Blackburn 0 - 0 West Brom

Tony Mowbray and his West Bromwich team sadly said goodbye to the Premier League for at least a season as Tugay took his leave to a rapturous reception from the Blackburn fans who have made him a favourite for the past eight years.

It was just one campaign up again in the top flight for manager Mowbray and his men and he hopes they can bounce straight back up.

But he insisted after this goalless draw against opponents who finished with 10 men following the sending-off of Jason Roberts that nothing was guaranteed, particularly with Newcastle and Middlesbrough joining them in the Championship.

Mowbray claimed this rather dull finale told some of the story of Albion’s season — but not all of it. ‘It’s frustrating because we can dominate games with the ball, but it’s not necessarily the story of our season because we did not concede a goal today and we have conceded more than anybody,’ said Mowbray.

‘We have got to go into next season believing we can bounce back. I believe we will be the best side most weeks, but that doesn’t guarantee winning matches. We’re all going to wait to see what Newcastle and Middlesbrough are going to do because they have been in the Premier League for a long time.’

The visitors were certainly closer to a breakthrough goal with Chris Brunt seeing a power drive turned on to a post. But Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce felt his side could have gone on to win but for the red card shown to substitute Roberts by referee Mike Jones after 70 minutes.

‘It’s sad that I’m talking about that rather than Tugay’s performance or a goal,’ said Allardyce. ‘The referee has said he has sent him off for punching Jonas Olsson, but it’s not pushing or elbowing. It’s swinging the arm to get Olsson away from him.’

Tugay, the 38-year-old Turkish midfielder, retires with the gratitude and admiration of everyone at Blackburn.

‘To be a Premier League player at the age of 38 takes more than ability. He knows where to ply his trade correctly and at the right time,’ said Allardyce.
Sent off: Jason Roberts

Although Tugay is keen to go into coaching, Allardyce made it clear he would have to wait for a job at Blackburn.

‘I don’t know what role he could perform because he has no qualifications at the moment.’