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ESPNsoccernet: England | |
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.
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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.