rog of the rovers

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

Cracking work @Shirt of two halves I definitely feel a 'field trip' coming on! Also interesting to see how close it was to Alexandra Meadows, I wonder what the committee/members made of 'the big move' as they relocated just down the road. Staying close isn't such a modern idea after all? Also sort of removes the idea of the slope if the pitch was further down towards Granville Road?

Into the living memory and it all gets exciting from here on in. Looking forward to hearing the opinions of those who remember this period with fondness like @bazza @Fred Cumpstey @jim mk2 @47er @Tyrone Shoelaces @GHD and no doubt countless others. As a nearly 40 year old Rovers fan myself I remember stories from my grandfather and also my dad (who would have started going in this period) some HUGE Rovers names. Clayton, Douglas, England, Newton, Ferguson, Harrison, Eckersley, Briggs, McGrath.... going to be an interesting list!