Football clubs are for life, Venky's chicken is not

London: When Venky’s bought a club in the English Premier League, it goes without saying that Indians were happy to finally have some foothold in a league which they watch more than any other, in a sport which has long hid in the looming shadows of the other game — cricket and in a country where every fourth or fifth person is an Asian.

There was certainly a hint of pride, in spite of most of the country supporting the top four teams in the league, which somehow dims whenever the club is under scrutiny for its shambolic performances leaving them flirting with relegation.

But how does it feel to be a fan of the club — seeing them lie beleaguered at the bottom of the table? A club which is one of the only three founding members of the Football League as well as the newly evolved Premier League. A club, which won a Premier League title merely years ago, in 1995.

Firstpost spoke to fans from the official supporters club of Blackburn Rovers, trying to find out how they felt when Venky’s first took over.

“I was cautiously optimistic when Venky’s took over. Although it was fairly well accepted that Rovers were a vehicle to advertise and market their main enterprise, they gave the impression that it could be win-win for the club. Based on comments/interviews from the new owners, the good times were about to return to Blackburn Rovers — with bold talk of Beckham, Ronaldinho and others who could enhance the global appeal of BRFC. Although this was frivolous, further talk of large transfer budgets were very encouraging and, with Sam Allardyce in charge, it was felt that he could spend that money wisely and take the club forward,” says Stuart, an answer which rounds up the general view.

There was a bit of apprehension, but overall an era under Venky’s seemed exciting for the supporters. There was certainly a level of mystery — a feeling that comes with every new owner. But mistakes came, and they came thick and fast. The level at which Rovers were sliding down the table was not surprising.

“It’s hard to pinpoint one big mistake of theirs, but I would say the fact that they practically dissolved the board is the biggest. We had John Williams as chairman and he had done an amazing job since arriving at Blackburn Rovers, so to see him leave was a big blow. They were the guys who should have been in charge of the daily decisions at Blackburn.”

Most of the fans look confused as to why Sam Allardyce was sacked and consider it their greatest mistake since taking over, closely followed by the appointment of Steve Kean as manager. Their commitment started off on a good footing, but none of their plans were ever executed.

“Promising marquee signings and Champions League football was a massive PR own-goal and needlessly raised expectations of the fans, only to throw them to the ground again,” quips Mike.

The supporters never asked for Champions League. Blackburn were happy to be in the league and make it in the top half in an era where the money-spinners are fuelling clubs with unlimited transfer budgets. Forget about the top half, they are now fighting survival and the fans’ anger seems to be pointing in one direction — Steve Kean. This, in spite of a recent good couple of results.

“He should have gone at the end of last season, the writing was on the wall, it’s so large now, a blind man can see it,” says one, closely followed by another comment: “Just cause we’ve won a couple of games here and there doesn’t mean installing him or retaining him was the right thing to do. Fans have calmed down only because they know that Venky’s are in hiding, won’t comment on anything and won’t act on anything.”

Not often do we see such clamour to sack a manager. “The feeling is completely unanimous. He has taken the team down the league since he became manager. Based only on results, he should have been sacked five months ago.”

All this is not being helped by the fact that representatives from Venky’s rarely attend a game or answer any of the various questions over their disastrous start to ownership. It has certainly trickled down to the fans with all of them voicing discontent.

“The club I once knew is no more. We are being asset stripped, parachute payments will be siphoned from the club by the owners and we will drop into the oblivion. I will never forgive the owners for what they have done nor will I support Steve Kean as a manager,” claims Lee Walsh.

Most of the fans are unhappy. They are trying to reason but Venky’s is not doing what they want. Of course owners cannot do everything supporters ask them to, but a certain level of respect towards the fans should certainly be on their agenda.

They have left it at too far a level and not only is it disturbing people in England, it has actually led to strengthening the belief that Indians know nothing about football — which a lot of people in the country will disagree with.

As one of the fans puts it: “Their lack of knowledge was always going to catch up with them. Football clubs are for life, chickens are not.”

Some names are not given in full or mentioned at all for the sake of anonymity.