Football: Rovers reunion for Kidd and Gillespie

John Curtis
Tuesday 15 December 1998 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

BRIAN KIDD has made Keith Gillespie his first major signing for Blackburn, and looks set to appoint Brian McClair as his deputy by the end of the week.

Rovers landed the Newcastle and Northern Ireland winger in a pounds 2.35m deal and Gillespie has signed a four and a half year contract at Ewood Park.

Gillespie was bought by Kevin Keegan as part of the deal which took Andy Cole to Manchester United in January 1995. Kidd is no stranger to his talents after watching him develop as a youngster at Old Trafford.

When Gillespie left United, his then manager, Alex Ferguson, admitted he had not wanted to part with the Northern Ireland winger. But his hand was forced by a ruling from Uefa, European football's governing body, which restricted the amount of non-English players sides could field in European competitions.

Kidd could barely hide his delight at taking the 23-year-old to Ewood Park. "I don't have to justify this signing, because Keith is pure quality," he said. "He is one of a dying breed, and I believe his best years are ahead of him.

"I also believe he will prove a big favourite with the fans.

Kidd added that he was unconcerned by Gillespie's recent injuries and concerns that they could hamper his progress at Ewood Park.

"We are thoroughly happy with the medical side of things. He hasn't had a scan, and there is no problem with anything like that," Kidd said.

Gillespie, meanwhile, immediately shrugged off talk of relegation at his new club, adding he is sure that under Kidd's control Rovers will not only survive but prosper.

"I know their position in the league doesn't look good but I think it's a false picture. There are too many good players here, and I feel sure we can pull through."

McClair was given permission to leave his Motherwell contract yesterday and sign on at Rovers as Kidd's assistant manager. The Scot has agreed to the move after talks with Pat Nevin, the chief executive of Motherwell.

While Kidd will coach the first team, McClair will be a buffer with the squad as he cuts his teeth in management.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in