While the London media comments are all about Hanley's 'dive", the most telling comment I've seen comes from the last line of the Independent's report: "The next permanent manager must focus on the fitness of a side that, on paper, looks a decent match to anyone in this division." When Hughes was here we had the best specialist appointments money could buy. The result was that we were the fittest side in the Premiership, never mind this 2nd layer league. At Rovers we always have to maximise our opportunities, with Venkys we are always hanging on.

As many have said on here, its the hope that destroys you.

!!!!!!!!!!

Great result, we have had a miserable season but this is something to celebrate. Time now for Venkys to get key appointments right or sell. Personally prefer "sell".

Glory hunters!

Didn't we get 2 draws against Brighton?So isn't it 4points lost not 6? How is Burnley home a lost 2 points if we got an off-side equaliser in the 96th minute? Haven't gone through the full list but aren't you gilding the lily a bit?

Very sad to hear this news. Same generation as me and same experiences. Well reasoned posts from someone who knew his football and knew his Rovers. He will be missed.

She always spoke well of you Abbey!

No, I was thinking about Rovers. It was a specific comment on Philip L's specific point and I paid my respects elsewhere. So wind your neck in.

Indeed.R.I.P. We didn't "know" you like we did Jack but very sad all the same. End of an era.

............but now they will?

Having seen that Hoilett incident several times on replay, I cannot believe that the ref was not influenced by the occasion. He's human and maybe it was all too much for him. He should apologise because he's cost us big-time.

What's the best thing to have come out of Burnley? No--its not the M65! Its Stephen Booth! Crime series set in the Peak District. Characters lovingly drawn, countryside beautifully recreated and gripping finales to boot! I love this writer! Oh!----latest one-"The Devils Edge" but they are all uniformly terrific. Just as good as Peter Robinson but for some reason, less well-known.

An England cap?

I was there twice with 52000 crowds, both times in cup games against Burnley.One we lost the other we won. However I was cosily ensconced in the Nuttall Street stand so no issues for me!

A very touching and accurate obituary from the Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/ronnie-clayton-footballer-who-captained-england-and-played-at-winghalf-for-blackburn-rovers-for-20-years-2122434.html?

Certainly true that Ramsey didn't like wingers but as all good Rovers supporters know, Douglas was not a winger by then. For some years he excelled (dominated) as an inside forward. However he was never allowed to play for England in his best position! Its my recollection that Duggie featured in the lead-up matches to the World Cup but wasn't chosen for the tournament. However my memory is probably the same as your's!

Clayton was slowing down by that point and Stiles played a different game. The big surprise was that Dougie didn't play a big role in that World Cup. He was just about the best player in the country at that time whereas Martin Peters was almost unknown. To be fair to Ramsey he did win the World Cup though!

You must have been at Ewood with 52000 on Jim? Burnley 6th round replay 1960? And no "incidents"! Those were the days when the southern-based media crucified him Jim. All in his autobiography. Should have got 100 caps.

Don't know if this has been posted before but even Burnley fans are paying their respects. Credit to them: http://boards.footymad.net/forum.php?tno=104&fid=297&sty=2&act=1&mid=2119694856

Heart-broken. Lived near his shop in Darwen for years. Captain of England serving newspapers between training and never a cross word for anyone. A truly great player for so many years.Would have had a hundred caps for England if he'd played down south. Clayton and Douglas---the heart and soul of Blackburn Rovers. We will never see the like of them again I fear. Sincere condolences to his family.

I remember him at Ewood in 1974 when we were going for promotion and Palace were our rivals. Peter Taylor was mugged in the penalty area in the last few minutes and a stone-wall pen wasn't given. Allison was practically on the pitch he was so enraged, crowd hurling abuse at him, fantastic atmosphere and we hung on for a lucky draw. I think over 17000 there but could be wrong. Couldn't cut it at City when he made some bewildering buys but a great character. RIP.

Yep, apparently Sam was out of his senses for letting him go! Absolute miracle to get 2M for that fat, lazy loafer.No wonder he was on the verge of coming to the Premier League for years but no-one would take the risk. See what I mean!

An accident maybe but avoidable certainly. The bin didn't throw itself did it?

You've lost me there. he's telling the truth, it was an accident waiting to happen. Anyone following Rovers in the last 2 or 3 years will say the same.