BRFC Articles

Nathan's Blakethrough!

Were you close to signing for other clubs, Nathan?

"I had spoken to Wimbledon but that was it. I read something in the papers about Coventry but nothing came of that. It was all speculation but when I got a phone call to tell me Blackburn were interested I jumped at the chance."

You scored goals for Bolton when they went down so it should be a doddle at Blackburn, shouldn't it?

"Yeah, I managed a few for Bolton last season, but we didn't think we were a relegation team and were gutted when we went down. But coming to a big club like Blackburn, with the players we have, should mean there are plenty of chances so I need to score as many goals as possible, as quick as possible."

There is plenty of competition for places in attack, isn't there?

"Yes, but there is nothing wrong with that. Every club you see now has competition for everyone's place. It is all part and parcel of football. It was no different at Bolton. I got injured and lost my place there and had to fight to get it back. I'm more willing to do that at Blackburn."

What will it be like to play upfront alongside Chris Sutton?

"It's a fantastic prospect. I regard him as the best striker in the country so to play alongside someone like that is a big thrill for me. There's also Kevin Davies, who is another brilliant player and with the three of us here and Kevin Gallacher to come back from injury, it's going to be great battles for places in the attack, which is good for Rovers."

Did it take long to make up your mind about moving to Rovers?

"Not really. The move came right out of the blue. I had the phone call from the gaffer at Bolton and within a couple of hours I was sitting down talking to Roy Hodgson. When I had the phone call I knew then that if we could sort out the personal terms, I would definitely go to Rovers, no problem."

Has the recent speculation about your future unsettled you?

"It's been dragging on for a month or so and it's good now to be at a big club with my future settled so I can get on with my football. To be honest it was doing my head in a bit. I had spoken to Wimbledon but after meeting them I didn't think that situation was ever going to take off. I read that Coventry were looking at me but I had no contact with them at all."

Are you worried people will label you second choice to Dion Dublin after his move to Rovers fell through?

"Not at all. The press may go on about it if the goals don't come but I don't see it that way. I'm not second choice to anyone in my eyes. I consider myself a first choice striker and I'm here to do a job and that is get some goals."

Were you surprised Bolton let you go?

"Yeah, I was surprised they let me go but it's hard for me to comment on that because I don't know what the background to the situation was. All I can say is that I'm happy to be at Blackburn but at the same time I am sad to leave Bolton."

How much had you missed playing in the Premiership?

"Very much but there was nothing I could do about it. I was at Bolton and we were in the First Division and I had to do a job there. It's as simple as that."

Do you think you've made it to the top in football now?

"Yes, I definitely do and it is a fantastic feeling. To have someone of Roy Hodgson's calibre interested in you and willing to pay a big chunk of money for you is a great honour."

Have you set any goal targets this season?

"No, I never do. I just plan to get as many goals as possible as quickly as possible and hopefully that will help Blackburn move up the table and start fighting for a place for Europe.