Ewood Beat

Roving eye for Matt's finishing

Blackburn Rovers are weighing up a possible swoop for non-league scoring sensation Matt Derbyshire.

The 17-year-old striker, who has been banging in goals for fun in the North West Counties League this season, is currently training with Rovers as he tries to make the breakthrough into the professional game.

And Rovers' Academy director Bobby Downes is eager to have a closer look at the Great Harwood Town frontman after he impressed during the Under 19s victory against Manchester United last week.

A host of top clubs -- including United -- are said to be keeping close tabs on the player who has already netted 18 goals for Harwood this term.

But Rovers hope the fact the teenager currently holds down a position in the club's Football in the Community Scheme might give them an advantage over their rivals should they decide to offer him a place at the Academy.

"He's quick, he's not bad in the air, and he's never really had proper coaching before, which is quite refreshing," said Downes.

"He did quite well against United last week and we'd like to have the chance to have another look at him in another game if possible.

"But, in the meantime, he'll continue to train with us and we'll see what happens.

"Some other clubs are said to be interested in Matt but, with him working on the community side of things at the club already, we would like to think we would get first crack at him."

Rovers had hoped to play Derbyshire in today's Under 19 game against Bolton but Harwood boss John Hughes wanted the teenager for this afternoon's North West Counties Division Two clash with Padiham.

Nevertheless, it is hoped he will get another chance to play for Rovers later this month as the player ponders his next career move.

Derbyshire, who recently scored 11 goals in just four games, is only thought to be contracted to the non-league club until the end of this month.

After that, he would be free to move elsewhere and, although Hughes would be sorry to lose him, he accepts he should be playing at a higher level.

"Matt isn't the type of person to get carried away with it," said Hughes.

"He's level-headed and he isn't motivated by money. He just loves football and wants to play and do well, and as long as he keeps doing what he's doing, he will."

Padiham boss Vince Overson, whose side were hoping to keep Derbyshire in check this afternoon, also believes the teenager is destined for greater things.

"I'd rather he was playing for Rovers today than playing against us. If he's not on Great Harwood's team sheet then I'll be happy," said Overson.

"There's a few clubs looking at him. I've never seen him play at this level but I've played five-a-side against him on a few occasions and he's exceptionally quick.

"He would be a handful, as would anybody with that amount of pace because everybody, no matter what level you play at, is frightened of pace and he has that by the bucket-load.

"I know there are a few clubs looking at him and I wish him all the best."

Juniors help to raise funds for fun

JUNIOR Rovers are holding a fundraising evening in aid of the BBC Children In Need Appeal.

On Friday, November 21, as part of the juniors' weekly football coaching evening at the BRIC (Blackburn Rovers in the Community) they are holding a Football Fun Night.

Organiser Barbara Magee said: "We are asking every child who attends football training to donate 50p to take part.

"Parents can also contribute 50p to join in a Penalty Shoot Out with Roar or Roarina."

For younger members, under eight years old, irrespective of whether they attend football training, there is a drawing competition with a 20p entry fee.

There will be prizes for the best three drawings of Pudsey Bear.

Mascots Roar and Roarina will be the judges.

For further information, contact Barbara Magee at Ewood Park on 01254 296208.

Supporters getting on the buses

BLACKBURN Rovers Supporters Association have announced travel details for the forthcoming away games against Manchester United and Birmingham.

Coaches for the United game next Saturday will be calling at Accrington (9.45am) and Ewood (10.15am).

Prices range from £6 to £7 for members and £6.50 to £7.50 for non-members.

Pick up times for the Birmingham trip on Saturday December 6 are Ewood (10.30am) and Accrington (11am), with prices ranging from £8.50 to £9.50 for members and £9 to £10.50 for non-members.

To book your seats call the Customer Services desk in Rover the Moon on 01254 296208.

Sarah helps to Bury them

ROVERS' Ladies progressed through to the third round of the Women's FA Cup

with a 7-0 thrashing at local rivals Bury.

Strike trio Sarah McRea, Justine Wallace and Andrea Bell bagged a brace apiece, with Holly Pointon also weighing in with a goal.

Despite their dominance, and indeed their successful season so far, Rovers' management are still looking for more from their players.

Assistant manager Marek Walsh said: "The gaffer Andy McNally has set the team the challenge to go on a level and get better and better.

"He's really looking to take Rovers Ladies forward and the players need to remain 100 per cent committed for every single game."

Meanwhile, Rovers have put seven days on an unnamed Burnley and former England player.

Flitty follows Souness lead

BLACKBURN skipper Garry Flitcroft has revealed he wants to become a manager when he finally hangs up his boots -- and he would love to follow in the footsteps of Graeme Souness by taking charge of Rovers one day!

Flitcroft revealed his secret ambition when he was recently asked if he plans to stay in football when he finishes playing.

"I do quite a bit of property development and I enjoy that type of work," said Flitty, who celebrated his 31st birthday last week.

"It's something I could turn to, but I would like to go into football management, I think.

"Hopefully, I'll stay and get a manager's job somewhere -- maybe here at Blackburn one day, who knows?"

Neill to miss out at Old Trafford

LUCAS Neill has been hit with a two-match ban as a result of his recent sending off against Liverpool.

Neill was adjudged to have denied Florent Sinama-Pongolle a goalscoring opportunity.

For that, he receives a one-match ban plus an additional match as it's his second red card of the campaign.

He will now miss Rovers' next two games against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Food for thought this coming winter

MONDAY night's game against Everton at Ewood was an evening to savour in more ways than one.

For not only did Rovers break their losing sequence with a vital victory against Everton but the club also introduced some new top nosh in the Press room at half-time.

Now, as well as the usual soup and sarnies, they are also serving hot pie and peas for the first time ever -- a very welcome addition in time for the cold winter months ahead.

And it wasn't just any old pie and peas, either, it was Northcote's finest. I think we've definitely turned the corner!