150th Anniversary kit/celebrations

[Tom]

On 16/10/2025 at 12:30, Herbie6590 said:

The one off shirt was being discussed in April 2024. They ignored many of our suggestions for this season’s kits though so who knows what will emerge…

I expect the blue to be dark & the Maltese Cross to feature…

We should have randomly had some halves swapped this season as a tribute 

[...]

On 16/10/2025 at 12:30, Herbie6590 said:

The one off shirt was being discussed in April 2024. They ignored many of our suggestions for this season’s kits though so who knows what will emerge…

I expect the blue to be dark & the Maltese Cross to feature…

I've just noticed Ian @Herbie6590, that some of those kits have opposite colours to other tops. Wonder what the reasoning for that was unless they weren't too fussed about things being uniform. 

[...]

6 hours ago, Lancaster Rover said:

It's all white, blue V neck collar and a Maltese cross. Honestly you don't want to see it

Can you inbox me a picture?

[Herbie6590]

25 minutes ago, ... said:

I've just noticed Ian @Herbie6590, that some of those kits have opposite colours to other tops. Wonder what the reasoning for that was unless they weren't too fussed about things being uniform. 

The latter I presume…🤷‍♂️

[Herbie6590]

6 hours ago, Lancaster Rover said:

It's all white, blue V neck collar and a Maltese cross. Honestly you don't want to see it

I despair…🤦‍♂️

[GHD]

25 minutes ago, ... said:

I've just noticed Ian @Herbie6590, that some of those kits have opposite colours to other tops. Wonder what the reasoning for that was unless they weren't too fussed about things being uniform. 

Just a theory, but I expect in those early amateur days the players were expected to provide their own kits, and they bought what was available at the time

[GHD]

9 hours ago, JHRover said:

That 150th special version, simply the new badge in gold with '150 years' below it is the sort of thing Rovers could and should have done.

Anyone and everyone looks at it and knows straight away it is special and what the occasion is. Then back to normal the year after.

We've instead adopted a white rose on our away kits because it's cheaper to do a monochrome badge than the full colour version and that's about it - nobody outside of the Rovers fanbase would have a clue that we're 2 weeks away from such a monumental anniversary.

 

And to think the current Middlesbrough FC only came into existence in 1986

[Gumbi]

11 hours ago, Lancaster Rover said:

It's all white, blue V neck collar and a Maltese cross. Honestly you don't want to see it

I'm pretty sure that was a fan made design, as I'm sure the original post said it was.

[Herbie6590]

7 hours ago, Gumbi said:

I'm pretty sure that was a fan made design, as I'm sure the original post said it was.

The fan group assembled in April 24 suggested this…be interested to know who the fan was who came up with the design…

[JHRover]

Three weeks today from the big day. 

Still no announcement from Rovers about this special commemorative shirt. No dates, teasers, publicity. 

I really don't think they are capable of getting this done and especially not having it on sale for fans as well. 

[StHelensRover]

If they've gone for plain white it's probably just because it's by far the cheapest option. Suhail has been to both Grays and Whittakers and bought every white polo they have, then a few hundred iron-on crosses for a tenner from Temu. Few late nights ironing and jobs a good'un, seventy quid a go.

Would love to have egg on my face as always with this club, would love them to unveil a work of art and I'll queue up to buy it, but I can't see it happening 

[Moptop1]

Celebrate in style by fans running on the pitch or causing the game to be abandoned. Make the message clear about getting the owners gone!

[Andy]

13 hours ago, Gumbi said:

I'm pretty sure that was a fan made design, as I'm sure the original post said it was.

Yeah, I remember seeing something like this (all off-white, with a transparent Maltese Cross) before the season started - and I'm sure it was a fan-made design.

[Mashed Potatoes]

16 minutes ago, Moptop1 said:

Celebrate in style by fans running on the pitch or causing the game to be abandoned. Make the message clear about getting the owners gone!

You seriously want the Remembrance Day fixture disrupted in this way ? The men who served in the trenches had a courage and a dignity that an idiot like you will never understand.

[rigger]

2 hours ago, Moptop1 said:

Celebrate in style by fans running on the pitch or causing the game to be abandoned. Make the message clear about getting the owners gone!

Only if we are losing.

[Lancaster Rover]

I’ve not seen the original post just a picture sent to me in WhatsApp groups that had been picked up in socials. I’d not said it was 100% genuine, just it had been doing the rounds. Apologies if I’ve jumped the gun or misrepresented anything 

[RevidgeBlue]

2 hours ago, Andy said:

Yeah, I remember seeing something like this (all off-white, with a transparent Maltese Cross) before the season started - and I'm sure it was a fan-made design.

Said fan needs shooting if that's the case.

[Mike E]

4 hours ago, Mashed Potatoes said:

You seriously want the Remembrance Day fixture disrupted in this way ? The men who served in the trenches had a courage and a dignity that an idiot like you will never understand.

And people like you are exactly why we can’t say boo to any Venky goose.

[Mashed Potatoes]

11 minutes ago, Mike E said:

And people like you are exactly why we can’t say boo to any Venky goose.

You can say boo to that goose if you wish but you don't disrespect those who we remember on that day - do it sometime else .

[RevidgeBlue]

51 minutes ago, Mashed Potatoes said:

You can say boo to that goose if you wish but you don't disrespect those who we remember on that day - do it sometime else .

Im as keen to see Remembrance Day properly observed as the next person, but it would be a massive stretch to interpret any protests against the Club as a mark of disrespect to those departed.

You're merely doing what you always do though in taking the contrary and view so no real surprise there.

 

[Miller11]

150th Anniversary Working Group Wednesday 23rd April 2025

1. Brett Baker, Head of Football Administration, took us through possible pre-season friendlies
and those clubs we have been in touch with regarding our 150t Anniversary (Hibernian and
Birmingham also celebrating their 150th Anniversary)
Athletic Club unable to play this pre-season but could look at pre-season 2026.
Queens Park approached but possible dates too early for our pre-season schedule.
Brett would also be making a request to the English Football League (EFL) special
consideration for a home fixture on or close to the 5th November 2025 as possible.
It was proposed we should also contact SKY regarding their scheduling of games for the first half of the 25/26 season

2. Steve Waggott, CEO, had been in contact with Elliott Charles of Old Etonians with a view of staging a re-enactment of their FA Cup Final along with inviting Darwen F C to also be
involved in these games that we would be looking to stage in one of the International breaks during the 25/26 season (September, November or March)

3 . An official club letter had now been finalised with the view of sending to various governing bodies (FIFA, UEFA, FA, EFL) and possibly members of the Royal Family ( a copy of which was circulated to all attendees)
Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, is also working on a Royal Visit that
could include Blackburn Rovers.

4. Steve Waggott had approached the English FA to give permission for us to have a full size
replica trophy to commemorate us being the only club to win the competition over three
consecutive seasons in 1884, 1885 and 1886. We await further discussion with them on this

5. Just awaiting completing the final piece of the 150th Anniversary Book to enable it to got to print.

6. An 150th Anniversary Club video is nearing completion and the group will be updated once
final cut is done.

7. 150th Anniversary Web page / site is now under construction and the club will look to
finalise it come the end of the current season to enable events / projects to be posted and
promoted.

8. Anna Melia, Head of Marketing, highlighted the 150th logo now being used plus informed
the group that she had now sourced Commemorative Caps should they be required. The group felt i t would be beneficial to contact the Former Players Association to get their
thoughts on who should receive a cap should we proceed with this initiative.

9. Steve Waggott proposed that the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust be our nominated
charity for the 150" Anniversary year which was approved by all the group.

10. Nick Cooney and Mike Jackman advised the group that it had now been agreed with the club that the whole of the second floor of the Darwen End for the 150th Anniversary Exhibition. Work would commence as soon as possible on redecorating the rooms on the second floor with cabinets and design of rooms being discussed with external organisations. Discussions were on-going with the Heritage Lottery Fund for a smaller grant to facilitate certain parts of the larger unsuccessful bid.

11. Lynsey Talbot, Head of Operations, outlined the possible club events including a fireworks
display on or around 5 November, a Gala Dinner and a summer 2026 Music Festival. Lots of other planned / themed events will be developed once fixture lists are released. Other potential partners had come on board followng the call to arms at the recent Blackburn with Darwen Partnership Forum including BwD Children Services Department and The Exchange in Blackburn.

12. Yasir Sufi, Head of Commercial, updated the group on a 150thLimited Edition Kit and also possible mural on the Watson Ramsbottom building in Blackburn Centre using local artists.
Other sites were also being considered for further murals along with the need for consideration of appropriate 'Blue Plaques' locations.
Jamie Holman was also looking at a musical performance in the Blackburn End with a choir of all ages.
Darwen Terracotta had also stated an interest in being involved in the 150th Anniversary with
Wayne Wild being a good contact t o discuss further.
The use of LED Lighting of 150 being projected on to Ewood Park and other appropriate buildings would need to be discussed with the
Council.
13. Paul Salmon proposed reaching out with our club letter to the Royal Family to see if there would be an acceptance of either Prince George or Princess Charlotte becoming an Honorary Club President. He also thought that the unveiling of a new piece of artwork could be linked to a visit from FIFA to unveil whatever we thought would be appropriate for our 150 Anniversary. Darwen Terracotta was mentioned again as a possible partner to look at this proposal. A time tunnel around
Ewood Park was also suggested subject to funding.

14. Duncan Miller on re-engaging with supporters proposed Supporter Groups championing a player; flags with players and supporter group logos; introduce a limited printed matchday programme for the 25/26 season; develop a Fan Advisory Board (FAB) or Shadow Board

15. Steve Williams, representative of We Are The Rovers (WATR), informed the group that more military personnel had been found who had been former Rovers' players. He felt any exhibition should include a military section. He also said h e was available to help as and when required on heritage initiatives / projects.

16. Anna Melia highlighted the fact of having an inclusive approach on gathering ideas and opinions from younger supporters/ Junior Fans Forum especially around what the club and Town would look like in another 150 years.

17. The meeting ended in a general discussion around seeking appropriate sponsors for various elements of the initiatives being proposed.

Date of next meeting - During May

 

 

The follow up meeting to this was in July, not May. By that time Steve Waggott had left so no minutes were ever circulated but a number of the above ideas were completely taken off the table with no discussion. There has been no follow up meetings or even any email correspondence to the committee since.

[StHelensRover]

14 minutes ago, Miller11 said:

The follow up meeting to this was in July, not May. By that time Steve Waggott had left so no minutes were ever circulated but a number of the above ideas were completely taken off the table with no discussion. There has been no follow up meetings or even any email correspondence to the committee since.

Vile. I absolutely loathe the people ruining everything good about this football club.

One of the world's oldest, most historic football clubs. England's 10th most successful club. 15 years of muck -  no ambition and embarrassment under these owners. They run the club like a non-league outfit. I'm terrified that's where we could end up one day. I'd give anything to be rid of them.

Edited 3 hours ago by StHelensRover

[lraC]

27 minutes ago, Miller11 said:

150th Anniversary Working Group Wednesday 23rd April 2025

1. Brett Baker, Head of Football Administration, took us through possible pre-season friendlies
and those clubs we have been in touch with regarding our 150t Anniversary (Hibernian and
Birmingham also celebrating their 150th Anniversary)
Athletic Club unable to play this pre-season but could look at pre-season 2026.
Queens Park approached but possible dates too early for our pre-season schedule.
Brett would also be making a request to the English Football League (EFL) special
consideration for a home fixture on or close to the 5th November 2025 as possible.
It was proposed we should also contact SKY regarding their scheduling of games for the first half of the 25/26 season

2. Steve Waggott, CEO, had been in contact with Elliott Charles of Old Etonians with a view of staging a re-enactment of their FA Cup Final along with inviting Darwen F C to also be
involved in these games that we would be looking to stage in one of the International breaks during the 25/26 season (September, November or March)

3 . An official club letter had now been finalised with the view of sending to various governing bodies (FIFA, UEFA, FA, EFL) and possibly members of the Royal Family ( a copy of which was circulated to all attendees)
Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, is also working on a Royal Visit that
could include Blackburn Rovers.

4. Steve Waggott had approached the English FA to give permission for us to have a full size
replica trophy to commemorate us being the only club to win the competition over three
consecutive seasons in 1884, 1885 and 1886. We await further discussion with them on this

5. Just awaiting completing the final piece of the 150th Anniversary Book to enable it to got to print.

6. An 150th Anniversary Club video is nearing completion and the group will be updated once
final cut is done.

7. 150th Anniversary Web page / site is now under construction and the club will look to
finalise it come the end of the current season to enable events / projects to be posted and
promoted.

8. Anna Melia, Head of Marketing, highlighted the 150th logo now being used plus informed
the group that she had now sourced Commemorative Caps should they be required. The group felt i t would be beneficial to contact the Former Players Association to get their
thoughts on who should receive a cap should we proceed with this initiative.

9. Steve Waggott proposed that the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust be our nominated
charity for the 150" Anniversary year which was approved by all the group.

10. Nick Cooney and Mike Jackman advised the group that it had now been agreed with the club that the whole of the second floor of the Darwen End for the 150th Anniversary Exhibition. Work would commence as soon as possible on redecorating the rooms on the second floor with cabinets and design of rooms being discussed with external organisations. Discussions were on-going with the Heritage Lottery Fund for a smaller grant to facilitate certain parts of the larger unsuccessful bid.

11. Lynsey Talbot, Head of Operations, outlined the possible club events including a fireworks
display on or around 5 November, a Gala Dinner and a summer 2026 Music Festival. Lots of other planned / themed events will be developed once fixture lists are released. Other potential partners had come on board followng the call to arms at the recent Blackburn with Darwen Partnership Forum including BwD Children Services Department and The Exchange in Blackburn.

12. Yasir Sufi, Head of Commercial, updated the group on a 150thLimited Edition Kit and also possible mural on the Watson Ramsbottom building in Blackburn Centre using local artists.
Other sites were also being considered for further murals along with the need for consideration of appropriate 'Blue Plaques' locations.
Jamie Holman was also looking at a musical performance in the Blackburn End with a choir of all ages.
Darwen Terracotta had also stated an interest in being involved in the 150th Anniversary with
Wayne Wild being a good contact t o discuss further.
The use of LED Lighting of 150 being projected on to Ewood Park and other appropriate buildings would need to be discussed with the
Council.
13. Paul Salmon proposed reaching out with our club letter to the Royal Family to see if there would be an acceptance of either Prince George or Princess Charlotte becoming an Honorary Club President. He also thought that the unveiling of a new piece of artwork could be linked to a visit from FIFA to unveil whatever we thought would be appropriate for our 150 Anniversary. Darwen Terracotta was mentioned again as a possible partner to look at this proposal. A time tunnel around
Ewood Park was also suggested subject to funding.

14. Duncan Miller on re-engaging with supporters proposed Supporter Groups championing a player; flags with players and supporter group logos; introduce a limited printed matchday programme for the 25/26 season; develop a Fan Advisory Board (FAB) or Shadow Board

15. Steve Williams, representative of We Are The Rovers (WATR), informed the group that more military personnel had been found who had been former Rovers' players. He felt any exhibition should include a military section. He also said h e was available to help as and when required on heritage initiatives / projects.

16. Anna Melia highlighted the fact of having an inclusive approach on gathering ideas and opinions from younger supporters/ Junior Fans Forum especially around what the club and Town would look like in another 150 years.

17. The meeting ended in a general discussion around seeking appropriate sponsors for various elements of the initiatives being proposed.

Date of next meeting - During May

 

 

The follow up meeting to this was in July, not May. By that time Steve Waggott had left so no minutes were ever circulated but a number of the above ideas were completely taken off the table with no discussion. There has been no follow up meetings or even any email correspondence to the committee since.

Which items were taken off the table?

All of them? 

[Mattyblue]

Load of ideas there, but then they run into the standard VenkyRovers roadblocks… I.e no money, no organisation, no drive, no passion.

[Miller11]

7 minutes ago, lraC said:

Which items were taken off the table?

All of them? 

Pretty much. Or watered down to the extent they might as well not bother. As you can see the vast majority have been ignored anyway.