Robbie introduces his side

I am privileged to receive most of the programmes for our matches through a *very* nice man who lives in Blackburn and goes to all of the games. One of the more interesting things that I have received is the programme from our sad loss to Chelsea for the FA cup. In it were some awesome articles, including one where Sav introduces his team-mates. While I am not so sure if I am permitted to re-type the contents, I will give it a stab, having not found any regs in this website that *forbid* me from doing so. Mods: if this inclusion is out-of-line, it is not by intention, and a quiet word will stop me from adding these sorts of things in the future -- please don't card me!!

Here goes!

(all of the following is a direct quotation from the above mentioned programme, programme publisher "The FA", written by Robbie Savage)

Peter Enckelman: Brad never misses a match, so it's tough for top-class keepers like Peter and Jason Brown. 'Enks' is into his motor sport and would talk a glass eye to sleep.

Stephen Warnock: Didn't really know much about him until he came here, but been really impressed with his attitude. To come back from three broken legs shows real strength of character and that's credit for him. For just over 1 million pounds, he's one of the bargains of the season.

Brett Emerton: That rare breed, a quiet Aussie. Unassuming. Passionate about his country. He's quick. 'Emo', when he gets going. He's a big strong boy. Gets more crosses in from right-back than when he did when he was on the wing. He's been a success story.

Brad Friedel: One of the best keepers the Premiership has ever seen. Probably worth about 12 points a season to us. The double save against Arsenal in the last few minutes of the Fifth Round tie at the Emirates is probably why we are here. Loves coffee and always has a Starbucks in his hand.

Zurab Khizanishvili: Lovely guy. When he's come into the team he's performed heroics. It's a very tight call between all our centre-backs.
So when you are given that chance, you have to take it and nobody can fault what Zurab has done. Gets his hair cut with a knife and fork.

Christopher Samba: He's a gentle giant: 6ft5in. He came on trial to the club from Hertha Berlin and has done exceptionally well. He's been great. The Ewood Park supporters have really taken to him. Mind you, the name helps -- it's a ready-made song!

Ryan Nelsen: John Terry is a tough boy. Well, so too is Ryan 'The Admiral' Nelsen. They had to drill the bone in his pelvis during his op last year. Shown grit and determination to get back to fantastic form. He's a typical, hard-as-nails kiwi. I call him a proper centre-half, cuts all over his head.

Stephane Henchoz: He won so many trophies with Liverpool. Works hard, a modern-day good pro. Again when called upon, he's been exceptional. I think he gets up at about six in the morning to jump off the wardrobe to get into his clothes, they're that tight!

Andy Todd: For me, at Everton in the FA Cup, it was the best game I'd ever seem him play. He was sensational, but then unluckily he got injured. I can say the next bit because he's one of my best mates -- a few weeks ago he had the biggest side parting since Bobby Charlton.

Andre Ooijer: My treatment room-mate. We call him our very own Barry Chuckle. "To me, to you, to me!" Although he thinks he is more like Jim Carrey. The Dutchman's been a tremendous signing, and when he comes back from injury he'll be a big player next year.

David Bentley: I think he's on Sky more than Richard Keys. Nice, funny lad. For me, he's our player of the year. Should be in the England squad. He's got everything. I'm sure he'll have mentioned his hat-trick against Manchester United a few times in the build-up to today's game.

Morten Gamst Pedersen: The Norwegian Beckham, or so we're told. I think the reason we have done so well is the two wide men, 'Bents' and Morten. He had a slow start this season, but as soon as he got back on form it transformed the team. Fantastic left foot.

David Dunn: Hometown boy, loves the club. Hopefully has put his injury problems behind him. When he was here last time he had that bit of magic in the last third, and I'm sure he can reproduce that again. Nice guy, although his banter could do with improving.

Matt Derbyshire: Another home-growner. Had loan spells with Wrexham and Plymouth and has always scored goals wherever he's been. 'Derbs' has grabbed his chance with both hands, and scored some super goals for us. He's got pace and that frightens defenders -- he can get behind them.

Tugay Kerimoglu: The maestro. Top man. My midfield partner when I was fit. For me, the best player on the ball in the Premiership. To play with him is just a privilege. He's an outstanding talent. I just wish I could have played alongside him years ago.

Aaron Mokoena: 'The Axe'. Waited for his chance. Obviously my injury has helped him get in the team and he's taken his chance. He's scored a goal, won his tackles and been influential. It's the other side of football, but one man's bad luck is another man's gain and he's done really well.

Paul Gallagher: 'Gally' is a super talent. Like 'Dunny' and 'Derbs', came through the youth system. At Everton he was best player on the pitch -- just that bit of intelligence, that something a bit different. I'm sure a lot of other clubs would take him, but the gaffer rates him highly.

Jason Roberts: Like me, spent time in the treatment room, but he's back and looking fit. I realise now what people go through with injuries -- you don't feel part of things. For Jason to come back the way he has done is great. For some reason, wears his Blackburn suit jacket to training.

Shabani Nonda: Again, a quiet and unassuming player. Played at the highest level for Monaco and Roma. Scored two against Arsenal and two against Portsmouth, but I think he sometimes gets a bit frustrated with himself at times because he wants to do so well.

Benni Mccarthy: Top drawer. For me, technically the best player at the club. Massive influence on the team. To get so many goals in your first season is a huge achievement. As a person, just one of the nicest people I have met in football. Can't say a bad word about him.