, the free-agent search, Balázs Tóth and Celtic, plus reaction to Lincoln and Preston. Then it's back to the pitch, with Sheffield United and Millwall both visiting Ewood. Nearly 6,000 Rovers supporters travelled to Preston after sold-out away ends at Lincoln and Wolves. The supporters have done their bit. Can everybody running the football club say the same? #BRFC #BlackburnRovers #Rovers #Championship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blackburn Rovers have reached NOW OR NEVER territory. Saturday's 2-1 defeat to QPR exposed the problem supporters have feared all summer. At 1-1, QPR could turn to their bench, make changes and go on to win the game. Tony Mowbray couldn't do the same. With around ten players unavailable and youngsters with little or no senior experience filling the bench, Rovers already look desperately short — before the relentless Championship schedule has really begun. And the transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday. The frustrating thing? The core of this Blackburn side looks capable of having a very good Championship season. The players aren't the problem. But without enough quality and experience around them, how can Rovers possibly sustain it over 46 games? The warning signs were there last season and weren't properly addressed. Now the situation arguably looks even worse. Mike Beaty and Mark Hitchen discuss the QPR defeat, the alarming injury list, the lack of experienced options available to Mowbray and why the pressure is now firmly on Rudy Gestede and the club to act. Last week we asked whether Gestede has actually got more right than he's got wrong. Now comes perhaps his biggest test. How many players do Rovers need before the window shuts? Where do they need them? And what happens if the club doesn't deliver? There's also the small matter of TWO games this week. Blackburn travel to Lincoln City on Tuesday night — while the transfer window is closing — before making the short trip to Deepdale on Saturday. PRESTON NORTH END v BLACKBURN ROVERS. Both Lancashire rivals have problems. Both need a result. And a huge Rovers following will be heading to Deepdale. Who needs it more — and can Blackburn give their supporters something to shout about? QPR reaction, transfer deadline pressure, Gestede, Lincoln and Preston away — all on this week's Blackburn End Podcast. #BRFC #BlackburnRovers #Rovers #TonyMowbray #RudyGestede #Championship #EFL #PNE #Preston Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blackburn Rovers have their first Championship win of the season after coming from behind to beat Middlesbrough at Ewood Park — but the mood around the squad is already turning towards the transfer deadline. Mike Beaty and Mark Hitchen look back at an encouraging victory over Boro before discussing Rovers’ Carabao Cup exit against Sheffield United. Yuki Ohashi’s injury has left Tony Mowbray with just one fit senior striker, while several fringe players continue to be linked with moves away from Ewood Park. With the transfer window closing shortly after our next podcast, just how much business do Blackburn need to do — and where does this squad most urgently need strengthening? There was at least one major positive from the cup defeat: Dapo Afolayan impressed and scored a superb goal. Could he become an important part of Mowbray’s attack? We also touch on the social-media debate that went slightly bonkers after we posed a deliberately controversial question: has Rudy Gestede actually got more right than he’s got wrong? And with QPR coming to Ewood Park this weekend, we preview the game and ask whether Rovers can follow the Middlesbrough victory with another three Championship points. Also in this episode: the players who could still leave before the deadline, Blackburn’s worrying lack of depth, what Mowbray needs from the final days of the window, and whether the early signs on the pitch should leave Rovers supporters feeling more optimistic. 🎧 The Blackburn End — Blackburn Rovers discussion, opinion and analysis. #BRFC #BlackburnRovers #Rovers #Championship #EFL #TonyMowbray #Middlesbrough #QPR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Championship is back — and Blackburn Rovers have already given us plenty to talk about. Tony Mowbray's side produced a brave and hugely encouraging performance at Molineux, coming agonisingly close to beating recently-relegated Wolves before a controversial late penalty turned three points into one. Was it actually a penalty? Was the contact even inside the box? And, crucially, could the referee possibly have been certain enough from his position to give it? Mike Beaty and Mark Hitchen look back at Wolves 2-2 Blackburn Rovers, the penalty controversy and a performance that might have caused a few people to rethink those preseason relegation predictions. We also discuss the increasingly obvious impact Tony Mowbray is already having on this team — and why the performance at Wolves only strengthens the argument that he needs to be backed. Then there's the extraordinary situation surrounding Balázs Tóth and Celtic. Mowbray revealed that agents contacted him at 10:45pm on Thursday — the NIGHT BEFORE the Wolves game — telling him he might need another goalkeeper because Tóth could be sold. Why was the Head Coach hearing this from agents? Should Rovers cash in if Tóth won't sign a new contract? And what do Mowbray's brilliantly sarcastic comments tell us about communication inside Blackburn Rovers? Then attention turns to Ewood Park. 🔴 Middlesbrough are next. Can Rovers reproduce that performance at home and turn an encouraging opening-night draw into their first Championship win of the season? Plus, Rovers have drawn Sheffield United at home in the Carabao Cup, with the Riverside and Jack Walker Upper set to be closed for the tie following the recent debate around matchday ticket pricing. IN THIS EPISODE: ⚽ Wolves 2-2 Blackburn Rovers 😡 Were Rovers robbed? 👔 Tony Mowbray's early impact 📉 Those preseason relegation predictions 🧤 Balázs Tóth to Celtic? 🤯 Mowbray's 10:45pm phone calls 🏢 Communication behind the scenes at Rovers 💰 Does Mowbray still need backing? 🔴 Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough preview 🏆 Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup 🎟️ Ewood Park stand closures Was it a penalty? Would you sell Tóth? And can Rovers beat Boro? #BlackburnRovers #BRFC #Rovers #CelticFC #Middlesbrough #Boro #Wolves #Championship #EFL #TheBlackburnEnd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Championship is back — and Blackburn Rovers kick off their league campaign under the Friday night lights at Molineux against recently-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers. Mike Beaty and Mark Hitchen preview Wolves v Rovers after Blackburn came from behind to beat Burton Albion 2-1 in the Carabao Cup. There's plenty to like about Tony Mowbray's early impact. Rovers are creating genuine golden chances and showing signs of a much more threatening attacking identity — but the lack of quality in key areas remains a major concern. We discuss Andri Gudjohnsen's case to start, Jayden Fevrier's instant impact, Todd Cantwell's output, the urgent need for starting-quality midfielders and Rovers' talks with free agent Sam Morsy. Plus: Mowbray's trip to Switzerland, whether the owners will give him the backing he needs, the reaction from supporters at Burton and the uproar surrounding Blackburn's matchday ticket prices. The coaching is improving. Now recruitment has to catch up. #BRFC #BlackburnRovers #WWFC #Wolves #Championship #EFL #TheBlackburnEnd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The wait is almost over. Blackburn Rovers begin their competitive campaign this weekend away at Burton Albion, but are they actually ready for the new season? Mike Beaty and Mark Hitchen discuss another huge week at Ewood Park, including an encouraging performance at Huddersfield, Jake Garrett's growing importance under Tony Mowbray and the arrival of Jayden Fevrier from Stockport County. The lads also debate whether Rovers' growing injury list proves last season wasn't simply down to bad luck, assess the latest transfer rumours surrounding Daniel Jebbison, Alan Browne and Eiran Cashin, discuss the futures of Igor Tyjon and Valentin Joseph, react to Steve Curwood's supporter Q&A and give their thoughts on the leaked away kit. With the season about to begin, one question hangs over everything... Are Blackburn Rovers really ready? #BRFC #BlackburnRovers #Championship #EFL #TheBlackburnEnd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mike and Mark discuss why they don't agree with suggestions that Rovers' problems last season were simply down to injuries. With fresh injuries already appearing, no new signings through the door and players continuing to be linked with exits, is this squad really ready for the Championship campaign? Also this week: ⚽ Nottingham Forest & Strasbourg reviewed 🏥 The "injuries were just bad luck" argument 🔄 Why the squad still isn't strong enough 🎨 Mowbray's plans for Todd Cantwell as his "artist" 📉 Transfer inactivity and exit rumours 🔵 What needs to happen before the season begins 💬 Let us know in the comments – where do Blackburn still need to strengthen? 👍 If you enjoyed the podcast, please like the video, subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms. #BRFC #BlackburnRovers #EFL #Championship #Rovers #FootballPodcast #TonyMowbray Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s World Cup campaign is over, Blackburn Rovers are heading to Portugal, and the new third kit has caused exactly the sort of debate you would expect. This week, Mike Beaty and Mark Hitchen finally compare notes on England’s tournament. Did Thomas Tuchel get the semi-final wrong? Was he too cautious when the moment called for bravery? And what should we make of the chaotic 6-4 win over France in the third-place play-off? There is plenty of Blackburn Rovers discussion too. Rovers beat Barnsley 3-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly, Damien Johnson has been promoted to assistant head coach, and the squad are preparing for their pre-season trip to Portugal. We also discuss Igor Tyjon being left out of the travelling group and ask what that could mean for the young striker. And then there is the new third kit. It is officially red — but is there a hint of claret about it? More importantly, should any Blackburn Rovers kit ever be allowed anywhere near that colour? Let us know what you think: Is the new shirt red or claret? Did Tuchel cost England a place in the World Cup final? What should Rovers be looking to achieve during the Portugal trip? The Blackburn End Podcast brings you weekly Blackburn Rovers discussion, honest opinions, match reaction, transfer talk and debate on the biggest stories from Ewood Park and the wider football world. Hosted by Mike Beaty and Mark Hitchen. #BlackburnRovers #BRFC #TheBlackburnEnd #England #WorldCup #ThomasTuchel #Championship #FootballPodcast #Rovers #EwoodPark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forget the 0-0. The biggest talking point from Blackburn Rovers' first pre-season outing wasn't the result – it was Tony Mowbray's brutally honest assessment afterwards. Mowbray admitted his side must become more creative, more fluid in the final third and find a way of producing more attacking threat. He also made it clear that if the current group can't deliver, the club may need to strengthen. So that's the debate... Who steps up? We discuss: Tony Mowbray's honest post-match assessment.Which attacking players have the biggest opportunity.Who can thrive in a more attacking system.Whether the answers are already in the building.Where Blackburn may still need to strengthen before the season starts. 🎧 Let us know your thoughts: Who do you think will step up to Tony's challenge? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blackburn Rovers have announced a brand-new Multi-Level Engagement Plan, bringing the Fans' Forum to a close and introducing a new supporter engagement structure, including the new Fan Advisory Panel. Supporters have understandably been asking plenty of questions. Is this simply a rebrand? Has anything actually changed? What role does the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) play? Will supporters genuinely have a stronger voice? As Chair of the outgoing Fans' Forum, Mark gives his perspective on why these changes have happened, how the new structure will work and what supporters should be looking for over the next 12 months. Rather than reacting to the headlines, we break down what the announcement actually means and discuss whether this could represent the biggest step forward in supporter engagement since Venky's took over Blackburn Rovers. Do you think this is genuine progress, or are supporters right to remain sceptical? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Mowbray is back on the training ground, pre-season is underway and attention is turning towards the squad that will begin Blackburn Rovers' Championship campaign. But if you were in Mowbray's shoes, what would you do? In this episode of The Blackburn End Podcast, we put ourselves in the manager's position and build Blackburn Rovers' squad for the season ahead. Who should stay? Who should move on? Which positions still need strengthening? And how close are Rovers to having a squad capable of competing in the Championship? We also discuss Yuki Ohashi's reported transfer links, Todd Cantwell's future, the arrival of Rovers' new assistant manager and the return of pre-season training. Join the debate: 🟢 One player you'd definitely keep. 🔴 One player you'd sell. ⭐ One position Blackburn must strengthen. Let us know your squad and whether you agree with ours. 🔵⚪ Arte et Labore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blackburn Rovers suffered one of the worst injury records in the Championship last season. Most supporters put it down to bad luck. We think that's too simple. In this episode of The Blackburn End Podcast, we take a deep dive into the real reasons behind Rovers' injury crisis and examine whether the warning signs were there long before players started breaking down. From recruitment and squad planning to player durability, availability records and workload management, we explore the catalogue of decisions that contributed to Blackburn's lengthy injury list. We discuss: ⚽ Why Blackburn suffered so many injuries ⚽ Whether the injury crisis was actually predictable ⚽ Recruitment and player durability ⚽ The risks of relying on injury-prone players ⚽ Squad depth and availability ⚽ The role of coaching, medical and football decisions ⚽ What Rovers can learn going forward This isn't a podcast about bad luck. It's a podcast about decisions. So were Blackburn simply unfortunate, or did the club create the conditions for an injury crisis themselves? 🔵⚪ Arte et Labore 🎙️ The Blackburn End Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.