Big Sam wants to be big spender

SAM ALLARDYCE is hoping the start of a new era for Blackburn will see them become spenders, not sellers.

Two goals from Morten Gamst Pedersen was the perfect start under new Indian owners Venky’s after their takeover was finally completed on Friday.

But Rovers manager Allardyce urged them to help the club progress, not stagnate.

“It’s a great day for us. The new owners have seen us win for the first time and we’re really happy that we put on such a good performance for them,” he said.

“I’m very excited about working with the new owners and I don’t know any new owners who want to take a club backwards. They want to take it forwards.

“This club has had to live off its own means for the last few years and it has sold all its major assets.

“I have sold £33 million worth of players since I have been here and before that another £20m was sold.

“I think if we can stop that first and then progress to adding to those major assets, then the club grows.

“There’s lots of things to be settled down and sorted out in every department.

“At the moment we are progressing. This result was a big one which helps us give us the time and opportunity to come together reasonably quickly, but making sure the right decisions are made for the future.”

The victory – Blackburn’s third in four games – takes them up to 11th and left Villa manager Gerard Houllier under increasing pressure.

His side were a shadow of the side that almost beat Manchester United last week. They lacked the same intensity and energy and just one win in eight league games has left them struggling in the bottom half.

“Yes of course I’m worried about it (the position),” said Houllier.

“It doesn’t help to complain, to moan and whine. This season is long and we may be a bit more lucky in the second half.

“We don’t want to have excuses, but we should have done better.

“The performance against Manchester United needs to be repeated if you want to step up a level. We were too shy at the beginning of the game. It’s a different challenge at times, physically and mentally. Maybe we were not up for it.

“We need to learn the lesson from that game. As a team we have to show more personality and character, whatever the age.”