BRFC Articles

Magic Matty Jansen!

How did the move to Blackburn come about?

"There had been a lot of speculation in the papers, which I ignored. But about three weeks ago I was told officially by the club that they were going to sell me. I was told that Palace had accepted a bid from Blackburn. I travelled to the club for a medical, agreed personal terms and then signed on the dotted line."

Did you have a choice of clubs you could join?

"There were a few who showed interest and I did talk to all of them, but the decision to move to Blackburn was up to me. It had nothing to do with Palace accepting their offer. Once I had spoken to club officials and met Brian Kidd, I just felt it was the best option. Obviously, the lure of the Premiership was a big one, but as a young player it's more important for me to work under people who can influence and help my game."

You chose Blackburn but turned down Man. United?

"People have made such a big deal about Manchester United, but the truth of the matter is I only turned them Dow because I felt my career would move at a steadier pace at Palace. At United the competition is fierce and I had to consider that when I left Carlisle. I felt it would take time to make my mark at Old Trafford while at Palace the opportunity to play would come quicker."

What were looking for when you spoke to Blackburn?

"In my mind I knew what would impress me and whether the club could deliver what they promised. I joined Palace at a time when I could have gone to other clubs, but the lure of first-team football and the enthusiasm and determination of Ron Noades to make something of the club drew me to them. Here, the telling factor for me was Brian Kidd and what I felt I could achieve under him. I felt Blackburn had the credentials to match the other teams and in Brian Kidd, they had someone who was unique."

So what can Brian Kidd do for you?

"I'm playing for the England Under-21s now and at some stage I want to play for the senior squad. There's no question that Brian Kidd is one of the best coaches in Europe - just look at the players who have worked with him at United. At this stage in my career it's important for me to get the best education. I'm not the finished article and any potential I have will be unearthed by someone like Brian."

Are you disappointed to leave Palace?

"I would like to make one thing clear, it was never my decision to leave Selhurst Park. I had no choice. I cannot talk about the club's financial plight because I'm not qualified to do so. But the decision to sell me was down to them. I only had one decision to make and that was which club to join."

Are you daunted by your �4 million fee?

"No, I have always been confident. If you go to a club thinking about the fee, you're heading for trouble. It's an exciting opportunity and I intend to take it with both hands. I know that Blackburn are not in an ideal position and it will be hard but football is all about challenges."

How would you describe yourself as a player?

"I'm not an out-and-out striker. I prefer to sit behind the front two. I think I have a good eye for the ball and I'm comfortable on either foot.Of course I can score goals, but I create them as well. There are certain aspects of my game that can improve and I will be looking to make good progress at Blackburn."

What can Blackburn achieve this season?

"The first priority is Premiership safety and anything beyond that is a bonus. We're still in the FA Cup but unfortunately I'm ineligible to play if they make any progress in the competition. After that we can look to challenge for honours. A club like this should be aiming for the Premiership title."