BRFC Articles

Sutton's second chance

Do you regret your row with Glenn Hoddle?

"I've gone on record as saying I may have made a mistake when Glenn Hoddle was in charge -  and I reckon I've grown up a bit now. I was proud to be picked for the England squad for the match against Poland. It's just a shame I was injured and missed the game. I'm pleasantly surprised to be involved again, because I haven't feautured too much for Blackburn of late, but I'm delighted Kevin has faith in my ability."

Will England improve under Kevin Keegan?

"We have a talented squad of players in this country and I think every one of them has been lifted by Kevin Keegan's arrival. He's a great motivator and has gained the respect straight away from the players for what he's achieved as both a player and a manager. It's very exciting."

Will Blackburn beat the dreaded drop?

"A team in our position needs to win three or four games on the bounce to get out of danger. But we have won only seven games all season so it could go down to the wire. But it's hard because we have a lot of players in the treatment room and they are our experienced stars. At the moment we are asking the youngsters to do loads and there is too much responsibility on their shoulders."

Apart from all the injuries, why else have Blackburn struggled?

"The start to the season meant we would always be down there. We had a bad start two or three years ago but at that time we had a lot of experienced players who knew how to handle it. Now we have a lot of youngsters and it's not easy for them. With people like Billy McKinlay and Garry Flitcroft out injured, the other senior players will have to double their efforts to help the younger ones."

Is the mood in the Rovers camp low?

"The morale is high and we have to look on the positive side of things. We've had a run of bad results and we are in the relegation zone. There's only one way to look at it if we want to get out of trouble and that is to think we can win games. Once we do get a couple of results our confidence will come back."

Have you been unhappy with your form?

"It's been a very mixed season and that is frustrating. My fitness has always been an important part of my game and I've struggled throughout the season to have a good run of games. I played three or four matches and then had to sit out, which is very disappointing, and I've always been chasing my fitness."

Is Brian Kidd the right man for the job?

"All the players are lifted by Brian. I believe in him and I think he will get it right. He's been put in a terrible situation and it has been a case of picking 11 fit men in recent weeks and there is no continuity in the side and we've had to play different systems to work with the players that are fit."

Will Matt Jansen and Ashley Ward help get you out of trouble?

"The manager has bought well with those two. They look the part. Matt Jansen has looked a real talent and Ashley Ward has already proved he can score goals. Don't forget, he's also signed Jason McAteer, who is a quality player and we knew before he came here he would be a good addition to the squad. Keith Gillespie is also a good signing but he has been hit a bit with injuries and we haven't seen the best of him yet."