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Benjani targeting fitness boost

Blackburn Rovers striker Benjani has admitted he is relishing the chance to rediscover his form and fitness after signing a one-year deal at Ewood Park.

Benjani, 32, who was a free agent after being released by Manchester City, had to allay concerns over a knee problem suffered during a spell at Portsmouth.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: “I didn’t have any problem proving my fitness.

“I’m happy here – I hope to score goals and if I’m fit I know I will have to fight for my place.”

He added: “The Premier League is the best league in the world and I always wanted to stay here.

“I know Blackburn are a good team. I need to be playing to gain full fitness – I hope to play some friendly matches and hopefully I’ll be match fit within the next month.

“It’s going to be hard work because sometimes if you return from one injury and pick up another it’s difficult. So I just hope nothing more will happen to me.”

The Zimbabwe international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland before being released by parent club Manchester City earlier this summer, began his career with Jomo Cosmos in 1999.

After spending three seasons with the South African side, he moved to Auxerre before joining Portsmouth for 4.1m in January 2006.

The Harare-born forward made over 70 appearances for Pompey before completing a move to City two years later.

Manager Sam Allardyce added that he is confident the Zimbabwe international will be a valuable asset if he can regain the form shown in last season’s 4-1 win by City at Eastlands.

“Our objective is to get him playing like that again,” he said.

“He’s hungry to continue in the Premier League and we know apart from that injury what he can do. Hopefully we can rekindle that quality of play we know he has.

“I remember him starting well at Newcastle when I was manager there and he came with Portsmouth and within 20 minutes we were 3-0 down and he scored two of them.

“He’s a little bit more experienced than our other forwards Mame [Biram Diouf] and Niko [Kalinic] so hopefully we’ll be able to get him in the pack as soon as we can.”

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Notts bring in Blackburn’s Judge

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Notts County have signed Blackburn Rovers midfielder Alan Judge on loan until January.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan with Championship side Plymouth Argyle, scoring five goals in 40 games.

Judge, who has played one first-team game for Rovers in the FA Cup in 2009, also spent the end of the 2008/09 season on loan with the Pilgrims.

He signed a new deal with the Premier League side last summer which keeps him at Ewood Park until 2011.

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Blackburn bidder’s firm shut down

Filed under: Blackburn Rovers by: admin

30 August 2010
Last updated at 15:42 ET

By Adrian Goldberg
Presenter, 5 live Investigates

A company run by the man linked to the proposed 300m takeover of Blackburn Rovers has been told to cease trading.

Bahrain’s trade and industry ministry said it closed a Bahrain-based company after it violated regulations by operating outside its remit.

BBC 5 live has learned the company is Western Gulf Advisory, run by Indian investor Ahsan Ali Syed.

Western Gulf Advisory said the Blackburn bid is being managed by a separate company, and is unaffected.

The precise details of the offence are unclear, but it is understood that Western Gulf Advisory fell foul of Bahrain’s central bank, which refused to sanction its activities.

It has been reported that Mr Syed is planning to invest 300m into Blackburn Rovers, pledging an additional 100m to fund transfers.

Mr Syed also runs a Swiss-based company, Western Gulf Advisory AG, based in Zug.

The 5 live Investigates programme has been told it is this Swiss entity which is managing the takeover plans, and not the Bahrain-based company.

Private investor

Mr Syed’s personal wealth has been reported to be between 3bn and 8bn. He said he would be investing his personal wealth into the club, through his Swiss firm, and he would be the sole investor.

The takeover bid is being negotiated by Western Gulf AG’s European investment team, which is currently involved in the creation of a new Europe-based firm, WGA Sports, which will oversee all Mr Syed’s sports investments.

According to its company website, Western Gulf Advisory provides services relating to asset and wealth management and Mr Syed’s family has been involved in private sector lending across Asia for 150 years.

Despite his reported wealth, little is known about Mr Syed, and he has not featured in the Forbes Rich List.

Mr Syed claims he and his company are experts in buying under-performing companies and turning them into profitable enterprises.

He is known to be involved in other takeover bids of companies outside of football, including the Irish construction company McCabe and the Australian cotton producer, Cubbie Station.

However, when probed about his other investments when talking to the BBC last week, Mr Syed said he preferred to keep such information private to protect his investors. Western Gulf Advisory claims to act as financial adviser to sovereign wealth, royalty and many wealthy individuals.

A spokesman for the Barclays Premier League said they had not received any formal notification regarding a takeover of Blackburn Rovers, and would not conduct any investigation into the suitability of any potential investor until such a time.

Once notice of a takeover is received the Premier League then has 10 days to carry out a means and abilities test of the company planning the investment, which includes the owners and directors.

It is only after such tests have been completed that a decision on whether to sanction a takeover will be made.

A spokesperson for Mr Syed said negotiations with Blackburn Rovers’ advisors were proceeding very well, and Western Gulf Advisory AG would soon be approaching the Premier League to complete the necessary paperwork.

Blackburn Rovers did not respond to a request for a comment on the development.

Adrian Goldberg presents the new series 5 live Investigates on BBC 5 live. The first programme will broadcast at 2100BST on Sunday, 5th September.

If you have a story for the programme team, email: goldberg@bbc.co.uk

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Blackburn snap up striker Benjani

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Blackburn have signed former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari.

Benjani, 32, has been training with Rovers this month following his release from City in June.

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce had admitted concerns over the knee problem the Zimbabwean suffered during a two-year stint at Portsmouth, from 2006-08.

But on Friday the Lancashire club confirmed a one-year deal had been struck with an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Speaking on Friday, Allardyce said: “Benjani has shown us he will be OK to play for us in the Premier League.”

The Zimbabwe international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland before being released by parent club City earlier this summer, began his career with Jomo Cosmos in 1999.

After spending three seasons with the South African side, he moved to Auxerre before joining Portsmouth for 4.1m in January 2006.

The Harare-born forward made over 70 appearances for Pompey before completing a move to Manchester City two years later.

His move to Eastlands almost fell through after City tried to pull out of the deal, expressing concern about the knee injury he had had surgery on 18 months previously.

Allardyce had expressed disappointed with the number of chances his side missed in their opening day 1-0 league victory over Everton, and felt additional firepower was required at Ewood Park.

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Blackburn 3-1 Norwich

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Mame Biram Diouf marked his first start for Blackburn with a hat-trick as the Premier League side eased past Norwich to reach the Carling Cup third round.

The Senegal international, on a season-long loan from Manchester United, headed in after Chris Samba flicked on Morten Gamst Pedersen’s long throw.

Blackburn keeper Mark Bunn saved well from Simeon Jackson and Grant Holt before Diouf, 22, tapped in his second.

Diouf nodded in a third before Jens Berthel Askou headed a consolation.

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce introduced Diouf from the bench during his side’s first two league matches but picked the visit of Norwich to give the striker a first start – and he did not disappoint.

Diouf, who made six appearances for United last season and also sat on the bench for their Carling Cup final win over Aston Villa, was heavily involved throughout.

He opened the scoring at Ewood Park with a typical poacher’s goal, stooping to convert Samba’s flick after Pedersen’s arcing throw into the box.

Just before half-time Jackson saw his low shot tipped around the post post by Bunn and shortly after the break Holt had shot fumbled by the keeper.

Blackburn were dominating possession but Norwich remained a threat, Holt flashing a near-post header across goal from David Fox’s corner and Bunn producing a reaction save to keep the ball out.

Amine Linganzi almost extended the home side’s lead when he volleyed against the post and seconds later Diouf planted a close-range header against the crossbar from Pedersen’s left-wing free-kick.

But when Pedersen’s shot from Junior Hoilett’s cross was spooned up in the air by keeper Declan Rudd, Diouf stabbed home despite the best efforts of the Norwich defence to prevent it crossing the line.

And Diouf capped a fine individual performance with a five-yard header from another Pedersen cross late on.

Berthal Askou’s 90th-minute header from a corner was was in vain for the visitors.

Final Result
Full Time
90:00+3:10 The referee ends the match.
90:00+2:31 Simon Lappin delivers the ball, Pascal Chimbonda makes a clearance.
90:00+1:25 Attacking throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
89:22 Assist (cross) by David Fox (Norwich) from left wing.
89:22 GOAL – Jens Berthel Askou:Blackburn 3 – 1 Norwich headed goal by Jens Berthel Askou (Norwich) (top-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Blackburn 3-1 Norwich.
89:22 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Fox (Norwich) to centre,
88:57 Anthony McNamee delivers the ball, Stephen Hughes takes a shot. Save by Mark Bunn.
88:08 Cross by Anthony McNamee (Norwich), clearance by Phil Jones (Blackburn).
87:40 George Francomb produces a cross, David Hoilett makes a clearance.
87:32 Simon Lappin crosses the ball, Steven Nzonzi gets a block in.
86:54 Centre by Anthony McNamee.
86:07 The ball is swung over by Simon Lappin, save made by Mark Bunn.
85:49 Defending throw-in by Martin Olsson (Blackburn).
84:46 Cross by Simon Lappin (Norwich), clearance by Pascal Chimbonda (Blackburn).
83:15 The assist for the goal came from Morten Gamst Pedersen.
83:15 GOAL – Mame Diouf:Blackburn 3 – 0 Norwich Mame Diouf scores a headed goal from close range. Blackburn 3-0 Norwich.
82:47 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
82:37 Stephen Hughes produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the area and misses to the left of the goal.
81:28 Anthony McNamee produces a cross, Phil Jones makes a clearance.
80:43 David Hoilett challenges Jens Berthel Askou unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jens Berthel Askou takes the free kick.
80:20 Substitution (Blackburn) makes a substitution, with Martin Olsson coming on for Gael Givet.
79:15 Assist by Morten Gamst Pedersen.
79:15 GOAL – Mame Diouf:Blackburn 2 – 0 Norwich Mame Diouf grabs a goal from close in low into the middle of the goal. Blackburn 2-0 Norwich.
78:54 Cross by David Hoilett (Blackburn), shot by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn) right-footed from centre of penalty area (6
yards), save (parried) by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
77:29 Goal kick taken long by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
76:43 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn) to centre, header by Gael Givet
(Blackburn) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed left.
75:59 Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the left by-line, Gael Givet takes a shot. George Francomb
makes a clearance.
75:53 David Hoilett delivers the ball, Matthew Gill gets a block in.
75:06 Morten Gamst Pedersen takes a shot. Jens Berthel Askou gets a block in.
74:20 George Francomb gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David Hoilett. Morten Gamst Pedersen crosses the ball, Mame
Diouf takes a shot.
74:04 Cross by Brett Emerton (Blackburn), save (punched) by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
73:25 Effort from deep inside the area by Amine Linganzi bounces off the post.
73:12 Morten Gamst Pedersen sends in a cross, Elliott Ward manages to make a clearance.
72:49 Cross by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn), clearance by Elliott Ward (Norwich).
72:38 Cross by Steven Nzonzi (Blackburn), clearance by George Francomb (Norwich).
72:01 Pascal Chimbonda fouled by Anthony McNamee, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen.
71:11 Substitution Russell Martin goes off and Stephen Hughes comes on.
71:00 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
70:54 Elliott Ward produces a cross.
68:08 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
66:51 Substitution Norwich substitution: Wesley Hoolahan replaced by Anthony McNamee (tactical).
66:51 Substitution Norwich substitution: Grant Holt replaced by Oli Johnson (tactical).
66:16 Corner from the right by-line taken by Simon Lappin, Steven Nzonzi manages to make a clearance.
65:57 Corner taken right-footed by David Fox from the left by-line, clearance by Gael Givet.
65:42 The ball is crossed by George Francomb, Phil Jones makes a clearance.
64:33 Attacking throw-in by Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn).
64:05 The ball is swung over by Simon Lappin, clearance made by Gael Givet.
63:40 Centre by Pascal Chimbonda, clearance made by Elliott Ward.
60:40 Substitution Christopher Samba goes off and Phil Jones comes on.
60:40 Substitution Vincenzo Grella goes off and Steven Nzonzi comes on.
60:17 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn) to centre, header by Christopher
Samba (Blackburn) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right.
60:04 The ball is sent over by Lars Jacobsen, blocked by Russell Martin.
58:46 Defending throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
58:39 The ball is crossed by Pascal Chimbonda, Matthew Gill makes a clearance.
57:11 A cross is delivered by Morten Gamst Pedersen, George Francomb gets a block in.
54:51 The ball is sent over by Lars Jacobsen, clearance made by Jens Berthel Askou.
53:51 Mame Diouf (Blackburn) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Declan Rudd (Norwich) from own half, resulting
in open play.
53:36 The ball is swung over by Wesley Hoolahan, Mark Bunn makes a save.
51:30 Goal kick taken long by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
51:13 Close range header by Mame Diouf goes wide of the left-hand upright.
50:53 Grant Holt takes a shot. Save by Mark Bunn.
50:33 Foul by Vincenzo Grella on Wesley Hoolahan, free kick awarded. David Fox restarts play with the free kick.
49:26 Centre by Brett Emerton, Jens Berthel Askou manages to make a clearance.
48:06 Defending throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
47:57 Defending throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
47:17 Defending throw-in by Russell Martin (Norwich).
45:37 Defending throw-in by Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn).
45:01 The second half has started.
Half Time
45:00+1:26 The referee blows for half time.
44:30 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Fox (Norwich) to centre, clearance by Pascal Chimbonda (Blackburn).
44:14 Shot by Simeon Jackson (Norwich) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (tipped round post) by Mark Bunn
(Blackburn).
44:06 Cross by Matthew Gill (Norwich), clearance by Christopher Samba (Blackburn).
43:37 Mame Diouf (Blackburn) caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jens Berthel Askou (Norwich) from own half,
passed.
43:24 Cross by Matthew Gill (Norwich), save (caught) by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
43:11 Pascal Chimbonda crosses the ball, Elliott Ward manages to make a clearance.
41:45 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
40:44 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
40:24 Cross by Wesley Hoolahan (Norwich), shot by David Fox (Norwich) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed
left.
40:05 Attacking throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
39:28 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Fox (Norwich) to centre, clearance by Gael Givet (Blackburn).
36:53 Foul by Grant Holt on Christopher Samba, free kick awarded. Mark Bunn restarts play with the free kick.
36:24 The referee blows for offside against Mame Diouf. Free kick taken by Declan Rudd.
33:57 Goal kick taken long by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
33:27 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
32:58 Defending throw-in by Pascal Chimbonda (Blackburn).
32:10 Attacking throw-in by David Hoilett (Blackburn).
31:12 The ball is sent over by Pascal Chimbonda, clearance made by David Fox.
30:48 Christopher Samba takes a shot. David Fox gets a block in.
30:14 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
29:51 Defending throw-in by Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn).
29:30 Simon Lappin delivers the ball, Gael Givet makes a clearance.
28:34 Christopher Samba provided the assist for the goal.
28:34 GOAL – Mame Diouf:Blackburn 1 – 0 Norwich Mame Diouf grabs a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Blackburn 1-0 Norwich.
27:46 The ball is swung over by Lars Jacobsen, clearance by Jens Berthel Askou.
27:02 Foul by David Fox (Norwich) on Amine Linganzi (Blackburn). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn)
from left channel, passed.
25:10 Foul by David Hoilett (Blackburn) on Simon Lappin (Norwich). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Russell Martin (Norwich)
from own half, resulting in open play.
24:48 Cross by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn), resulting in open play.
24:14 David Hoilett produces a cross, blocked by David Fox.
24:07 Morten Gamst Pedersen produces a cross, George Francomb manages to make a clearance.
23:39 Goal kick taken long by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
22:34 Foul by David Fox (Norwich) on Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn). Free kick taken right-footed by Brett Emerton (Blackburn)
from right channel (20 yards), missed right.
22:09 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
21:53 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
21:11 Attacking throw-in by Simon Lappin (Norwich).
20:42 The ball is crossed by Simon Lappin, clearance by Pascal Chimbonda.
20:24 Attacking throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
19:59 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Grant Holt by Christopher Samba. Grant Holt restarts play with the free kick.
18:54 Unfair challenge on Wesley Hoolahan by Amine Linganzi results in a free kick. Simon Lappin delivers the ball, Grant Holt takes
a shot. Mark Bunn makes a save.
18:24 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jens Berthel Askou by Christopher Samba. Declan Rudd restarts play with the free
kick.
18:01 Centre by David Hoilett, George Francomb makes a clearance.
17:36 The ball is swung over by Brett Emerton, Morten Gamst Pedersen takes a shot. Save made by Declan Rudd.
17:02 David Fox takes a shot.
16:52 The ball is crossed by Wesley Hoolahan, Christopher Samba manages to make a clearance.
16:12 Outswinging corner taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen, clearance made by Simon Lappin.
15:55 Shot by Amine Linganzi (Blackburn) volleyed left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Matthew Gill (Norwich).
15:22 Defending throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
15:13 Cross by David Hoilett (Blackburn), resulting in ball out of play.
14:58 Attacking throw-in by Pascal Chimbonda (Blackburn).
14:46 The ball is crossed by Amine Linganzi, clearance made by Jens Berthel Askou.
13:50 Brett Emerton crosses the ball.
12:52 Goal kick taken long by Mark Bunn (Blackburn).
11:46 The ball is sent over by Morten Gamst Pedersen, save made by Declan Rudd.
11:28 Defending throw-in by Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn).
10:43 Shot by Brett Emerton (Blackburn) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), missed right.
10:32 Attacking throw-in by George Francomb (Norwich).
10:12 Gael Givet takes a shot. Save made by Declan Rudd.
9:41 Corner taken right-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the left by-line, clearance made by Jens Berthel Askou.
9:09 Corner taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the right by-line, save by Declan Rudd.
8:57 Shot by Amine Linganzi (Blackburn) right-footed from right wing (18 yards), blocked by Russell Martin (Norwich).
7:58 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
6:43 Goal kick taken long by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
5:58 Outswinging corner taken by Morten Gamst Pedersen, Header from close in by Gael Givet misses to the left of the goal.
5:52 Morten Gamst Pedersen sends in a cross, blocked by Jens Berthel Askou.
5:33 Attacking throw-in by Pascal Chimbonda (Blackburn).
5:06 Defending throw-in by Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn).
4:47 The ball is sent over by George Francomb.
4:35 Lars Jacobsen takes a shot. Russell Martin gets a block in.
3:59 Attacking throw-in by Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn).
3:49 Brett Emerton takes a shot. Blocked by Russell Martin.
2:48 Goal kick taken long by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
1:54 Cross by Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn), save (caught) by Declan Rudd (Norwich).
1:32 The official flags Grant Holt offside. Free kick taken by Mark Bunn.
0:33 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Simeon Jackson by Gael Givet. Russell Martin takes the direct free kick.
0:00 The ref blows the whistle to start the match.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

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Blackburn v Norwich

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Live text and stats

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Carling Cup

Carling Cup second round
Venue: Ewood Park Date: Tuesday, 24 August Kick-off: 2000 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & highlights on The League Cup Show

Blackburn quartet Keith Andrews, David Dunn (both groin), Pascal Chimbonda (broken nose) and Vince Grella (calf) all remain doubtful.

First-choice keeper Paul Robinson could be rested, with Mark Bunn or Frank Fielding getting a starting place.

Norwich City will be without defender Michael Nelson, who suffered an ankle injury during Saturday’s Championship victory at home to Swansea.

Jens Berthel is expected to start for the Canaries at Ewood Park.

Head-to-head

These clubs have met 38 times. Blackburn have won 17 of those matches and Norwich nine, with 10 draws.

Blackburn are unbeaten in seven matches against the Canaries. They have won three and drawn four since losing 2-1 at Carrow Road in the Premier League in October 1994.

Rovers won the only previous League Cup tie between these clubs: 2-0 in the third round in October 1992.

Blackburn

Blackburn, semi-finalists last season, have made it through to at least the last eight in each of the last three years.

They have been eliminated at the second-round stage only once in the last 18 years.

In 2004, League One Bournemouth knocked them out. That was the last time Rovers were dismissed by a lower division club.

Norwich

Norwich have won their last three games.

The 1962 and 1985 winners have not reached the third round for three years.

It is 15 years since the Canaries last knocked out a Premier League club from the competition (Bolton).

If selected, Wes Hoolahan will be making his 200th appearance in English and Scottish club football.

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Blackburn assess Benjani fitness

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Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has admitted he would be interested in signing striker Benjani providing there are no problems over his fitness.

The 32-year-old has been on trial with Rovers and Allardyce wants him to prove he is fully over a knee problem suffered while at Portsmouth.

“What we need to find out is if the knee can stand up to the medical,” Allardyce told BBC Radio Lancashire.

“We know what he can do on the field of play which is reassuring.”

After spending three seasons with the South African side, the 32-year-old moved to Auxerre before joining Portsmouth for 4.1m in January 2006.

The Harare-born forward made over 70 appearances for Pompey before completing a move to Manchester City two years later.

His move to Eastlands almost fell through after City tried to pull out of the deal, expressing concern about a knee injury Benjani had surgery on 18 months previously.

Allardyce was disappointed with the number of chances his side missed in their opening day victory over Everton. He feels adding additional firepower is more important than ever.

“We started with Martin Olsson’s one-on-one with the goalkeeper, before Niko [Kalinic] capitalised on Tim Howard’s mistake,” he said.

“But then we had Ryan Nelsen’s volley that went over the bar and Mame Diouf’s one-on-one when Howard saved that.

“So that’s our problem and that’s what we’re trying to resolve.”

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Allardyce plans sensible spending

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Sam Allardyce

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Allardyce cautious about cash boost

Blackburn will not embark on sudden spending spree if a takeover of the club proves successful, according to manager Sam Allardyce.

Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed is keen to buy Rovers before the transfer window shuts on 31 August and has promised up to 100m for new players.

“I have to persuade the new owners – if it happens – that we have got to do it relatively slowly,” said Allardyce.

“Not ‘bang, bang, bang, bang. That is a little too quick to turn a club round.”

Syed wants to strengthen Allardyce’s hand in the transfer market immediately after a successful takeover, but the former Bolton and Newcastle boss is wary of spending any potential windfall too quickly.

“Even though we might have millions and millions to spend, we still have to negotiate the right price and not overspend for a player that is not worth the money,” said Allardyce.

“If we have paid 10m or 20m for him and the fans see him on the pitch and say that he is not worth it, then straight away you are going to have a negative response to the money we have spent.”

The sudden injection of foreign owners’ wealth into the domestic game has been criticised by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.

Ferguson recently questioned the effects of “kamikaze spending”

while Wenger described such sprees as “financial doping”.

Abu Dhabi United Group sanctioned a British record transfer fee of 32.5m to bring Brazilian playmaker Robinho to Manchester City just hours after taking control of the club on the final day of the transfer window in 2008.

But Allardyce is sure there will be no such dramatic statement of intent from Ewood Park.

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“The chairman says to me it would be almost impossible to think that any of that money might be available before the end of this window,” he stated.

Blackburn won the Premier League title in 1995 after big-money signings such as Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton were bankrolled by local businessman Sir Jack Walker.

Allardyce admits a return to affluence increased could bring “great success” to the club in the long-term.

“If it becomes a reality, that would be obviously very, very exciting,” he added.

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Blackburn confirm takeover talks

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Blackburn Rovers say they have held a “cordial and productive meeting” with Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed’s company over a proposed takeover.

Bahrain-based Syed, owner of Western Gulf Advisory, confirmed on Monday he was keen to buy the Lancashire club.

He said he could give manager Sam Allardyce a transfer kitty of 100m.

Blackburn said talks were “ongoing” after Syed had voiced plans to complete his takeover of the Premier League club within two weeks.

But the club managed by Sam Allardyce, which began the season with a win over Everton, declined to comment further.

Syed, 36, is reported to have about 300m to spend on the takeover, a sum that would both cover the club’s debts and allow new players to be bought.

He claims he does not want to buy the club for its business potential but to fuel his “passion” for football.

Blackburn are currently run by the trustees of former owner Jack Walker’s estate. Steel magnate Walker thrust Blackburn into the big time in the 1990s by funding a lavish spending spree.

They notably won the Premier League title in 1995 with the goals of two big-money signings Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, but have struggled to compete at the top end of the table since Walker’s death 10 years ago.

The trustees, along with investment bank Rothschild, have been searching for a new owner for the last three years.

Syed claims to have signed a memorandum of understanding with Blackburn allowing him an exclusive four-week period for negotiations and due diligence.

Yet he is hoping to complete a deal before the transfer window shuts at the end of August to allow Allardyce to sign new players.

“Between 80 and 100m is what I’d be allocating for players, but I’m not saying that there is not talent in the team. The talent is already very good,” said Syed.

“Right now Big Sam has done a fantastic job with very limited resources. If I can give him some good resources I’m pretty confident he could work wonders.”

Syed has also said he will not set Allardyce lofty and unrealistic targets and will not interfere directly with team matters. He is also keen to revamp the 31,000-capacity Ewood Park stadium.

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Blackburn bidder wants quick deal

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Prospective Blackburn owner Ahasan Ali Syed says he wants to buy the club as quickly as possible so manager Sam Allardyce can sign new players.

The Indian businessman is checking the club’s accounts ahead of a possible takeover of the Ewood Park outfit.

Syed, 36, told BBC Radio Lancashire: “I am very keen to move very fast and buy this club at the earliest moment.

“I am aware that Big Sam has big ambitions for this transfer window and I would love to support his ambitions.”

Syed reportedly has 300m to complete the takeover, cover outstanding debts and “provide the necessary capital to buy new players and invest over the longer term so it can once again become a title contender”, according to a statement from his

Western Gulf Advisory (WGA)

investment vehicle last week.

WGA announced on Friday that it had been granted a four-week period of exclusivity in which to discuss a deal, but Syed, a lawyer who studied at the London School of Economics, insisted he does not expect to make money from Blackburn, instead describing his potential purchase as a “passion”.

“I have been presented with a lot of clubs, but Blackburn really came to my attention because it suits my investment philosophy,” he added.

“If you have seen my investments in the past they are always good assets who are undervalued and who have huge potential for a turnaround situation. I have been doing this for 14 years now and Blackburn fitted the bill.

“I am very excited, happy, I feel privileged, but I would not like to call myself as the owner of Blackburn, but as a fan of Blackburn, and I would love for all the fans to support me.

“I would ask the fans to please adopt me as a local. I am not here to make money, I have enough investments outside of the sporting entities to make money, I am taking Blackburn as a passion and I would like them to support me in my passion. This is an investment to fuel my passion.”

Syed is yet to meet Rovers boss Allardyce, who led the club to an opening day 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday, but admits he is a big fan of the former Bolton and Newcastle manager.

“I have not met Sam Allardyce, but I’ve read enough about him to really praise him,” said Syed. “He’s done a fantastic job with limited resources, and I’m sure with my liquidity and support I think he can do wonders.

“I want to move quickly so that we can do well in the transfer window.”

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