Blackburn back in big time

BBC Sport Online examines Blackburn Rovers' hopes of re-establishing themselves back in the Premiership under Graeme Souness.

Blackburn Rovers boss Graeme Souness was one of the game's most controversial and turbulent figures in his managerial stints at Rangers and Liverpool.

And yet he has conducted a relatively quiet revolution in just over one full season at Ewood Park.

He has not been the lavish big spender of old when he was operating a revolving door transfer policy.

Souness has picked his transfer targets carefully and married them to exciting young talent already at Blackburn.

He was rewarded with a well-deserved promotion success last season to put Blackburn back in the big time.

Souness has been studied in his summer business with £7m Corrado Grabbi from Ternana his major buy.

  Summer transfers

IN

Corrado Grabbi (Ternana)

Alan Mahon (Benfica)

Tugay (Rangers)

OUT

None

He has completed the permanent £1.5m move for Alan Mahon from Benfica and signed Tugay Kerimoglu from Rangers for £1.3m.

Souness, a mellower figure, is enjoying life at Ewood Park and is earning long overdue respect for his managerial skills.

He also has young guns David Dunn, Matt Jansen and Damien Duff all thriving under his stewardship.

Indeed Jansen, whose 24 goals were integral in Rovers' promotion last term, has committed himself to the club by agreeing an extension to his contract that will see him remain at Blackburn until 2005.

Souness can also call on the experience of veteran Mark Hughes if the going gets tough in Blackburn's darker moments.

And everyone at Blackburn is determined to ensure they do not slide back into the First Division.

Souness's shrewd acquisitions and flourishing young talent means they should have enough at their disposal to establish themselves back in the Premiership.