Rovers ambition keeping up with Jones'

23 February 2011 09:00
Blackburn boss Steve Kean feels the club's growing status has been pivotal to the recent spate of players pledging their futures to Rovers. Since the new owners arrived at the club, the likes of Chris Samba, Michel Salgado, Jason Roberts and, most recently last week, Phil Jones have all signed new deals. Jones, in particular, has been seen as crucial as Kean confirmed the club received enquiries for the 19-year-old central defender during last month's transfer window from "a couple of big clubs". "There is always going to be interest. The big clubs are always going to try and recruit people of Phil's stature," said Kean. "We had enquiries from a couple of big clubs, and without naming any names, we're delighted he decided to pledge his future to us. "They were only tentative enquiries. There was nothing concrete put in front of us. But it says a lot for us as a club that players like Phil can commit themselves to us, even if there is interest from bigger clubs. "What we give them is a platform on which to play, with academy and reserve players promoted to the first team and given a chance to mix in with the quality senior players we already have here."

Source: PA