Blackburn begin the new season with a new manager, but with a solid core of players from last season. Photograph: Denis Doyle/Getty Images
guardian.co.uk writers’ prediction: 14th Odds: 1,000-1
This summer Blackburn became not just the first top-level club to appoint a black British manager, but also the first in the short history of the Premier League [...]

Des O’Connor waves goodbye to Countdown. Photograph: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
The Mill is more than happy to take any rumours going on a day when Salomon Kalou’s assertion that Chelsea will score some goals next season demands a double page spread in two of the tabloids. So, it is with joy in our heart that we [...]

Bentley believes he must leave Rovers to further his international ambitions. Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images
Blackburn have rejected an undisclosed offer for David Bentley, believed to have been a straight cash offer from Tottenham Hotspur. The Rovers chairman John Williams confirmed that this was the second bid Blackburn have received for Bentley this summer, following an [...]

Paul Ince enjoyed a successful season with the MK Dons, winning both promotion and the Football League Trophy. Photograph: Daniel Hambury/PA
The Premier League last night paved the way for Paul Ince to be named manager of Blackburn Rovers despite his lack of the necessary coaching qualifications. After hours of deliberation the Premier League board ratified [...]