The former Fulham and Liverpool midfielder should prove a superb addition to Rovers, but his comments may not satisfy the club’s support.
Blackburn have secured the signing of free agent Danny Murphy, bringing a rare moment of good news for the club. At least it seemed.
Upon signing, he declared that manager Steve Kean was the key factor in signing with the club.
For any supporters that still had hope of Blackburn sacking Kean this summer, Murphy’s words will have been crushing.
Kean’s tenure in charge of Blackburn has been a disastrous one, winning just 13 of 58 Premier League games and overseeing the club’s relegation.
Even worse, Kean is seen as a puppet for the Venkys, the club’s Indian owners who are seen as the real root cause of Blackburn’s problems.
Blackburn need to pull together next season, the financial implications of failing to immediately bounce back to the Premier League would be a tough blow, and the signing of Murphy is great news on the pitch.
Murphy still has the ability to play in the Premier League, and his decision to drop down a division is seen by many as a surprise.
Age 35 he decided he wanted a change from Fulham, a club he had helped take to the Europa League final. Last season in the Premier League he made 33 starts, scoring twice and providing five assists, and will be bracing himself for the Championship’s 46-game season next year.
With Rovers expected to lose Steven N’Zonzi this summer, a midfield void will have been created. Rovers have done well to sign Murphy and address this, and his experience and set piece ability will be a great addition to Rovers.
Kean meanwhile will continue to divide the Rovers support. If he is to remain at the club, some fans may decide it is not productive to get on the manager’s back, while others have simply had enough.
It had seemed inconceivable that Kean would last the season, yet alone survive relegation, yet he remains in post.
Danny Murphy’s glowing praise of him indicates he is not going any where soon, and that is why supporters should be having mixed feelings about the midfielder’s arrival.
Can Kean possibly last the season?
image: © joncandy
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