BRFC Articles

Gillespie's Park Life

How did the move to Blackburn come about?

"I got a phone call at home from Newcastle on the Monday night before I joined. They said they had received an offer from Blackburn and that they had accepted it. It was just left for me to go and agree personal terms. I travelled across to blackburn the next morning to talk over the move."

Why did you decide to sign for Rovers?

"It was an easy choice for me to sign because the link with Brian Kidd was a big draw for me. The club is very ambitious and Jack Walker has put a lot of money in to make it what it is today. They've had success before and they are capable of success again in the future."

How good is it to link up with Brian Kidd again?

"I've known Brian Kidd since I was 13, when I first went to Old Trafford. He's watched me from an early age and knows my good and bad points. It will be nice to work with him again."

How did you feel about leaving Newcastle?

"I've left a lot of friends in Newcastle and the fans were good to me. I am happy about leaving in a sense because it didn't help me when people at Newcastle said my career was over in the summer. I was in a stalemate over contract negotiations at Newcastle and I think they've done well to get this much money for me. It shows how much faith Brian Kidd has in me by buying me now when he could have waited and got me on a free transfer in the summer."

What were your first impressions of Blackburn?

"I've always enjoyed playing at Blackburn. They have a nice little ground, but they're going to be doing it up to make it one of the best stadiums in the Premiership. It's a homely club and I've been very impressed with the set-up so far."

How did your first few days at Ewood Park go?

"I trained with the Blackburn lads on the Thursday after I'd joined. It was the first time I'd trained in 12 days, as I'd broken my toe at Newcastle, so it was quite hard. The players are very friendly and they like their banter. After two days' training, I made my debut at Nottingham Forrest. I enjoyed it and I settled into the team's style well."

Has the Premiership been tougher this season?

"The Premiership is very close this season and Blackburn have found it hard going. A realistic target for us is to get into a comfortable league position this season, before going on to challenge for a European spot. It's going to take time for Brian Kidd to instil his playing style on the team."

Can Blackburn get out of the relegation zone?

"I think the results have been encouraging since Brian kidd took over. Blackburn Football Club is an institution and the team is too good to go down - there are a lot of good players here. It's just a matter of time before things go our way."