RAY Harford is relishing the challenge of pulling Blackburn Rovers out of trouble.

The under-fire chief had considered quitting Ewood Park during last season when - on his own admission - he lost the respect of some senior players.

But Harford is more determined than ever to breathe fresh life into this year's ailing Premiership campaign.

Rovers lock horns with high-flying Arsenal at Ewood tomorrow - Arsene Wenger's first game in charge - and Harford admits: "I feel less likely to resign this season because it's more of a challenge now.

"There was more chance of me resigning last year. I have thought about it but now is not the time to give in.

"If I fail in the challenge I'll know a long time before the end of the season, that's for sure.

"At the end of the day it's not my decision. It's up to the directors if they were thinking about getting somebody else in.

"There is a case for unlucky people. Sometimes the luck goes against you and a change of face does work.

"I've got to accept that I have my critics and you do get hurt when you hear people saying that I'm a good coach and not a good manager. "But I think it's too easy for supporters to shout 'Why don't you resign?'

"Considering the results we've had this season, though, the crowds have been brilliant with me.

"I've found the home crowds this year a lot better. Last year I found them apathetic and complacent.

"The biggest problem was that we thought we were God's gift to football because we'd won the league. This year we are down and we need everybody pulling together."

Harford added that, despite the run of poor results which has left Rovers anchored to the bottom of the Premiership, he is relishing his role.

"I feel more comfortable because last year I distanced myself from the players.

"They never saw me smile. I was a miserable so and so. Two senior players in particular said I went into my shell so badly that they lost respect for me.

"It takes time because the players knew me as Ray the coach.

"However, now I'm back to working every day with them, I'm really enjoying the challenge."

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