rog of the rovers

Thank you for all the votes so far. Polls close tomorrow. More 'lesser seen' 90s highlights from the rearranged match at home to Wimbledon (93/94) after a waterlogged pitch caused the first game to be postponed. Memorable for a Jason Wilcox pile driver, with Rovers in irresistible form in the first half.

Liverpool 0-1 Rovers 12/9/93 Talk about announcing your arrival as title contenders. Rovers winning away at Anfield? Unimaginable.

Only 100% vote so far. Some great names, next week isn’t bad either! Any underrated games of the 90s that deserve their moment in the spotlight? Outside of the Playoff Final, VE Day etc

The Ultimate 150 Rovers List Part Eight: The Walker Trust and later Premier League Era - 2000 - 2012 (3rd December - 10th December) Poll runs from - 3rd to 10th December 2025 Some additional notes - Though any personal feedback is greatly appreciated Dates determined by when the player or manager left the club. Graeme Souness - Souness managed to get the club back on track in the early 21st Century. The last manager hired by Walker, the fiery 'Souey' would lead Rovers back to the Premiership then into Europe after lifting the Worthington Cup in 2002. A popular figure still, he left for Newcastle in 2004, a move he repeatedly says he regrets in hindsight. Damien Duff - League Cup Winner 2002 - "All you need is Duff". Wing wizard and youth product. A throwback pacy winger. One part of the trinity that fired Rovers back to the Premier League. Andy Cole - League Cup Winner 2002 - Scored the winner in Cardiff as Rovers defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1. The experienced striker one of the most prolific the Premier League has seen. Matt Jansen - League Cup Winner 2002 - Scored the opening goal in the League Cup final - Alongside Dunn/Duff fired Rovers to promotion in 2001, career cruelly cut short in Rome after a motorcycling accident. Craig Short - League Cup Winner 2002 - Missed the final through suspension, but Rovers stalwart in the promotion campaign of 00/01 including a goal in the famous 5-0 victory over Burnley. Jonathan Stead - A short lived but hugely impactful season and a half for Rovers. Almost singlehandedly kept Rovers in the Premier League with a run of crucial strikes. The success that followed owed a lot to Stead's purple patch at the end of the 2003/04 season. Garry Flitcroft - Another who missed the League Cup final through suspension. Flitcroft the captain of the club had remained loyal during two stays in the second tier, helping Rovers back into the Premier League in 2001. Tenacious, unsung leader. Craig Bellamy - The lowest appearances total on this list, but such was the impact of the mercurial Welshman that he deserves a place on the list. A fabulous season that propelled Rovers to Europe. They say a rising tide raises all boats, Bellamy had that effect on his teammates that season. Lucas Neill - An unfortunate, messy divorce between Neill and Rovers destroyed the legacy of a fine full back and captain who lead the club and his country Australia with distinction. Brad Friedel - League Cup Winner 2002 - Man of the Match in the final. Friedel is widely regarded as Rovers best ever keeper, famously save two pens in a game and even scored a goal in 2003! Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. Mark Hughes - 'Sparky' enjoyed his twilight playing years at the club, adding promotion to the Premier League and a League Cup medal to his glittering medal haul. His first foray into management at Wales brought success which convinced John Williams to give him the role as Rovers boss. A wise decision too. David Bentley - The former Arsenal youngster blossomed at Rovers to become a key figure in Rovers' success in the late noughties. Bentley would gain England honours whilst at the club in 2007 before departing for Spurs in 2008. Bentley returned in 2012/13 but both himself and the club had changed. Roque Santa Cruz - The Paraguayan, signed from Bayern Munich, enjoyed a hugely successful first season in the Premier League and was voted Rovers' Player of the Season. Followed Hughes to Man City in 2009 in what was at the time a staggering £17.5m. Returned on loan in 2011 to little success. Stephen Warnock - The left back from Merseyside won Rovers' Player of the Year in 2008/09 and represented England during his time at the club. To date Warnock is the last player to wear the Three Lions jersey whilst a player of the club. Tugay - The Turkish Delight makes this and any list. Loved for his laiseez-faire style. A true maestro in the centre of the park. Didn't score many, but when he did they were often spectacular. Benni McCarthy - The smiling South African striker quickly established himself as a fans favourite after a blistering first campaign with 24 goals in all competitions. Brett Emerton - One of the great Ewood debuts vs. Wolves. The versatile Aussie would feature at various positions for the next decade. A solid, reliable campaigner. Morten Gamst Pedersen - A fixture on the left side for almost a decade, the Norweigan international was and still is a firm fans favourite for his passion for the club and memorable moments in Blue n White. Ryan Nelsen - 'The Admiral' shone from the minute he made his debut. A free signing from the MLS, he would go on to captain Rovers and his native New Zealand for years to come. Chris Samba - The giant defender joined in January 2007 and quickly established himself as a permanent fixture in the centre of defence. His time at Rovers is looked back on fondly, with memorable moments a plenty, even a short stint as a striker under Sam Allardyce. John Williams - The highly respected Chairman of Rovers for 13 years until his resignation under Venkys. Largely credited with keeping Rovers competitive in the Premier League on a modest budget with ten successive years in the top flight under his stewardship. Paul Robinson - The former England keeper (didn't win a cap whilst a Rovers player) followed on admirably from Brad Friedel in 2008. His latter Rovers career was blighted by a heart issue and the general chaos around the club. A spell at Burnley did him no favours with the Rovers faithful. David Dunn - League Cup Winner 2002 - Local hero enjoyed two fine spells at Ewood. Cult hero status for his raised performances in East Lancashire derbies. England international too. A fierce era for nominations! Others - Steven Reid, David Thompson, Andy Todd, Matt Derbyshire, Robbie Savage, Paul Dickov, Andre Ooijer, Aaron Mokoena, Stephane Henchoz, Jason Roberts, Paul Ince, Martin Olsson. Those that border this era, but feature next week - The Venkys, Steven N'Zonzi, Sam Allardyce, Steve Kean and Yakubu

31 years to the day. 26/11/94 The camera angle for Shearer's hat-trick and Rovers' 4th just doesnt do it justice, for those who were there you'll remember the real time speed of the 'rocket of a right foot shot.'

The Ultimate 150 Rovers List Part Seven: The Early Premier League and Jack Walker Era - 1992 - 2000 Poll runs from - 26th November to 3rd December 2025 Some additional notes - Though any personal feedback is greatly appreciated Dates determined by when the player or manager left the club. Kevin Moran - The inspirational Irishman captained Rovers to promotion before laying the foundations for the success that followed. David May - The academy product built his career in the late 80s before a fine first full campaign in the Premier League in 1992 whet the appetite for Rovers fans hoping May would have a long career in Blue and White. The player had other ideas an joined rivals Man Utd. May would end with plenty of medals, but not many appearances for United. Sir Kenny Dalglish - 'King' Kenny joined the Walker Rovers project after a brief retirement from Liverpool. Dalglish transformed the fortunes of the club, culminating in the Premier League title in May 1995. Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. Mark Atkins - Premier League Champion 1995 - The poster boy of 'under rated hero' of 1994/95. The title the crescendo of his 7 years at Rovers. Remains a firm fan favourite. "Super Atko, Super Atko, woah woah" Ray Harford - Harford joined Dalglish as Assistant Manager in 1991. The two would orchestrate the success that followed, with Harford credited with the majority of the coaching during that period. An unsuccessful spell as Boss saw his time at the club come to an end as he followed on from Kenny in 1995/96. Bobby Mimms - Goalkeeper as Rovers clinched promotion into the Premier League at Wembley in 1992. Mimms would remain first choice the following season before losing his place to Tim Flowers. An able deputy Mimms featured four times as Rovers won the Premier League in 1995. Mike Newell - Premier League Champion 1995 - Playoff Winners 1992 - A crucial piece in the 1992 promotion season, including scoring the winning penalty at Wembley. Champions League hat-trick in 1996 as Rovers beat Rosenborg. Alan Shearer - Premier League Champion 1995 - Arguably the best Rovers' player ever, certainly in living memory. Explosive striker with a rocket shot, great in the air, great everywhere. Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. David Batty - The combative Leodensian looked to be the final jigsaw piece for King Kenny as his form in 1993/94 lead him to win the Player of the Year award and England honours. He would however miss the majority of the title campaign thanks to a broken foot, famously refusing a winners medal. His Rovers career is perhaps best remembered for his infamous fight in Moscow with Graeme Le Saux. Graeme Le Saux - Premier League Champion 1995 - Cultured full back was also capped for England during his time at the club. The messy incident with Batty in Moscow a sad end to a fine spell at the club. Sven Goran Eriksson - The would be Rovers boss for all of two months. The then Sampdoria boss Sven would go on to huge success in Italy with Lazio before finally coming to these shores to manage the England national team from 2001-2006. A sliding doors moment in the clubs history. Roy Hodgson - Hodgson took the reigns after Sven politely declined the opportunity to come to Ewood. Under Roy the Rovers flew out of the traps in 97/98 sitting top at Christmas with Hodgson twice named 'Manager of the Month' for August and December 97. The second half collapse carried into the start of the 1998/99 season where Hodgson's reign came to an abrupt end with rumours of 'losing the dressing room' thanks to his intense 'European' (now standard) methods. Stuart Ripley - Premier League Champion 1995 - 2 England Caps - Flying right winger a key cog in the Premier League title machine, with 5 assists. Colin Hendry - Premier League Champion 1995 - 'Braveheart' also won the Full Members' Cup in 1987 as a striker with the winning goal at Wembley. Rock in the heart of the defence throughout the title season, his performance away at Goodison against Everton in the title run in epitomised his desire and courage. Important headed goals at Leeds and Aston Villa also crucial to the title victory. Tim Sherwood - Premier League Champion 1995 - Captain of the title winning team, overcame a tough start to his Rovers career to become the leader of the Champions. Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. Tim Flowers - Premier League Champion 1995 - 10 England Caps - Man of the match performance on VE Day at Ewood against Newcastle the crucial final push to Premier League glory. Just don't talk to him about 'bottle'. Jason Wilcox - Premier League Champion 1995 - 3 England Caps - 'Bolsar Boy' shrugged off his early critics to enjoy huge success at Ewood, 7 assists in the title winning season feeding the SAS from the left wing. Chris Sutton - Premier League Champion 1995 - The other, less heralded, half of the fabled SAS. Sutton's contributions that season and beyond put him firmly on this list. Carried his scoring prowess to a Premier League Golden Boot in 1997/98. Creating another fine partnership with Kevin Gallacher, SAS and GAS. Kevin Gallacher - A vital winning goal against Crystal Palace (h) in 94/95 his telling contribution to the title success as a recurring leg injury hampered his early Rovers career. A prolific partnership with Sutton in 1997/98 fired Rovers to a top 6 finish and back into Europe. A regular fixture at Ewood since retirement with both the club and Radio Lancashire. Jack Walker - Took control of the club in January 1991 and his legacy lives on to this day. The successes that followed were down to the vision and ambition of the local lad done good. Rovers Hall of Fame inductee. The easiest vote on this list. Jeff Kenna - Premier League Champion 1995 - Signed during the title campaign the Republic of Ireland international made over 150 appearances for Rovers. An unlikely scorer against Crystal Palace during the title season his only goal for the club. Henning Berg - Premier League Champion 1995 - League Cup Winner 2002 - Norwegian international - As a player enjoyed huge success at Rovers, just be sure to ignore his ill fated spell as boss in 2012. Robert Coar - Made Chairman by Jack Walker after the death of Bill Fox in 1991. Coars tenure as Chairman over the next two decades saw Rovers reach historic heights. Now in an Honorary role he is still visible in the directors box on a match day. Others - Gordon Cowans, Alan Wright, Paul Warhust, Tony Gale, Lars Bohinen, Billy McKinley, Brian Kidd, John Filan, Kevin Davies.

Simon Barker to get a 'Honour Cap' from the club. Currently 14th out of 23 on our vote!

I have extremely vague memories of being at my aunt and uncles to watch the Rovers vs. Derby Co. Playoff Semi Final, it was on ITV? I remember my dads excitement/nervousness walking back to where we lived in Beardwood. The first game I have some memories of being at was the Playoff Final itself at Wembley. Worth reliving, I dont know how 38 year old me would have coped with Newell missing the second penalty with just minutes to go....they always put you through it don't they?! A reminder the poll closes at midnight.

The “offside” goal too! What an awful decision that was, thank goodness it didn’t cost us in the long run!

As the section draws to a conclusion, time for another classic match highlights.

Keep tuned for next Wednesday Andy! The 90s options are STACKED!

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?