rog of the rovers

Weekend bump with (arugably) the highlight of the 1980s as Rovers lifted a trophy at Wembley. Where you there? Did you think that was as good as it was going to get? The first of four visits to Wembley in the following eight years.

One for @Herbie6590?

First images of Birmingham City's new stadium (no it isn't AI) Looks great, though their owner and ownership model is American 'Soccer' Ownership at its most cringeworthy.

Only 5 league games for Rovers. I was only 1 at the time he joined so obviously never saw him play. A broken leg away at Plymouth Argyle did for him? Future Rover Nicky Marker? My uncle told me the tale of travelling all the way down to Devon with his mates in a minibus rented from Aspdens Coaches. After losing 0-3 they got back to the mini bus and set off home. Whilst in traffic they met with some of the Argyle fans walking home who proceeded to smash in the side window and crack both the front and rear windows also, meaning they had to drive seven hours back to Blackburn in March with the wind swirlling through the van! Furthermore they sent the mate who'd hired the van into Aspdens on the Monday morning in the feint, perhaps forlorn hopes of getting their deposit back 🤣😂

Thanks for that spot. I must have missed him out on my various lists. He’s in now in the ‘Jim Arnold’ slot. Jim had 0 votes at the time of the edit. If you want to vote for him then vote on ‘Others’

Second half of the classic Leicester City (h) 19th March 1988

The poll is limited to 24, so Others cover a range of players, but I'll take your vote to be for Ardilles. If anyone else wants to vote for Ossie then click 'Other' and add a note in the comments

He's in the honourable mentions part at the bottom. A worthy name to throw out, who agrees?

Lewis Miller playing in New York til at least 3:30am UK time on a Wednesday morning. Let’s safely assume he gets a flight back to Manchester sometime Wednesday afternoon/evening Eastern Standard Time, meaning he’ll arrive back into Manchester early Thursday morning having missed a nights sleep. Should he be starting Friday night at Deepdale? He probably will because of injuries, but it’s a huge ask.

The Ultimate 150 Rovers List Part Six: The Eighties and Three Points Era 1980-1992 Poll runs from - 19th to 26th November 2025 Some additional notes - Though any personal feedback is greatly appreciated Dates determined by when the player or manager left the club. Howard Kendall - The first player-manager in the clubs history, Kendall's management saw Rovers gain promotion to the Second Division in his first year before narrowly missing out on back to back promotions the season after. Kendall would go on to huge success back at Everton. Jim Arnold - Kendall signed him from non league Stafford Rangers aged 29 solving a longstanding GK problem. Kept club record of clean sheets as promotion secured. Andy Crawford - One good season in his career but it gained Rovers promotion & knocked out 1st Division Coventry City in the FA Cup when Rovers were in Division 3. Duncan McKenzie - The journeyman striker helped Rovers back into the second tier in 1979/80. His 12 league goals complimenting partner Crawford as Rovers finished runners up. Stuart Metcalfe - Division 3 Champion 1975 - Play maker in the middle of the pitch with partner in crime Tony Parkes, crucial contribution in the promotion season of 1974/75. Voice familiar to a younger generation of fans thanks to his co-commentary role with Radio Rovers and Rovers TV. John Lowey - Another significant capture by Kendall, Lowey was a fixture in the early 1980s and part of teams that regularly 'punched above their weight'. Derek Fazackerley - Division 3 Champion 1975 - Record number of appearances for the club. 'Faz' anchored the Rovers defence for nearly 20 years! Post playing career spent time at the club as a coach. Remains a hugely popular figure in the fan base. Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. Glenn Keeley - Full Members' Cup Winner 1987 - 'Killer' became the first Rovers captain to lift a trophy at Wembley in almost 60 years. Defensive stalwart over many years. Jim Branagan - Unassuming full back a fixture during the 1980s. Rock solid in the tackle and a consummate professional. Terry Gennoe - Terrific servant to the club both on and off the pitch. Unfortunate to miss the Full Members' Cup final through injury. Noel Brotherston - 27 Northern Ireland Caps - Flame-haired right winger had the skill and trickery to beat opponents and quickly became a fans favourite. Retired to become a painter/decorator in the town before his tragic early passing, aged 38, days before Rovers lifted the Premier League trophy in May 1995. Mick Rathbone - Dependable left back, 'Basil' or simply 'Baz' would be a constant fixture at the back for nearly a decade. Promoted back to Division 2 under Kendall in 1980. Another who lives in the town, now in 'semi retirement' after a hugely successful career as one of the most respected Physiotherapists in the game. Steve Archibald - The loan signing that stunned English football. Blackburn Rovers took the Barcelona striker on loan in December 1987, the first shock waves of Jack Walker's influence and money at Ewood. Simon Barker - Full Members Cup winner - Barker was arguably Rovers' best player in the mid to late 80s, the midfielder played for England under 21s whilst at the Rovers. He would leave just before the Walker years, but played in the Premier League for QPR between 92/96 Ian Miller - Winger 'Windy' Miller is in rare company as a member of the 300+ appearances for Rovers category. A fixture through the 1980s and a Full Members Cup winner in 1987, assisting Colin Hendry with the winner at Wembley. Miller returned as a coach after retirement. David Mail - Full Members Cup winner - Mail was a constant in the 80s at centre half where he took over from Glenn Keeley. A member of the three playoff runs in the late 1980s as Rovers came ever so close to a return to the top flight. William 'Bill' Fox - Rovers Chairman and President of the Football League. Ironically, he was a vehement critic of the establishment of the Premier League. Fox died aged 63 and missed the successes that followed. His role in the 1980s kept the club alive, laying the foundation for future success. Don Mackay - Manager who took Rovers back to Wembley for the first time in 27 years, the Full Members' Cup victory a famous day under the Twin Towers. Howard Gayle - Missed a penalty against Crystal Palace in the 1st leg of the play off final. Had that gone in….???? Memories of the subsequent capitulation at Selhurst Park in 1989 still haunt a generation of fans. Simon Garner - Full Members Cup Winner 1987 - Still the clubs all time top goalscorer. A prolific finisher on the pitch and a true character off it. Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. "There's Only One Simon Garner!" Nicky Reid - The popular powerful defender was first team captain of Rovers through the playoff heartaches of the late 1980s. The 'Nearly Men' as they became known. Scott Sellars - Full Members Cup Winner 1987 - A flying left winger, just what the Rovers fans love. Winner at Wembley twice as Rovers were promoted in 1992. The playoff final would be his last game for the club as he rejoined Leeds United for the inaugural Premier League season. David Speedie - A short, but impactful stay from the impish Scot. His hat-trick at Plymouth to secure a playoff spot, then subsequent 'dive' at Wembley ensured his place in Rovers folklore. Chris Price - A short but successful second spell as Rovers clinched promotion to the top flight is his legacy, his first spell memorable as he made the 2nd Division Team of the Year in 1987/88. Others - Bob Saxton, Chris Sulley, Ossie Ardilles, Chris Thompson, Vince O'Keefe. Players who featured in the Premier League for Rovers will be in the next two polls.

Carey looks set for a place on our list. A bit unfair putting him in the 70s section as I read it was a thankless, almost impossible task coming back in 70/71. England and Newton safely through last week. Pickering will be joining them this week. A fine team that fans saw in the 1960s.

That’s then that particular thread was created. Of course we’re at 50+ years since the initial match in question.

Of course it would also be remiss of me to not delve into the BRFCS archive for this thread. The game of the era, the game of a generation. I wonder if the feelings have changed almost 20 years on? @Revidge Blue @jim mk2 @Paul Mellelieu @Roversider Some old blast from the past names also.

Footage from the 1970s is scarcer than in previous decades! But I'm sure most will remember a rare Rovers appearance on 'The Big Match' with a fine win at Vicarage Road from February 1973. Barry Endean, Tony Field (a nominee) and Kit Napier the goalscorers in a 3-1 victory. Also a fine penalty save from Roger Jones (also a nominee). Rovers fans chanting "You'll Never Walk Alone" after the opening goal?

Another fine piece by friend of BRFCS/4000 Holes Rob Sawyer (an Everton historian) on Mick Heaton. https://efcheritagesociety.com/easy-the-mick-heaton-story-rob-sawyer/ More Rovers/Everton links!

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.

Last couple of days to vote. Bill Eckersley leading the charge (bar Clayton and Douglas)

Been on Radio Derby on our behalf, hopefully a fair assessment https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002lbpf?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Unfortunately they are the Rovers story of the past 15 years!

Do the 'Legends' actually have a full team? 13 confirmed names? Mimms, Hendry, Kilgallon, Bentley, Dunn, Atkins, MGP, Newell, Rhodes, Gallacher, Derbyshire, Conway, Evans

Some clips from the 1950s and 1960s Cup runs. Including Rovers in black and white stripes? Say it aint so @Herbie6590

Just over 24 hours til kick off, no sign of any official announcement with regards to the White Maltese Cross shirt and the club socials showing the legends wearing the blue n white halves with a gold patch printed in the middle of the shirt. Everything points towards the obvious. The 150th Shirt isn't coming folks....at least not tomorrow!

Some accompanying articles from 4000 Holes @4000Holes and the magnificent @Fred Cumpstey Derek Dougan https://www.brfcs.com/articles/cheyenne-dougan-the-greatest-showman Mick McGrath https://www.brfcs.com/articles/mick-mc-grath Mike Ferguson https://www.brfcs.com/articles/fantastic-fergie-i'd-walk-a-million-miles Andy McEvoy https://www.brfcs.com/articles/magnificent-mcevoy Eddie Quigley https://www.brfcs.com/articles/eddie-quigley-the-master-craftsman

Carey another who sneaks into next week as he came back in 70/71. Tough to make some date breaks, but the 70s list is far less illustrious than this one 👀 as I’m sure you’ll be able to predict!

You are correct, born in Wigan, died in Barrow-in-Furness after becoming a teacher in the town. From Wikipedia A wonderful story! You wouldn't see that in 2025