rog of the rovers

This was the toughest category to narrow down. Recency bias and not wanting to make it too much about Venky's and that initial 2/3 years of catastrophe. I ultimately want to try and focus more on the positives of the list, but you can't have the yin without the yang. I did think about Jerome Anderson/SEM/Kentaro as a vote candidate, but decided amongst Venkys/Suhail/Kean there was enough scope to gauge the mood. Intrigued to see how the vote plays out.

The Ultimate 150 Rovers List Part Nine: The Venky's and EFL Era - 2012 - 2025 (10th December - 17th December) Poll runs from - 10th to 17th December 2025 Some additional notes - Though any personal feedback is greatly appreciated Dates determined by when the player or manager left the club. Venkys - Venkys London Ltd, a subsidiary of Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group, have owned the club from November 2010 to present day. The company is headed by the Rao family of B. Balaji Rao, B. Venkatesh Rao & Mrs Anuradha Desai. Suhail Pasha - "Venkys man on the ground" a conduit between the family and the club. Managed to evade the spotlight and major criticism for a decade or so, but firmly in the cross hairs of supporters anger in the post COVID era. Sam Allardyce - "Big Sam" saved Rovers from Premier League relegation in 2008/09 before stabilising the club the season after. Unfortunately for the fans and Allardyce, his final days, shrouded in turmoil and Machiavellian tactics from others, taint his legacy at the club. Steven N'Zonzi - The midfielder signed from Amiens in the French second tier was a revelation in his debut Premier League campaign winning the clubs Player of the Year award in 2009/10. N'Zonzi would leave for Stoke City after the chaotic 2011/12 season going on to lift the Europa League title with Sevilla in 2016 and was part of the 2018 World Champion French squad alongside Kylian Mbappe. A rare Rovers link in the World Cup Final as he played the final 35 minutes against Croatia. Yakubu - A shining star in a season full of such disappointment. The Nigerian striker scored 17 goals in 30 games for arguably Rovers' worst ever Premier League side. His goal at Stamford Bridge 12/5/12 remains the last goal Rovers scored in the English top flight. Steve Kean - The one time coach of Allardyce, Kean would go on to take Rovers down into the Championship against a backdrop of fan protests, dwindling attendance numbers, libelous court cases and a playing squad made of questionable assets. Still an emotive figure over a decade on. Shebby Singh - The one time sports broadcaster was parachuted into Ewood by owners Venkys in the summer of 2012. Fresh on the back of relegation to the Championship. The Independent Newspaper described his time as "presiding over the farcical decline of the club". Katie Anderton - Rovers Ladies (now Women) All time top scorer, Anderton enjoyed three successful spells at the club and would have had more impact for England, but chose not to play international football. Gary Bowyer - Long time coach Bowyer was thrust into the managerial hot seat in the crazy season of 2012/13 where he was one of five managers in one season! Bowyer steadied the ship before ushering Rovers up the Championship table. Cup victories over Swansea and Stoke the highlights of his reign. Rudy Gestede - Scorer of a hat-trick of headers, Rudy became a favourite for his aerial ability and deadly partnership with Jordan Rhodes. Sold for a nice profit to Aston Villa in 2015. The Benin international is back at the club as a football administrator, or whatever title he has this week. Its hard to imagine in 2025, but he once was much loved by the fans. Jordan Rhodes - Rovers' record transfer spend at £8m. Rhodes' prolific goal scoring record made him a firm fans favourite, scoring over 20 goals in each of his three full seasons in Blue n White. Back at the club as 'Loans Manager'. Rovers Lionesses - Walsh, Stanway and Toone cut their teeth at Rovers and would all go on to become household sporting names in 2021 as England Women won the European Championships at Wembley. After defeat in the World Cup final to Spain the Lionesses gained revenge by retaining their European crown in 2025 with victory over La Roja on penalties. Danny Graham - Signed as Rhodes' successor, it was in the League One promotion campaign where Graham enjoyed himself. 14 goals in the league, plus a burgeoning partnership with Dack helped Rovers back into the second tier at the first time of asking. Popular within the club and in the stands. Charlie Mulgrew - The skipper during the League One promotion campaign, scoring a whopping 14 goals from centre back! A dead ball specialist his crosses and free kicks live long in the memory. Elliott Bennett - 'Agent Benno' a popular figure among Rovers fans thanks to his industrious, heart on sleeve playing style. Credited with helping the backroom staff at Ewood/Brockhall receive their full wages during the COVID pandemic of 2020. A leader and highly respected by those in the club at that time. Tony Mowbray - Successfully guided Rovers back into the Championship at the first time of asking, before re-establishing the club in the second tier. A character and genuine personality, gentleman. Saffron Jordan - A permanent fixture of the Ladies team for nearly a decade. The prolific striker combined her talents scoring goals with a career in the NHS. Bradley Dack - 'Dacky' wrote his name into Rovers folklore as the star player in the League One promotion season (15 league goals) and followed it up with a fine debut campaign at Championship level. His time at Rovers and career cruelly cut short by ACL injuries in both knees. Ben Brereton Diaz - A more unique Rovers career you're unlikely to find. A big money youth signing from Nottingham Forest £7m the striker looked short on confidence and talent until a breakout campaign in the 2020/21 COVID season. What followed was a remarkable call up for Chile, a 'bookie bashing' 22 league goal season and cult hero status. Gemma Donnelly - Started with the School of Excellence helping to produce the talented Lionesses. Interim manager from 2013 to becoming permanent boss in 2014. Donnelly oversaw huge successes for the Ladies team including three Northern Division titles, 2 x Premier League Cups, 5 x Lancashire Cups and a Championship Play Off victory. Sammie Szmodics - The Szmodics era began slowly before announcing himself in the Cup tie at Leicester City with a man of the match performance and goal. 2023/24 will forever be 'The Szmodics Season' with 33 goals in 48 apps. Sammie almost single handedly kept Rovers in the second tier. Adam Wharton - 'The Wilpshire Pirlo', Blackburn born and bred, the clubs record sale at £22m to Crystal Palace. Adam holds a place in the hearts of Rovers fans young and old who will watch his career with interest. We can but hope that he'll be back in Blue n White again at some point in the future. Lewis Travis - Long time captain of the club and in the exclusive club of over 250 appearances for Rovers. Loved the dark arts and wore his heart on his sleeve in every Rovers performance. Others - Craig Conway, Adam Armstrong, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Tyrhys Dolan, John Buckley, Scott Wharton, Michael Appleton, Owen Coyle, Darragh Lenihan, Sam Gallagher, Corry Evans, Natasha Fenton, Jason Lowe, Ryan Nyambe, Grant Hanley, Jerome Anderson.

Last couple of days in this vote, be sure to get your opinions in. Some Monday highlights for you also. Boxing Day doesn't get much better than this

Rovers giving more caps to players who don't make our initial list? Simon Barker John Buckley? The luckiest to get a cap so far?

I remember a lot saying "Why didn't we sign Berkovic? Who is this Tugay chap?" 😆

A case for Jon Stead

We’ve got a deep dive coming on Ismael in this months podcast. Should be out on Friday morning as usual. “4000 Holes Podcast” on your Apple/Spotify

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.