[Archived] Tom Finn Leaves Rovers

[Glenn]

Published: Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Tom Finn Final Farewell

by Kamy

Today Rovers have announced the sad news that managing director Tom Finn is to leave the club after 15 years' sterling service. During this time he has played a huge part in helping to take the club forward in such a positive manner.

Tom is not only an excellent administrator, he also has, like John Williams, the remarkable ability to understand what the fans want. There are countless stories of Tom going out of his way to talk to fans and answer e-mails on a whole host of issues. Indeed, whereas many directors at football clubs up and down the country don't even bother to talk to fans, Tom is the opposite, always going that "extra mile" to ensure that the viewpoints of fans are taken into consideration.

An ever present at the Fans Forum meetings, Tom's input was greatly valued by the members of the forum. Fans Forum member Glenn Pegden commented: "Tom has been the voice of the club at Fans Forum meetings for many years now and I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying I'm very sad to see him leave and wish him well in whatever he does next. He was always willing to listen to the fans' ideas and concerns and could be relied upon to provide information on the matters that impacted the fans."

Tom and John Williams worked very well as a team, helping to ensure that off the field Rovers were run in a very professional manner. Indeed, the likes of Graeme Souness and Mark Hughes have commented since leaving the club that Blackburn Rovers was the most professionally run club that they had ever worked for. The Premier League also regarded Rovers as a "model" club in terms of governance and working practices. Many had thought that once John Williams retired, Tom Finn would be the natural successor. It appears, however, that the new owners Venky's have other ideas.

The writing was on the wall earlier this month when Rovers announced that Paul Hunt would be joining the club as deputy chief executive. In essence Paul will now be in charge of operations at Ewood Park and will liaise with the owners to drive the club forward in the direction that Venky's want. BRFCS also understand from sources at the club that another senior appointment is imminent. It is unclear at this stage what role the new appointment will have.

Talking about his departure in an official statement, Tom said: "Whilst sad to be moving on, I believe the time is right for me and the club. The owners are putting in place their plans for how the club is to operate going forward — such as the appointment of Paul Hunt, who joins the club this week. I have told Paul that he is joining a special football club that is an integral part of its local community.

"Blackburn Rovers might not enjoy the fan base of some of its Premier League rivals, but no one should doubt the supporters' passion and commitment for their club. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of that for the past 15 years, have had fantastic support from the staff at Ewood Park and Brockhall and wish the owners and everyone associated with Blackburn Rovers all success in the future."

On behalf of BRFCS and Rovers fans everywhere, we would like to wish Tom all the best for the future and thank him for everything that he has done for Rovers over the years. And, like John Williams, he will always be welcome at Ewood Park and hold a special place in the history of Blackburn Rovers and the hearts of Rovers fans.

[pancini]

The official site has confirmation that Tom Finn has stepped down. Thank you for all your hard work and effort over the last 15 years good luck in the future

[John]

Nice words - http://www.rovers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303~2369280,00.html

[jim mk2]

So the coup d'etat is complete.

Fin. The End.

[Kelbo]

Yet another very strange decision, will they never learn, we are now left with only 'yes' men and that is not the way top run a football club, thanks Tom for the last 15 years.

[Tom]

Good luck Tom, thought this would be coming but hoped it wouldn't.

[Mc Love]

Good luck Tom - hope you find employment soon! Venkys are some shower of eejits

[otto man]

Yet another very strange decision, will they never learn, we are now left with only 'yes' men and that is not the way top run a football club, thanks Tom for the last 15 years.

You know for a fact he was fired? Or did he feel the time was right to leave?

[yeti-dog]

So the coup d'etat is complete.

Fin. The End.

Oh get over yourself...

You enjoy being the harbinger of doom don't you.

It's a new era..I'm sad Tom Finn is going but,as he himself points out (far more magnanimously than you) it's the start of a new era.

These things happen,go and suck a Werther's you miserable old sod.

[AggyBlue]

You know for a fact he was fired? Or did he feel the time was right to leave?

He wouldn't have left had the Venky's not bought the club. So whether he was fired or his position made untenable is irrelevant IMO, it's down to Venky's.

What else can they dismantle?

[imy9]

Sad day but as many have said the end of an era and the start of a new one, good luck for the future Tom and thank you for 15 years loyal service.

[BuckyRover]

I can't believe it.

I have never known this happen in a business takeover.

I mean he's worked for the same people for 15 years, why would he want to leave when new people come in with a different way of working?

Makes no sense. On top of that he's actually nice in what he says about the reasons for leaving.

Venky's out

[Parsonblue]

This is very sad news. Once John Williams was forced out one always suspected that Tom would be next. I find it very sad that Venkys, having bought the club, are intent on dismantling the parts of it that worked so well. Both John Williams and Tom Finn were very fan orientated and both were very approachable. Personally, I think this is another sad day for the club and a further step away from what made the Rovers such a special club. One assumes that Paul Hunt and Paul Agnew will be the men running Blackburn Rovers on a day to day basis with instructions coming from Pune via Kean.

Tom's departure is particularly disappointing considering his vast experience with other clubs as well as his long stint at Ewood Park. He will be missed and one can only thank him for his excellent work at the club.

[Mattyblue]

Not exactly a surprise, let's just hope this new guy brought in from Leicester can hit the ground running.

However, JW and TF 'got' 'Rovers and that will be hard to replicate.

[67splitscreen]

Scary times ahead IMO, noone at the top left with any roots in the club, transfer window around the corner, contracts to be renewed, I expect the vultures (JA and Co) will be circling soon.

Thankyou for your service Tom.

[LeChuck]

I can't believe it.

I have never known this happen in a business takeover.

I mean he's worked for the same people for 15 years, why would he want to leave when new people come in with a different way of working?

Makes no sense. On top of that he's actually nice in what he says about the reasons for leaving.

Venky's out

What is it they say about sarcasm being the lowest form of wit? After reading that, 'they' might have a very good point.

[roverwhelmed]

Thanks for everything Tom, all the very best of luck.

Wish all this could be different.

[SouthAussieRover]

Bucky Rover on ignore... A Leeds based dingle

[Brfcrule1]

Whilst I never had the pleasure of meeting TF I do know he was an ever present at the Fans forum & that shows he understood what it took to run the club efficiently. For him to work at a company 15 years shows dedication & tremendous loyalty so all the best for the future Tom. Can someone please confirm is this new guy Paul Hunt from Leicester going to step into Tom's role now?. If so, at least they have someone lined up. Can someone also confirm JW left the club sometime ago has anything come out about who the new chairman will be?.

[Kamy100]

Very Very sad news but not unexpected. The 2 cornerstones (John and Tom) have left the club in the last 6 months and will be sorely missed.

Venky's are entitled to run the club in anyway they see fit, but in my opinion a huge error in judgement letting firstly John leave the club and now letting Tom go. If only they realised that when they bought Rovers they had 2 MAJOR assests in John and Tom who would not only have protected the investment that Venky's had made but made sure it grew into a huge success.

[broadsword]

Really bad news.

Two very experienced football administrators, steady hands on the tiller and well-respected, lost in the space of three months.

It's no cause for celebration when we have no-one left with any savvy to help run this club. If i honestly thought the Rao's knew what they were doing, I wouldn't be as bothered. But I really don't think they have a clue.

[ABBEY]

Buggers belief..end of season and no lessons learnt..do I really want to Hand 300 to the chicken suppers?

[DE.]

Unfortunately this was coming... sad but inevitable. Tom has been an excellent servant to the club for the past 15 years and will be difficult to replace.

[Gav]

Unfortunately this was coming... sad but inevitable. Tom has been an excellent servant to the club for the past 15 years and will be difficult to replace.

Couldn't agree more, this shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone, new onwers clearing the deck, happens in all walks of life.

[Blue n White Rover]

Couldn't agree more, this shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone, new onwers clearing the deck, happens in all walks of life.

It sure does, but the usual suspects I'm sure will use it as another stick to beat Venky's with.

New Owners want their own people within the club. It is a new era for the club, and we must expect change.

Problem is, most people want the club to be run how it was, but want Venky's to keep pumping the money in. It doesn't work like that. The owners want to implement their style to our club and we have to let them do that.

Thanks Tom for the great service.