Pre-season matches rarely enter into favourite Rovers games conversations. But the thousands of fans who filled the Shankly Kop at Deepdale on Saturday 4th August 2007 were treated to a pre-season ‘classic’ and to date still my favourite visit to the ground.

For context. With the Mark Hughes managerial era in full swing, Rovers had once again plundered the European market with the audacious signing of striker Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich.

The remit for the oft-injured but highly talented striker was to help propel the club back into the top 6 of the Premier League and aid a further foray into Europe with Rovers after reaching the last 32 of the UEFA Cup the previous year.

Expectations were high and the atmosphere palpable at a drizzly, damp, Deepdale. The fans had come to see Santa Cruz, but were forced to wait as he could only make the substitutes bench. Sparky clearly looking to ease him into his new surroundings. 

This did little to diminish the fans' enthusiasm however, with an almost endless chant of ‘’Roque, Roque, Roque!’’ from minute one and huge cheers every time the Paraguayan jogged down the touchline to warm up. The off-field antics were actually an unnecessary distraction, as Rovers, who looked a million dollars in their new red and black halved away kit, were ahead within two minutes! David Bentley’s inswinging free kick was headed home by Andre Ooijer. 

The starting strike duo of Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts both had good chances to extend the Rovers lead before half time, but were thwarted by a combination of good keeping and a brilliant block from former Rovers left back Callum Davidson.

Rovers deserved to be in front by more goals and within 15 minutes of the restart their quality was rewarded. Chris Samba with a brace of headers, both ably assisted by Morten Gamst Pedersen, gave Rovers a 3-0 lead.

The perfect encore to the Rovers performance was to come. With the atmosphere now at fever pitch the sparkly new signing entered the fray. I still have goosebumps thinking about the atmosphere as McCarthy made way for the new hero Santa Cruz. The cheers and excitement were at levels rarely seen! Think Bradley Dack’s return against Bristol City as a good barometer.  

Roque instantly looked a class act with some neat touches, intelligent movement and fine link-up play with his new teammates and it was no surprise to anyone there that day when he went on to enjoy a stellar first campaign in blue and white. 

With the Invincibles Stand still undeveloped, views towards home led the jubilant Rovers fans into a rather unique rendition of “If you can see Darwen Tower clap your hands”. And at that moment no one was in any wonder who the biggest team in Lancashire was.