Ewood Beat

Putting the Gray days behind him

FORMER Crystal Palace winger Julian Gray today said he would jump at the chance of securing a permanent move to Blackburn Rovers.

Gray is currently on trial at Brockhall after quitting Palace in the summer to pursue his dream of a career in the Premiership.

And the 23-year-old hopes he can make enough of an impression over the next few days to convince Rovers boss Graeme Souness to make it a more long-term arrangement.

"At this stage in my career I just want to play in the Premiership," said Gray, who was also a target for Charlton recently.

"I just want the opportunity to play and show what I can do.

"They (Blackburn and Charlton) are both big clubs, they are both up there, so hopefully I can sign for one of them.

"When you go to a club like Blackburn and see the players they have already got it makes you want to do well and be among those kind of players all the time."

Although the transfer window has now slammed shut for Premiership clubs, Rovers would still be free to sign Gray if they wanted to because he's a free agent.

However, as he is still under 24, Palace would also be entitled to some form of compensation payment under the terms of the Bosman ruling.

Gray, who is also attracting interest from Munich 1860, has already seen a move to Leeds United collapse earlier in the summer.

United boss Peter Reid was eager to sign him after he impressed in a trial at Elland Road.

But the compensation payment Palace chairman Simon Jordan was demanding ended up pricing United out of the market.

"Maybe that's a stumbling block. Maybe clubs feel that they don't have to pay that kind of money for me," said Gray, who's spent the last three seasons at Palace.

"But I just want to play football. On Saturdays I'm watching everyone else play. I'm not getting an opportunity to play.

"It's very frustrating but I've got to get on with it. All I can do is go into training and give it my best.

"I've got to do the best I can in training situations and then see what happens."

Souness says he will make a decision on Gray next week after he's had a chance to make a proper assessment of his qualities in training.

But the fact he's a genuine left-sided player could work to his advantage given the fact that Damien Duff and Alan Mahon have both moved on recently.

"Hopefully that will be something that can work in my favour," added Gray, who started his career at Arsenal.

"Obviously, Blackburn have got a big squad and there's a lot of quality players here.

"But Graeme Souness has made me feel welcome. He told me to relax and enjoy it."

Rovers bid to boost fan base

BLACKBURN Rovers have come up with a couple of fantastic ticket offers in preparation for two big games at Ewood in the next four weeks.

Old rivals Fulham provide the opposition in a Premier League showdown at Ewood Park on Sunday September 28, kick off 3 pm.

And youngsters could be watching top-flight football for nothing -- that's absolutely free!

An adult buying a ticket for the Fulham match, prior to matchday and subject to availability, will receive TWO junior tickets FREE!

Juniors are young people under the age of 16.

Seats available under this superb promotion will be sold on a strictly 'first come, first served' basis.

Initially, the seats will be in the Darwen End and could be extended to other areas of the ground if required.

Chief executive John Williams explained: "We are constantly striving to increase our fan base.

"This is a fantastic one-off matchday initiative and a tremendous opportunity for adults and youngsters to experience the spectacle of Premier League football."

Rovers also have a mouth-watering half-price offer for their season-ticket holders looking forward to the UEFA Cup.

Rovers play Genglerbirligi SK of Turkey in the UEFA Cup first round second leg at Ewood Park on Wednesday October 15 2003.

And season ticket holders who claim their seats before matchday will pay just £5.

Non season ticket holders can purchase seats for the tie at £10. All tickets purchased on the day of the match will be £10.

Tickets for Fulham are now on sale and full details of the half-price offer will be announced in due course.

For enquiries regarding tickets and availability, ring the Ewood Park box office on 08701 123456.

Flitty's night Fu remember

GARRY Flitcroft might have had a LOT on his plate this week as Rovers prepared for today's clash with Liverpool at Ewood.

But the Blackburn skipper still took time out to throw his weight behind a charity auction in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer at Mister Fu's chinese restaurant on Thursday night.

Flitcroft turned up in person to provide a signed Rovers shirt as one of the lots for the auction.

And he then stayed around to chat and sign autographs for fans before sampling some of Mister Fu's famous chinese cuisine.

"It was great of Garry to come down and give us a couple of hours of his time," said event organiser John Magee.

"We knew he was busy preparing for the Liverpool game but he still took time out from his busy schedule to support the event which was a brilliant gesture."

Flitcroft's signed shirt raised £250 in the auction. A pair of Matt Jansen's football boots also brought in £350 and an Alan Shearer picture went for £185.

In total, £1500 was raised on the night to add to the £1000 raised from a previous event on Tuesday night.

Organisers want to raise £5000 in total and they hope that figured will be reached when they stage the third of their three charity nights at the restaurant next week.

The event is already a sell-out and former Rovers favourite David Dunn has been lined up as the special guest.

If you would like to make any donations then ring John Magee on 07788 111896.

Travelling to Turkey in style

ROVERS have announced travel details for their forthcoming trip to Turkey in the UEFA Cup.

Fans wishing to be part of the official travelling party will fly out with the team on Tuesday 23rd September 2003 at approximately 9am on a direct flight from Manchester Airport to Ankara, staying one night at the five-star Sheraton Hotel in Ankara, returning after the match on 24th September 2003.

The cost of the trip includes the flight with meal and a complimentary drink, taxes, entry visa, Hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast and all transfers.

Prices are: Supporters Association members £420; Non Members £430; single room supplement £50; match tickets £TBC (approx £10-£15); optional travel insurance £10.

Please note all passports must be valid for the next nine months in order to travel to Turkey.

Blackburn Rovers are acting as a retail agent for Travelcare Sports ATOL 1595.

Parkes steps in

TONY Parkes slipped effortlessly back into his caretaker's coat yesterday to take charge of the press conference ahead of Rovers' game with Liverpool.

Graeme Souness had decided not to face the media after claiming his comments in the build up to the last game between the two sides had been misrepresented by certain sections of the press on Merseyside.

Media mission

CONSIDERING the amount of money professional footballers make these days, the last thing you'd expect to see is a former Premiership title winner doing a spot of work experience.

But that's exactly what former Rovers favourite Kevin Gallacher has been doing this week.

Gally asked if he could shadow the lads at Rovers TV to see what life is like at the other side of the camera as he looks to further his media career.

Every credit to him, if you ask me. With an attitude like that, he deserves to succeed. Des Lynam, watch your back!

Making Emile of it

HEARD a good gag on the radio yesterday in the build up to this afternoon's game against Liverpool.

Apparently, David Blaine has just conceded defeat in his endurance challenge after being informed that doing nothing in a box for 44 days is nothing compared to Emile Heskey's three years.

Ladies off to flyer

ROVERS Ladies got their Northern Combination campaign off to a great start with a determined 4-2 success at Chester City.

Debutant Andrea Bell grabbed a hat-trick, scoring twice in the first half thanks to good work from Katie Anderton and Sarah McRea.

City hit back after the break with a scrappy goal. However, McRea restored the visitors' advantage.

A series of questionable decisions contributed to the home side making it 3-2. However, Bell completed her hat trick to seal the victory.