POLL: The Ultimate 150 Rovers List - Part 5/9: Part Five: The Seventies - 1970 - 1980 (12th November - 19th November)

[rog of the rovers]

The Ultimate 150 Rovers List

 

Part Five: The Seventies 1970-1980

Poll runs from - 12th to 19th November 2025

 

Some additional notes - Though any personal feedback is greatly appreciated

Dates determined by when the player or manager left the club.

Johnny Carey - Popular Irishman lead Rovers back to Division 1 after finishing runners up in 1957/58. Carey left for Everton the following season before an reunion in 1970/71 as Rovers slid down into Division 3.

Eamonn Rogers - 14 Republic of Ireland Caps whilst at the club - Inside forward turned midfielder one of the shining lights in a struggling side in the late 60s/early 70s.

Ken Knighton - Journeyman defender joined from Preston North End and quickly established himself as half-back at the club. Sold to Hull City as Rovers were relegated to the third tier in 1970/71.

Allan Hunter - 6 Northern Ireland Caps - Talented defender in a struggling side, Hunter would go on to enjoy success at Ipswich Town under Bobby Robson, but is still remembered by many who saw him as a fine centre half.

Billy Wilson - Long serving full back wracked up the appearances in the 60s before moving to Portsmouth where he stayed and became a publican.

Fred Pickering - Blackburn born and bred, full back turned centre forward became a celebrated goalscorer with partner Andy McEvoy.

John McNamee - Cult hero despite only playing for the Rovers on 57 occasions, helped Rovers avoid relegation to Division 3 in 1971/72. An 'old school' centre half helped he loved nothing more than a good tussle with a burly No. 9. 

Ken Furphy - Modernised Rovers after falling into division 3 - revamped an ailing/ageing squad, laid foundations for Gordon Lee.

Tony Field - Cult hero, goal every 2 games for 3 seasons as Furphy tried to build a promotion side. Sold because Rovers needed the money. Famously played with Pele in his later career in the North American Soccer League for the New York Cosmos.

Gordon Lee - Huge impact in his season and a half at Ewood. The respected motivator got the best out of his players and was rewarded with the Third Division championship in Rovers' centenary year.

Don Martin - Signed to much fanfare Martin had a career of two halves at Ewood with a badly broken ankle injury in 1970 in the middle. Largely remembered for his later spell as his performances and goals under Gordon Lee in 1974/75 helped Rovers win the 3rd Division title. 

Roger Jones - Division 3 Champion 1975 - One of Rovers' finest goalkeepers, capable of World Class saves and an ever present record. A top 5 all time Rovers keeper.

Ken Beamish - Rare example of a player having more impact off the field post his playing career as Commercial Manager in the fruitful Jack Walker/Walker Trust era. Beamish the player had his moments too.

John Byrom - Blackburn born Byrom saw his early career dogged by pay disputes and injury. However, upon his return to the starting lineup in 1964, Byrom hit the ground running with 27 goals in 64/65. Byrom left in 1966 as Rovers slumped to Division 2, but returned in 76/77 before finally retiring. Still lives in the area.

Mick Heaton - Division 3 Champion 1975 - The captain of that Centenary side, enjoyed even greater success as a coach with Everton in the 1980s alongside Howard Kendall.

Mick Wood - Division 3 Champion 1975 - Versatile left back/defender/midfielder had an injury plagued career at the club but was still fit enough to contribute when available throughout the 1970s.

Graham Hawkins - Division 3 Champion 1975 - Signed from Preston North End, Hawkins would play a huge role in promotion that season before later spells as a coach and even time as a club scout in the 1990s.

Jim Smith - Arguably sent out the most attacking Rovers teams in living memory - instrumental in developing John Bailey & Kevin Hird as two of the best overlapping full back outside of Division 1. Many will remember Smith as Derby County manager in the Premier League in the 1990s.

John Bailey -  Great left back, sold as Rovers needed the money.

Kevin Hird - Great right back, sold as Rovers needed the money.

John Waddington - Division 3 Champion 1975 - Long serving defender, born in Darwen. Tall, a fierce tackler and excellent in the air.

Tony Parkes - Mr Blackburn Rovers. Player, coach, assistant manager, caretaker manager (five times) Tony did the lot with distinction and pride. Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. Parkes could fit into Section 5, 6, 7 and 8! But he makes his mark here as surely the easiest vote in the poll. Calls for the Riverside to bear his name continue to gain support.

Dave Wagstaffe - The mere mention of the name 'Waggy' brings smiles to faces. His magical left 'peg' and long passes won hearts and minds in East Lancashire.

Other names from this era that didn't quite make the list are welcome in the chat.

Howard Kendall, Stuart Metcalfe, Jim Arnold, Andy Crawford and Duncan McKenzie who straddle the late 70s/ early 80s will feature in part 6. Derek Fazackerley will also feature next week.

 

 

 

Edited 13 hours ago by rog of the rovers