Kean salutes Blackburn effort

Blackburn manager Steve Kean praised his side’s work ethic after they secured a crucial 2-0 Premier League win at Wolves on Saturday.

Kean was delighted with the three points and felt they were fully deserved, though with Wolves fans protesting after the final whistle the Blackburn boss had a few kind words for his opposite number Terry Connor.

“I felt as though we probably should have got another couple of goals at the end,” Kean told reporters.

“What impressed me was the work ethic of our team, I think Junior Hoilett will get the headlines for his goals but I thought … the midfield working off the ball were really good at that gave us a platform to get that clean-sheet we have been working so hard to get.”

Kean has endured severe criticism from Blackburn fans for his side’s performances throughout the season, and he was quick to empathise with counterpart Connor after the furious response from Wolves fans.

“I think fans get frustrated and we had a travelling support of 1400 today and we have sent them home happy and there have been tough times this season where they have felt the performances were good but we weren’t getting the points and we all a bit frustrated.”

“I can feel for Terry but if you can just keep working hard and get back on the training ground and work through it, that’s certainly what we have done.”

Connor has now picked up just one point from his opening three games in charge and was left to rue Blackburn’s opener after a defensive lapse allowed David Hoilett to score the first of his two goals on the stroke of half-time.

“Disappointment. I felt it was quite an even game to be honest but the turning point was a goal right before half-time,” Connor said.

“We are second bottom but still with a lot of fight. One game doesn’t make or break your season so we will stick in there and be competitive for the next ten games.”

Hundreds of Wolves fans stayed after the final whistle to protest against the club’s board and rookie boss Connor admitted the disharmony was a distraction for his players.

“It’s not easy to ignore but we all work for this football club and if there is a protest going on against the club then I feel it is against all of us. Players, staff, we are all in it together.”

“Everybody knows I am here 24/7 working for the good of this football club, that’s all I can do and leave the judgements to other people.”