It's been an astonishing few years at Ewood Park where Jack Walker and Kenny Dalglish gave hope to every club in the country by showing that the arrival from out of the blue of one staggeringly wealthy fan and a manager capable of spending his money well could quickly bring any team to the top.
Since then, however, it's all be a bit of a mess and Roy Hodgson is likely to spend a bit of time steadying things before really stamping his identity on a side which badly needs some sort of direction. Graeme Le Saux's ridiculous price tag should at least mean that he stays, while Kevin Gallacher's improved showing last season and the arrival of Martin Dahlin up front is a step in the right direction. Hodgson needs the likes of Lars Bohinen (pictured) to make a belated impact in a midfield that lacks a spark, though, if there is to be anything much to show for this season.
Manager: Roy Hodgson.
In: Stephane Henchoz (from Hamburg) £3 million, Patrick Valery (from Bastia) undisclosed, Martin Dahlin (from AS Roma) £2.5 million, John Filan (from Coventry) tribunal, Anders Andersson (from Malmo) undisclosed.
Out: Shay Given (to Newcastle) tribunal, Paul Warhurst (to Crystal Palace £1.5 million), Niklas Gudmundsson (to Malmo) £300,000, Matt Holmes (to Charlton) £250,000.
Last Season: 13th. FA Cup: Fourth round. Coca-Cola Cup: Third round.[Q L]
Betting: 50 to 1.
