BRIAN Kidd is aiming to stop the flow of talent out of Ewood Park as a vital part of his rebuilding of Blackburn Rovers.

Like everyone else, Kidd has seen a steady procession of star players quitting Rovers ever since the championship success of 1995.

And the Ewood boss is anxious to make sure that, during his time in charge at least, the better players want to stay rather than keep looking to move on.

Having lost a host of top players to other clubs over the past few years, including the departure of Chris Sutton for Chelsea this week, it might seem like a case of the club locking the stable door after the horses have escaped.

The star exodus began with Alan Shearer's departure in 1996 and, even though many of the outgoing deals have proved very good financially, they have cost the club dearly in terms of playing success.

Kidd feels it is vital to turn that situation around.

"When I first took the job I was aware that one or two players had clauses in their contracts in case of relegation and there was nothing I could do about that," said the manager.

"That was there for everybody to see.

"But there are a number of good players who have left this club, for whatever reasons, over the past few years.

"And that is a situation we have to try to address." Kidd hopes that one factor in helping persuade players to stay will be the spirit he is trying to instil at Brockhall.

"We are looking for a feeling of togetherness," he said. "That can cover a multitude of things.

"I feel it is one of the most important things to get that kind of spirit in the club where everybody feels we are in it together."

Financially, the Sutton sale was another outstanding piece of business. Pay £5 million, have five years service and sell for £10 million.

But Kidd stressed that he would rather have his assets on the playing field than in the bank balance.

The manager also handed chief executive John Williams the credit for at least getting the kind of fee the club wanted for Sutton once it became clear he would be leaving.

"John deals with the financial side of things, I am not too involved in that," he said.

"So if there is any credit going for that then it's down to him."

Rovers are urging supporters to come to their aid - first aid.

The local branch of the St John Ambulance is holding a recruitment drive and is looking for willing football supporters, with or without experience, to sign up as match-day first-aid volunteers for home games at Ewood. Stadium manager Mel Highmore said: "Our supporters are traditionally very responsive when it comes to this kind of initiative. The service St John Ambulance provide is vital. Without them matches could not take place.

"We are obliged to maintain a core of around 22-25 qualified first-aiders depending on the size of the crowd.

"There is a danger we could fall short of that total and we are desperate to boost recruitment ahead of the big kick-off on August 7."

Anyone interested should contact Mel Highmore on 01254-296227.

The Ewood Blues Independent Supporters' Group are now taking bookings for travel to the pre-season friendlies at Blackpool and Oldham on July 24 and 31 respectively.

Prices are £6 Blackpool, £7 Oldham. Contact The Aqueduct, or Mark and Alan, for more information.

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