ARETHA Franklin could not have put it better . . . R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

It has soon become abundantly clear that is a key word in the Brian Kidd dictionary as he strives to build a lasting Ewood revival.

And the respect is obviously mutual.

Not just between a group of players, who seemed to be going nowhere except Division One, and the new management, but also among the fans.

Already a rapport and common bond - helped naturally by results - seems to have been established between the manager and supporters, some of whom had reservations about a long-serving Red becoming a Blue.

But these things don't just happen, they come about through both words and deeds and Kidd's continuing theme of 'we and us' has been equally welcomed in both dressing room and stands.

The atmosphere at Ewood on Saturday, when Rovers won against the odds, was instrumental in helping the 10 men survive, a point made by many voices behind the scenes afterwards. Kidd was so delighted with the backing, he ensured every player at the end of the match said a particular 'thank you' to the supporters - even bringing back one or two who were about to disappear down the tunnel.

And he takes nothing for granted: "The fans need something to cheer about and it's up to us to give them something.

"But they haven't done anything wrong in the time I have been here. They have not been anything but supportive.

"The question mark is against me.

"I have to earn their respect as well, which is very important.

"You don't come in and have it handed to you on a plate. You have to earn the crowd's respect"

From the moment he went to the touchline in that game against Charlton last month, Kidd was on the road to doing that.

He also seems to have won over a dressing room which was not in the happiest of states just a couple of months ago.

Again, what you see is what you get - honest, heartfelt opinions that will certainly strike a chord with many supporters.

"The players have got a cracking job and they know that," he said.

"When you are fortunate enough to be involved in football it's a lovely environment in which to do your work. "I know I am a bit old-fashioned in my ways but I believe it's the right way and we should be grateful to be in the profession we are in.

"I am always reminding the lads about that. But they know my thoughts and, since I have been here, none of the players have got above their station.

"All the players have been smashing. There's no edge on them.

"And it's not going to be about individuals, it has to be we and us and a team effort, it's the only way. If you are going to do okay in the Premiership you have to have that."

For me, it summed up the sincerity of his 'we and us' beliefs on Saturday when there was no manager-of-the-month presentation on the pitch before the Leeds game.

It's easy to talk glibly about the award being recognition for everyone at the club, shortly before parading the trophy.

But Kidd said it, meant it and not indulging in a public presentation was his way of showing that.

The fans would undoubtedly have liked to have shown the new manager their appreciation of his flying start, but he was probably pleased they saved their endeavours for the team.

For Kidd constantly plays down his own individual impact, especially when frequent reminders are mentioned of his record since taking charge.

"Everybody keeps going on about me but I'm not 'mithered' about records or talking about unbeaten runs," he insisted.

"All we can do is our graft during the week, be honest with ourselves, which we are, and then we'll take whatever comes.

"I am not getting uptight. I am relaxed because I can only do my best and, at the end of the day, I hope that's good enough.

"If it's not there's nothing I can do. I can still put my head on the pillow at night and think 'Well, I gave it a whack and did my best'.

"Whatever has gone on before has nothing to do with me. All we can influence is what is going on now and we are trying to do that as a club."

His team ethic, with the players encouraged to express themselves, is a recurring theme too.

"They will have a go at one another," he said.

"But if it's done in the right way and it's constructive, there's a lot that can be done in the dressing room when you don't need a manager or a coach.

"We don't have to fight but we are able to discuss things."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.