Blackburn Rovers: Friedel questions Souness' sales

Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel has blamed the club's current predicament on the decision to revamp the squad in the summer of 2003. Rovers finished sixth in the 2002-03 campaign but former boss Graeme Souness then sold a number of star players and Friedel feels the club have never recovered. The American does not know whether it was Souness or the board who decided to make the sales, but believes that the club has struggled for the past 18 months as a result.

"It is annoying because we had a squad full of internationals," he told Liverpool's Magazine.

Then one summer we got rid of Hakan Sukur, Henning Berg, Martin Taylor, David Dunn, Damien Duff, John Curtis, Craig Hignett, Keith Gilliespie and Alan Mahon.

"In pre-season all those players were gone.

"I don't know why but that's how it happened. You will have to ask the board or the previous management."

Rovers battled relegation last season before eventually finishing in 15th position and currently prop up the Premiership after making a dismal start to the current campaign.

4thegame

looking at that list sukur was a dud if i remember correctly? berg was just a ok player. way passed his best though. not to sure on martin taylor? hes a big centre back? dunn and duff where the stars and yer. they where good.

the other 4 dont seem to be making to big a name for themselves