Kidd in need of insurance

WITH the odd notable exception, this instantly-forgettable affair had very little to do with Blackburn Rovers' preparations for the First Division kick-off in 12 days time.

It wasn't a matter of who was there, more who wasn't.

Yet, at the same time, it spoke volumes about two contrasting aspects of apparent Ewood policy.

Travelling Rovers fans, who seemed to make up more than half the crowd at Bloomfield Road, have already come to appreciate that their club's excellent youth development progress is a healthy sign for the future.

And what was virtually a youth/reserve line-up cofirmed that opinion after they comfortably held Blackpool's Second Division side to a goalless draw.

But it also prompted one major but nagging question - why have Rovers not bought a single player during the summer recess?

Manager Brian Kidd began his build-up with a host of injury problems, largely a hangover from last season, still seriously handicapping his squad.

So, after the efforts expended in Norway - and one or two further problems collected - he did not feel he could risk any of his senior regulars, apart from the likes of Tim Flowers and Keith Gillespie who needed the game after making their own recoveries. It's difficult to envisage a manager painting himself into such a perilous corner just a couple of weeks before the start of a new campaign.

And Saturday's remarkable situation, with players needing to be protected from a pre-season game designed to prepare them, sent out a loud and clear message.

The club might think they have a big and adequate squad but, in its present injury-hit condition, it may well not be strong enough or big enough to do what Jack Walker is demanding, make an immediate return to the Premiership.

There is a drastic need for some 'insurance' and, if there is money to spend (surely there must be), then it should be invested now.

What has been seen in the games so far, and was illustrated again at Bloomfield Road, is that the manager has got his present staff in good condition - probably as fit as I have seen them at this stage of a build-up - and the spirit throughout the squad has seen a drastic improvement.

There was a bonus from Saturday with Gillespie coming through his first game back after injury and staying the pace well, making runs, taking tackles and getting in some crosses.

Flowers, who might yet start the season at Ewood, also had a useful workout without being over-extended.

But the game was really a non-event, apart from enabling the young Rovers to display that they can hold their own against League opposition, albeit not an overly impressive side in Blackpool.

The home team had spells at the beginning of each half when they dominated but, the lively Brett Ormerod apart, their main threat came from set pieces. And Rovers had one of the most assured players on the pitch in Martin Taylor, whose composed defending and skill on the ball made him a giant at the back in a steady partership with Keith Brown.

Similarly, central defender Clark Carlisle looked a strong figure for Blackpool and the result was a clash which rarely promised a goal to brighten up the proceedings.

The two young Scots, David McNamee and Burton O'Brien, played together in Rovers colours for the first time.

McNamee, who also had a taste in Scandinavia, clearly likes to go forward but must make sure it is not at the expense of his defensive game.

O'Brien suggested what he had shown in Scotland when I saw him play for St Mirren. He looks to have a football brain and a lovely left foot.

He just needs to make his presence felt more, because he has the skill. Still only a youngster, confidence to do that will no doubt come in time.

Carlisle put an early chance wide for Blackpool and Ormerod had a shot deflected past the post just before the interval.

In between, Gary Hamilton forced a save from Tony Caig and set up James Thomas for a chance after splendid work by Jimmy Corbett, now over last season's broken leg problems. Unfortunately, the chance fell to Thomas's weaker right side and he missed it.

Blackpool brightened up at the start of the second half with more pace in their game but shots from Hamilton and O'Brien were only just wide for Rovers.

The best moment of the game came in the 69th minute when McNamee put Gareth Scates down the right and his near-post cross found the diving Thomas. But the spectacular header was just off target.

Ten minutes from time, the tenacious Leam Riachardson cleared coolly off his goal-line then bravely from the follow-up.

But it always looked like a 0-0 scoreline.

Rovers' kids will take more satisfaction from that than Blackpool, though it's action in the transfer market the fans really want to see.

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