Jansen fires out a warning

Matty Jansen may not feel like Blackburn should hit the panic button just yet in terms of a relegation battle but he does feel that this season could bear a resemblance to the last time Rovers were relegated - if these next two home games are not dealt with properly.

The Rovers side of 99 was considered too good to go down but with about 14 games left they went on a shocking run that culminated with them ending up in 19th.

With home games against in-form Hull and Bolton coming up, Jansen knows these are the games that could prevent a repeat of those relegation theatrics.

Jansen told the Lancashire Telegraph - "It only takes a couple of games to be dragged right back into trouble and Rovers will know that going into these two very important home games.

"I think people thought we would be okay in 1998/99 but once our bad run started, the pressure just built up and built up and you just started thinking 'where is the next win going to come from`.

"You are always looking at that forty point mark to ensure safety and until you get there, the nerves will be jangling.

'I actually think it will only take about 37 points to stay up, but you can`t know that.

"The problem is these games do become very nervous now.

'We found that back when we were relegated and I suppose results show we didn`t respond very well. It is hard to get yourselves out of a slump."

Wise words indeed from Matty - although to be fair, we are in a position where our destiny is our own.

Tonight is crucial in my eyes and a win will give us a little more breathing space.

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