BRFC Articles

The gaffer files - Brian Kidd

Why did Blackburn appoint such an inexperienced boss?

Despite being the shortest serving manager in Premiership, Brian already has a reputation as one of the best brains in British football after playing a major role in Man United's success in the '90's as Alex Ferguson's No.2. He was offered several top jobs, including the Everton post, before finally deciding to take over from the sacked Roy Hodgson at Ewood Park.

Is he the man to save Rovers from the drop?

Poor Roy Hodgson must have broken a mirror in pre-season because he was always missing his star players through injury or suspension and that cost him his job. But the arrival of Kidd has seen the likes of Chris Sutton return to action. Brian also has great man management skills and knows how to get the best out of his players.

"My first task here is to make sure we do not go down," he says. "I look around the training ground and I know we have the players needed to stay in the Premiership - where we belong.

"We need to scrap a few results at the moment and, in time, I believe things will improve. I have come in and changed a few things that i felt were obvious and now we are starting to get a few points. The players have responded well to my style and, hopefully, we'll now head in the right decision."

What's all this about Brian bringing in an old pal to help?

Within days of arriving, Brian sacked Ewood Park legend Darek Fazackerley as coach and announced he would be bringing in his own staff. That man arrived just before Christmas in the shape of his old United mate Brian McClair. Kidd was impressed by McClair's attitude and willingness to learn at Old Trafford and believes he is the perfect man to have by his side.

Tony Parkes is also still on the staff, having taken over as caretaker boss four times in the past.

"I am glad that Brian is here because he has certain attributes," says Kidd of McClair. "He is honest, loyal and has a lot of integrity and his experience will be a real help. I got him doing a bit of coaching at Old Trafford and he took to it well. He is bright and willing to learn but he is also someone I can trust."

Will there be wholesale changes on the playing side too?

Kidd is already set to dump Frenchman Sebastien Perez and goal shy striker Kevin Davies is also under pressure after the manager made an unsuccessful bid for Barnsley frontman Ashley Ward.

Midfielder Tim Sherwood could be allowed to make his dream move to Tottenham in the near future as Kidd only wants players passionate about and commited to the club.

"I bought Keith Gillespie recently because I think he is one of the best wingers in the game," explains Kidd. "That means with Keith, Jason Wilcox, Damien Duff and Damien Johnson we have strength in depth with wide men.

"Now I want to do the same with other parts of the team. It may take time for me to shape the team my way but it will come because we have a terrific bunch of lads here."

So that's what Brian thinks of his new club. But there's plenty more gossip from Kiddo

Football Psychology 

"Of course you have to have talent to be successful in football, but so much of the game depends on how well equipped you are in the head. The game's all about mental toughness these days. You need players who can stand up to that, especially with our current predicament. Positivity played a big role in our success at United and we need to go onto the pitch expecting to win every game."

Taking training

"Being on the training ground is what it's all about for me and it's been smashing since I took over here at Blackburn. I have really enjoyed that side of the job and I just hope that the lads have enjoyed it too. Players are all that matters. It's not whether I enjoy it, it's whether they do that counts because they're the ones who need to be happy about playing their football. I think the work on the training ground is starting to pay dividends on the pitch."

Talking tactics

"People talk about styles of play and team building but all of that takes time and depends on the players at your disposal. But there is a certain way I would like to see us play and we will be working on that in the months to come. All we can do is concentrate on the things we are doing and then hope we get the breaks and the results."