Blackburn manager Steve Kean has revealed he has a bodyguard
with him at all times after fears for his safety amid a terrible
season so far for the club.
Kean, 44, has been subjected to vitriolic abuse by Rovers fans
angry at events both on and off the pitch at Ewood Park this
season.
He told The Times: ''I was advised that it would be in
my interest to have somebody with me at all times. I was at a
restaurant with my wife and children a few months ago and got a
text message from a friend telling me to be careful.
''There was stuff going out on Twitter from an activist group
which identified the restaurant so that people could confront me. I
showed the text to my wife and we decided to leave
straightaway.
''We didn't tell the children because we didn't want to frighten
them. We just said that there was a good place around the corner
where we could get pudding. The chap who protects me is a seventh
dan in karate, but he is not big or butch or anything.
''He knows how to handle himself. It is a bit strange having him
around, but there are some good things too. He is bloody
interesting to talk to, for a start.''
He added: ''I think the vast majority of fans are passionate,
but non-violent, whether towards me or anybody else. I also think
most of the Blackburn fans are behind me. It is surreal, though, I
cannot deny that.''
Meanwhile, a report in the Daily Telegraph suggests
defender Christopher Samba, who made a transfer request earlier
this season, is poised to complete a move to Russian side Anzhi
Makhachkala.
