Rovers 1 West Brom 1. Typical of their season, Blackburn Rovers once again failed to capitalise against a bottom half table club. After taking the lead on 11 minutes through Damian Duff they failed to increase their goal tally, allowing West Brom’s Jason Kumas to equalise in the 54th minute. After a very disappointing display, manager Graeme Souness didnt attend the end of season salute to the fans and sent his assistant Tony Parks out to meet the press. Rovers now go in to next weeks final game, away at Spurs, knowing that a win is their only passport in to Europe, whilst hoping that Manchester United defeat Everton. Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Martin Taylor, McEveley (Johansson 70), Dunn, Flitcroft (Hignett 66), Tugay, Duff, Cole, Sukur (Yorke 60). Subs not used: Ostenstad, Kelly. Booked: Todd, Cole. West Brom: Hoult, Wallwork, Gregan, James Chambers, Lyttle, McInnes, Johnson, Koumas, Clement, Roberts, Dichio (Dobie 82). Subs not used: Balis, Hughes, Udeze, Murphy. Booked: Johnson. Attendance: 27,470. Referee: R Styles Post match discussions can be found on the messageboard if you click on the following link. Messageboard Topics.

Graeme Souness has announced that Hakan Sukur will be leaving at the end of the season. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire the Blackburn manager stated that. "I can't make an offer to him that's attractive enough," "We have priority positions that we feel we have to strengthen and strikers are not a priority area. "He wasn't asking for ridiculous money. It's a deal I'd like to have done, but I can't." Souness confirmed that he and Sukur had problems after the Manchester United game, however he insisted that the strikers exit is purely down to financial constraints.

Like the majority of Premiership teams, Blackburn Rovers will finish the 2002-2003 season, with no silverware in the trophy cupboard. However manager Graeme Souness has more than achieved his pre-season objective of steering the club to Premiership survival, to finish, barring a major disaster, in at least 7th position in the Premier League. Whilst on the way to premiership survival the club once again ventured in to Europe, reached the semi-finals of the Worthington Cup and have entertaining their supporters to a brand of attacking entertaining football, with notable wins against the league leaders. All this has been achieved with the lack of resources, with star players such as Damian Duff who gained world recognition with his exploits for the Republic of Ireland during the World Cup, England Under 21 captain David Dunn, midfield dynamo David Thompson and senior professionals, Cole, Yorke, Berg, and Short having missed numerous games during the season due to injuries. As a result of a close season accident Rovers lost the services of last seasons top scorer Matt Jansen for most of the season and the unfortunate retirement of Stig Inge Bjornebye; to compound their injury problems further Turkish striker Hakan Sukur broke his leg shortly after joining the club and Vratislav Gresko broke his foot last weekend. As a result of these injuries and the implementation of the transfer window the club have successfully blooded some academy players, notably Jay McEveley, who made the left back position his own until the on loan signing of the experienced Slovakian International Vratislav Gresko. As the curtain comes down on Ewood Park tomorrow, once again Graeme Souness will be hampered in his team selection, as Rovers strive to gain points in order to achieve European qualification, against the already relegated West Bromwich Albion. With Craig Short and Vratislav Gresko out for the remainder of the season and Henning Berg and Jay McEveley doubtfull it is expected that Martin Taylor and Andy Todd will line up in the centre with Nils Eric Johanssen filling in at left back and Lucas Niell retaining the right back spot. In midfield there is concern regarding David Dunn and Keith Gillespie, however Damian Duff has returned from international duty free from injury, so it is expected that the midfield will consist of Flitcroft Tugay and Duff with either Dunn or Gillespie taking up the right sided midfield position. With the alleged press reports that Hakan Sukur does not wish to extend his contract with the Rovers, Graeme Souness may opt for the Cole and Yorke partnership up front, with academy star striker Paul Gallagher claiming a seat on the bench. West Brom themselves have injury worries, and are expected to select from. Hoult, Balis, Sigurdsson,Wallwork, Gregan, Clement, Kumas, McInnes, Johnson, Roberts Dichio, Murphy, Chambers, Udeze, Lyttle, Dobie. It is well documented that West Brom intend to attend Ewood Park in fancy dress, the theme being Men in Black, as a protest against Referees decisions, or lack of decisions that have gone their way. Not an atmosphere may I suggest that tomorrow’s referee Rob Styles will be looking forward to.

A snug has pretty much gone out of fashion, it is a small room in a pub where a certain type of customer tends to congregate, quite often of an elderly peruasion. Steady on young whipper snapper me lad. Less of the elderly persuasion. I would prefer the term a room where the "mature and experienced fraternity." gather for congenial conversation and merryment.

As the sun sets on Ewood Park for another season, Blackburn Rovers Supporters brace themselves for another summer of transfer speculation. From now until August the media will be linking Blackburn’s stars with moves to various destinations. Rover’s supporters on Saturday will have their opportunity to voice their opinions and convince those players that their futures lay at Ewood Park. With European qualification still a possibility, now is the time for all armchair Blue and White supporters to get behind the team for one final push; so Come on Down to Ewood Park on Saturday and raise the roof. Make the players aware how much this Lancashire town appreciates their endeavours of the season. If fans need convincing how important their support is to the club, why not spend some time reading the message board. There's no need to register to read the posts. Just click on the link. Messageboard Topics Tickets are still available in all areas of the ground for the final home game, if you've not got yours yet, then prices start from £15 for Adults, £10 for juniors and £14 for seniors. You can order your tickets online at www.seatbooker.net/blackburn, or by phoning the Ewood Park Ticket Hotline on 01254 671666. Before kick off of this final game of the season, against the already relegated West Brom, there will be the presentations of the Player of the Year Award and the Peter White Memorial Trophy for Goal of the Season.

A single goal by Damian Duff in the 17min was enough to give the Irish Republic a 1-0 win over Norway tonight. After a star performance by the Blackburn midfielder, he was awarded the Man of the Match Award. Playing in a different role behind the front two, Damian showed that he is not just a wing man, but also a versatile midfielder / striker and why he is the subject of transfer speculation in the media on a daily basis.

Jay McEveley left the field injured in the 27 minute as Blackburn Reserves lost 1-0 to Sunderland this evening. The injury to the young Rovers defender is further bad news for manager Graeme Souness, following the news that both Gresko and Short will miss the remaining games of the season. McEveley who has been one of the success stories of the season, after been promoted from the acadamy, was the first team choice left back prior to the signing of Gresko on loan.

U19 Success Manchester City 0 Blackburn 1. A single goal by Paul Gallagher against Manchester City on Saturday, was sufficient to see Blackburn’s U19 through to the final of the U19 Championship. The U19 now will play Aston Villa, who beat West Ham 2-0, over a two-legged final next month. As reported on this site over the weekend, there was also success for the U17, who drew with Southampton, to put themselves in to the semi finals of the U17 Championship. Defenders Season Over Unless Blackburn can negotiate a transfer or a loan extension, Vratislav Gresko, has played his last game for Rovers. The on loan defender who resolved the clubs left back problems, has had his season cut short after being carried off at Leeds following a tackle by Danny Mills. Scans have revealed that the defender, who was recently recalled to the national team, has broken two bones in his foot. Craig Short is also expected to miss the remainder of the season, after coming off at Leeds with a hamstring injury.

With unbiased reporting I am pleased to announce, what every Blackburn Rover supporter has known for a long time now. Brad Friedel is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. After his World Cup exploits with the USA, Friedel has once again been in exceptional form for the Rovers keeping 14 clean sheets to date in the Premier League. Friedels performances may have been ignored by many sectors of the media, but not by his fellow professionals who have voted him the best keeper in the Premiership Team of the Year Awards. Duff wins FAI Award Following on from Brad Friedel’s PFA Award, Damian Duff has been named the Irish Senior Player of the Year, at the Eircom / FAI awards.

U17 Success Southampton 1 Rovers 1. An equalising goal by Peter Corvino was enough for Blackburn Rovers U17s to qualify for the semi finals of the U17 Championship. Having beaten Spurs 2-1 and Liverpool 4-0 in the group play-off league, Rovers had lead their group by 2 clear points of second placed Southampton. Rovers Exiles Blackburns on loan striker Marc Richards came off the bench to score the winner for Swansea at Rochdale yesterday. Richards has now scored 7 goals, and is Swansea second top goal scorer. Swanseas top scorer with 11 goals is former Rover James Thomas. Reports are being circulated that Richards is being released by Blackburn at the end of the season, and he hopes to secure a permanent contract with the Welsh club. Rovers reserve Andy Bell has had a trial with Wycombe Wanderers, and scored a hat-trick in Wycombes 5-0 defeat of Colchester in midweek. Fit again Matt Jansen was recalled to the Coventry team yesterday in their 0-0 draw against Gillingham. Jansen came close to scoring on a number of occations and played for 80 minutes before MacAllister made a triple substitution in order to give youth team players some experience. Could it be that Burnley are to have new shirt sponsored next season7up.

Blackburn came away from Elland Road, with maximun points to keep their European qualification dreams alive, after going behind to a 20 minute goal by Mark Viduka. Rovers got back on level terms in the 37 minute with a David Dunn penalty, after Duberry had handled in the area. Rovers then took the lead on 68 minutes when Cole broke away to score and substitute Andy Todd then scored, his first goal for the club, from a corner in the 77 minute. In a frantic last 10 minutes Rovers held on, even though Alan Smith managed to pull back a consolation goal in injury time, with a reshuffled defence due to injuries to Short and Gresko. Final score 2-3. Goals scorers. Viduka 20 Dunn 37 pen Cole 68 Todd 77 Smith 91 Leeds: Robinson, Mills, Duberry, Matteo, Harte, Kelly, Bakke(Johnson 70), Wilcox, Smith, Viduka, Kewell. Subs not used. Martyn, Radebe, Bravo, Barmby, Simon Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Short,( Todd 65) Taylor, Gresko, Dunn(Johansson 50) Tugay, Flitcroft, Duff, Cole, Sukur(Yorke 60). Subs not used. Kelly, Ostenstad. Referee: P Durkin (Dorset). Yellow cards. Duberry(37), Matteo(88), Cole(70). Attendance. 38,062.

After picking up only 1 point over the Easter period, Blackburn will be looking to get their UEFA Cup qualification back on track, with an away win at Leeds tomorrow. With only 3 points separating themselves and Everton, who are currently in sixth position, Rovers need to gather all 9 remaining points and hope the Toffees slip up, in order to qualify for Europe next season. Although Leeds have had a mini-revival under Peter Reed, they are still fighting for Premiership survival, with Mark Viduka currently in goal scoring form, hitting seven goals in his last four outings. In their last four games Leeds have only managed to keep one clean sheet, however whilst conceding six goals they have managed to score twelve. In contrast in their last 4 games Blackburn have kept three clean sheets and conceding three goals in one game. In the four games Rovers have scored six goals. With Leeds’s current goal scoring form, Rovers manager is hoping that central defender Henning Berg manages to recover from a hamstring injury, he picked up against Bolton on Easter Monday, so that he can retain the back four that has been so successful recently. Rovers and Leeds are expected to name unchanged teams. Rovers Squad. Friedel, Neill, Short, Berg, Gresko, Dunn, Flitcroft, Tugay, Duff, Cole, Sukur, Taylor, Yorke, Grabbi, Kelly, Todd, Johansson, Ostenstad. Leeds Squad. Robinson, Mills, Radebe, Duberry, Harte, Kelly, Bakke, Matteo, Kewell, Viduka, Smith, Wilcox, Milner, Barmby, Kilgallon, Simon Johnson, McPhail, Martyn. Referee. Paul Durkin

Golden Gloves Blackburns American World Cup keeper is one of six keepers to make the short-list for the Barclaycard Golden Glove award. Rovers currently have kept 1 clean sheet more than any other club in the Premiership this season and Friedel has been between the post for all of Blackburn’s 14 clean sheets in the league this season. The other five nominations are Carlo Cudicini, Richard Wright, Shay Given, Russell Hoult and Antti Niemi. Lorenzo Amoruso. Blackburns Chief Executive has today denied press speculation linking the club with Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso. John Williams is reported to have said this morning, “We acknowledge that he is a player we have some interest in, but we have not made an offer of any kind.” International Call-ups. A number of Rovers players have been called up for international duty next week to play in friendlies on the 30th April. Duff for the Republic of Ireland v team mate Henning Berg and Norway. Tugay and Hakan Sukur for Turkey v Czech Republic. Nissa Johanssan for Sweden v Croatia. Vratislav Gresko for Slovakia v Greece. Rovers Res 0 West Brom Res 0 The return from Morcambe to play at Ewood found no joy for Rovers reserves, when they were held to a goalless draw against West Brom reserves last night. Matt Jansen Update. It would appear the reason that Matt Jansen missed Coventry’s games over the Easter period was due to a hamstring injury. Looks as if Matt is getting ready to team up with his old mate Duff again.

As speculation continues regarding Rovers summer transfer market, Blackburns manager Graeme Souness yesterday revealed, that serious negotiating was underway for the signing of a new central defender. Souness revealed during questioning about Henning Bergs change of mind regarding retirement, that the club had implemented plans for a replacement central defender and that Henning had been made fully aware of the situation. Henning Berg who had earlier in the year announced his retirement from Premiership Football in order to return to his family, who are based in Norway, recently announced that he would consider, if offered, a twelve months extension to his contract with the Ewood Park club. Any extension to Berg’s contract would now seem to hang on negotiations between Blackburn and the undisclosed defender. The press have been speculating on Ranger’s Lorenzo Amoruso, however the Glasgow club have denied having any contact with Blackburn Rovers. The other player in the frame is Frank de Boer, who recently announced an interest in joining the Lancashire club.

The Easter weekend sees Blackburn play against two teams with contrasting ambitions. On Saturday Rovers visit Old Trafford to play Manchester United, who are challenging for the Premier League Championship, whilst on Easter Monday Rovers welcome Bolton to Ewood Park, a team that are fighting to avoid relegation to the Nationwide League. After drawing with Arsenal midweek, United will be desperate to collect maximum points against Rovers to keep ahead of the Gunners. At the same time as United play Rovers, Bolton play fellow relegation candidates West Ham at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday. A defeat against the Hammers would see Bolton equal on points with the third bottom team. Whilst both United and Bolton will be desperate to gain maximum points against Rovers, to keep up their challenge or avoid relegation, both these games against United and Bolton could have a major impact on Blackburn’s season as they aim for at least sixth position in the league in order to qualify for the UEFA Cup. With the exception of long term injured David Thompson, Graeme Souness has an injury free squad to select from, for Saturdays game, and it’s expected that he will retain the same team that beat Fulham and Charlton. Expected line up. Friedel, Neill, Berg, Short, Gresko, Dunn, Flitcroft, Tugay, Duff, Sukar, Cole. Discuss these games further on the Message Board. When Form Teams Collide Man United v Rovers Bolton Blockbuster Rovers v Bolton

Whilst appearing as a guest on Hawksbee & Jacobs show on TalkSport, to publicise his autobiography, Darlington Chairman George Reynolds sang the praises of Jimmy Corbett, who is currently on loan at Darlington from Blackburn. Reynolds stated that Corbett was a wonderful player, and it was hoped that they would be able to sign him on a permanent basis. Meanwhile Rovers appear to have a full squad, with the exception of David Thompson, available for the Easter Saturday clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Rovers have been allocated 3007 tickets for this game and they are now on sale to Rovers supporters with a history of purchasing tickets from the club. Tickets for the Easter Monday derby with Bolton at Ewood Park are also on sale, as are tickets for the away game at Leeds on the 26th April, and the last home game of the season against West Brom on 3rd May. Tickets for Rovers last game of the season away at Tottenham go on sale to season ticket holders from Tuesday 22nd April. Rovers Official Ticket Office

April 14th 1979. It is not often that Burnley make the front page of this site, however I would take this moment to remind all Blackburn Rovers Supporters, that today’s date goes down in Blackburn history as the last time that the Dingles managed to beat the Rovers. In a game watched by 14,741 at Ewood Park, on the 14 April 1979, Burnley beat Rovers 2-1. Rovers goal being scored by the living legend, Simon Garner. Since that day, 24 years ago today Rovers have gone on to be founder members of the Premier League, Premier League Runners-Up, Premier League Champions, Worthington Cup Winners and played in Europe, whilst Burnley have floundered in the lower leagues and even narrowly missing relegation to the conference.

After scoring for Coventry, against Leicester, Blackburns on loan striker, Matt Jansen scored again today for Coventry, in their 4-2 defeat by Ipswich. For Ipswich, former Rover Marcus Bent scored twice. Marc Richards scored Swansea's only goal in their 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe. Darren Dunning corner kick lead to Kyle Lightbourne headed goal, to give Macclesfield a 2-1 lead, before Torquay pulled it back to finish 2-2. Jimmy Corbett's cross on 20 minutes allowed Nicholls to open the scoring for Darlington before they went on to win 5-1 against Shrewsbury.

On the day that Blackburn revealed their selection, of Goals of the Season, it was last seasons winner Damian Duff, who won the prize of Man of the Match today against Charlton Athletic. With Charlton determined not to be mauled in the same manner as last week against Leeds, they lined up in a defensive formation, whilst Rovers lined up with the same team that beat Fulham 4-0 at Loftus Road. Rovers started with all guns blaring and should have taken the lead in the third minute when Duff and Cole exchanged passes on the left before the little winger struck a first-time shot that was cleared by Dean Kiely. With Duff returning to top form, the Republic of Ireland International was a thorn in Charlton’s side all afternoon, culminating in him scoring the only goal in the 35 minute. Collecting a knock down from Hakan Sukar, Duff dummied Charlton’s defender, move the ball on to his favoured left foot and fired home wide of keeper Kiely. In the second half the defence minded, Charlton attempted to draw level, however Rovers defence were determined to keep a clean sheet, and the rampant Duff continued to cause Charlton problems. With time running out, and Rovers failure to increase their lead, Charlton could have equalised, if it hadn’t have been for Friedel who tipped Scott Parker's close-range effort over the crossbar. Final score Rovers 1 Charlton 0. Rovers : Friedel, Neill, Short, Berg, Gresko, Dunn, Tugay (Gillespie 70), Flitcroft, Duff (Grabbi 85), Sukur (Yorke 62), Cole. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Kelly. Charlton : Kiely, Young, Fortune, Rufus, Powell, Konchesky, Parker, Kishishev (Blomqvist 77), Robinson (Johansson 63), Lisbie (Campbell-Ryce 86), Svensson. Subs Not Used: El Khalej, Roberts. Referee: Jeff Winter Peter Jackson Man of the Match. Damian Duff Attendance: 27,506 In his post match interview Graeme Souness was full of praise for Duff, and stated. 'Damien is a super player and he has been the difference today. He has earned his money this week. 'He is someone who runs with the ball and everyone likes dribblers don't they? They get you excited, they get you on the edge of your seat. 'The way he plays is very explosive and it is hard job we ask him to do. I don't need to tell him he has to track back - he is very willing worker for the side which makes him such a super player. 'It makes you think our results may have been better had we had him for the whole season. But this season has come on the back of a World Cup and that has resulted in injuries.'

Whilst Graeme Souness prepares a list of prospective players to strengthen his squad for next season, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph reports that Henning Berg may consider extending his contract for a further 12 months should Blackburn try to persuade him to postpone his retirement plans. With Souness reportedly being interested in Barcelona’s Frank de Boer and attempting to secure the permanent services of on loan defender Gresko, Bergs change of mind may be to late, bearing in mind that Rovers have two exciting young prospects in the shape of Tiny Taylor and Jay McEveley plus the experienced Craig Short, who has already signed an extension to his contact. Whilst discussions regarding Frank de Boer and Gresko are in their infancy, Rovers are reportedly close to agreeing a contract extension with captain Gary Flitcroft. A player that manager Graeme Souness has a high regards for, and is quoted as saying. "I'd like Garry Flitcroft to be here as long as I am here," "He is a great captain and an inspiration, both on and off the pitch. There's no doubt, we miss him when he's not out there.”

Rovers go into tomorrow’s Premier League game against Charlton Athletic on a high after Monday nights 4-0 defeat of Fulham. Charlton in contrast go into the game on the back of last weekends 6-1 mauling by Leeds United. Whilst Alan Curbishly will be concidering changes to his team, in order to regain confidence, with a virtually injury free squad, expect Graeme Souness to line up with the same team that started at Loftus Road. Rovers only injury worry being Northern Ireland International, Keith Gillespie, who picked up an ankle injury against Fulham. Predicted Team. Friedel, Neill Berg, Short, Gresko, Dunn, Tugay, Flitcroft, Duff, Sukur, Cole. With the partnership between Hakan Sukar and Andy Cole developing, and Sukar having opened his goal scoring account for Rover, this should be an entertaining attacking game, however, whether they can match last seasons corresponding fixture, when Rovers came away 4-1 victors, with goals from Tugay, Cole, Hignett and Jansen, is another matter. With local Easter fixtures against Manchester United and Bolton, Rovers have reduced admission ticket, to all areas, for this game, £10 adults and £5 for seniors / juniors.

Gresko Despite rumours that Leeds are interested in signing Vratislav Gresko, Rovers remain confident in retaining the services of the Slovakian international, who has filled Rover's problem left back position. It is understood that Rovers have already had preliminary discussions with Gresko's Italian club, Parma and that further negociations are being planned. The Treatment Room It would appear, with the exception of Keith Gillespie and long term injury casualty David Thompson, Graeme Souness has a full complement of staff available for Saturdays Premiership home game against Charlton. Gillespie is still suffering from the ankle injury, that forced him to be substituted after he had come on as a sub, against Fulham on Monday night. Nicky Marker Former Rovers utility player Nicky Marker has taken the first step in to management as the new manager of Tamarside under-11s team, which is a suburb of Plymouth.

Glenn/cont'd You have kindly been the first interviewee for this feature, given your knowledge of people connected with Rovers past and present, who do you feel would make an interesting interview and who do you feel would welcome such questioning ? SG. Ronnie Clayton must have some great stories to tell. You disclaimed any connection with the flypast many times now, but do you know how your name got linked with it in the first place? SG. Because I knew some of the people involved in it. FourLaneBlue Was there ever a time when it seemed likely that a top- flight side would sign you? What was the closest you came to leaving Rovers for one of the bigger clubs of the time or did those clubs just have a look but decide not to bite? SG. I was always told by the club that if someone wanted me, then they,d tell me. But I was also under contract and in my day, players tended to honour their contracts. I don't know if there was anything ever going on in the background. Alan75 During your period at Rovers you would have seen many players come and go. Many of whom have been like yourself fans favourites, however unlike yourself many of these left of their own accord, one of which was Colin Hendry. During his latter period with the club he became known as Mr Rovers. Is this a true reflection that he was a Mr Rovers or was it just due to his committment on the pitch. SG. As far as I'm concerned he gave everything to Rovers during his time with the club. Is there any truth in the rumours that Colin gave a certain player a good thumping for lack of attitude and effort? SG. I've not heard that before, so I doubt it. During your period at the club, which player was the best on and off the pitch, not so much for his playing ability but for his leadership, and who was the best captain you played under? SG. Faz. Faz. And, for the third part, Faz. In years past due to Rovers finances, Rovers brought a number of players through from the youth squad, e.g Bailey, Bradshaw, Hird, Barker and now due to the transfer window we are starting to get youngsters thrown again into the first team, McEveley, Gallagher. Do you think the influx of foreign players have restricted the opportunities for youngsters to gain first team experience, and do you think the transfer window has been a benefit to the youngsters. SG. I dont think the influx has really restricted opportunities at Blackburn in the ways they certainly have with, for example, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. As for the second part of the question, I dont think anything much has changed. Bluetooth Does Simon Garner ever ring up the Rovers boss to offer his advice? SG. No. Are you kidding? Does the boss ever listen? SG. Graeme is his own man. Den If you were given the chance to start all over again, is there anything you would do differently? SG. No. It was great. I've been very, very lucky to have the opportunities to fulfil my ambitions. By and large, I did just that. Alex sci fi How peed off were you with Super Atko for ruining your moment of glory by scoring that OG in the last minute against Liverpool in the FA cup after it looked like you'd scored the winner? Considering that took away the chance to see your name plastered over the morning papers and that it was entirely his mistake, what did you and the other players say to him after the match? SG. Not at all. All players make mistakes. I've missed chances to win games, but it's not something you do on purpose. As a team you stick together through thick and thin. And in football, there's usually more thin. In your book you say that contrary to popular rumour you didn't have a Rovers shirt under your WBA one when you scored against Burnley. I really thought that was true and was gutted when you said it wasn't. As that rumour was always taken as the truth have you any idea how the rumour started and what did you actually do for the celebration considering it was in front of the Burnley fans? SG. I wish I'd thought of it, to be honest, because it's a top idea! I was told by my chairman not to celebrate if I scored, but I couldnt resist. I just stood there gloating! Billinge End Blue I never got to the shop but how well did Roccoco in Feniscowles do in competition with Roy Marlor's, Originals and Pelle before the blaggings affected business? Do you reckon the dresser gear of the late eighties/early nineties compares favourably with today's sports casual look? SG. The shop did OK, but the gear today is much better. Do you ever meet up socially with the likes of Simon Barker, Mark Patterson or your fellow Telegraph columnist Glen Keeley these days? SG. No, because we all live so far apart, but I hope to see them all at my testimonial game. Might other players from your era be involved on the pitch in your game in May (perhaps as subs)? A glimpse of a strike partnership of John Lowey and Andy Cole would be intriguing. SG. I know the testimonial committee is exploring a number of as yet unannounced avenues to make it a fantastic day out for me, the players and the fans. They'll let you know, I'm sure. © BRFCS.com Prepared by Paul

AlanK I know he denies it in his book but did Simon have anything to do with the Burnley flypast? SG. No, but I know the people who were involved. I didn,t know about it until after the event. I laughed long, loud and hard. But it wasn't me. Oh, and can he remember talking to me at Cardiff last year? SG. Ah, so it was you! Er, no. Sorry. Steven 1.What is the most memorable match you have played in? SG. Breaking the scoring record against Manchester City in 1989. 2. Who was your biggest football influence? SG. My parents. They supported my ambitions and never once suggested I should think about a proper career. 3. Who was the best striker you played alongside for Rovers? SG. Mike Newell he was an all-round performer and a generous, intelligent player. 4. What do you think are the future prospects of the current Rovers side? SG. Very good. It's a bit of a cliché, but they do have a solid blend of youth and experience and, for my money, one of the best managers in the business. 5. What is your biggest regret in your football career? SG. Not playing in the top flight for Blackburn. 6. What is the most memorable goal that you scored for Rovers? SG. The record breaking goal against Manchester City. I hit it sweetly with my left foot into the top corner at the Blackburn End. It was the second of a hat-trick. 7. Who was the best manager that you worked with at Rovers? SG. Bobby Saxton and Kenny Dalglish. Bobby managed to make us a genuine top-flight cntendors with no money. Kenny brought together some great players while also improving those he inherited. 8. And who was the worst? SG. Jim Iley. He was a disaster. 9. Who was the best character in the dressing room that you played alongside at Rovers, and why? SG. Mick Rathbone. His enthusiasm and humour were infectious. 10.What do you really think of the standard of commentary and match analysis on Radio Rovers? SG. I can't receive it where I live, so I've never heard it. 11.Who do you think will be the next emerging star to come out of the Academy. SG. From the reports I've had, Paul Gallacher is the man to watch. Baz Do you think you would have made it in football now and would you have coped with the demands of fitness and diet needed in today's game? SG. Basically yes, because you adapt to circumstances. But I doubt if I'd enjoyed the dietary element. Clare If you could have chosen any team, except Rovers, who would you have liked to play for? SG. Difficult one. I never had any real allegiance to a club as a child. How about England? Which current Premiership striker would you like to play with? SG. Alan Shearer. The best striker around, I think I'd have made him a lot of goals. Who was the best defender you played against? SG. Alan Hansen. A great all-round player, very difficult to get past, and he read the game very well. Chiswick_Col What gave you the most satisfaction: 1) Scoring the winner at Turf Moor on Boxing Day, 1981 2) Breaking the Rovers scoring record v Man City in 1989 3) Scoring 5 v Derby in 1983 4) Keeping a clean sheet when you kept goal against Ipswich (won 1-0)! SG. In order - 2, 1, 3, 4 MC If Rovers were to offer you a job at the club and you could do anything you wanted would you take it? and if so, what would you like to do? SG. It'd be a bit difficult to commute from where I live! Staying in football has never been an ambition. Den I seem to remember you asking for a transfer at one stage. If that's true, what were your reasons, and why didn't a transfer materialise? SG. It's true. I thought I deserved a better contract than the one that was offered, considering the money coming into the club. But I eventually settled and the transfer didn't materialise. Colin How did you give up smoking? SG. With great difficulty. And a few cigars! Spencer Simon, after the testimonial - can you lend me a few quid? SG. Sure. But can you lend me a few quid now? Bob Fleming 1. The team of the early - mid eighties did very, very well in my opinion considering that the club had no money at the time. In terms of team spirit at the club would you say that this was the over riding factor in this success? SG. Yes, you're right. We all stuck together - from the directors to the players to everyone concerned with the club. 2. How close were Rovers to going out of business? It was touch and go by all accounts. SG. I don't know, but I guess it was pretty close. At one stage the players didnt get paid for a few weeks. 3. Was Tony Finnigan insane? SG. Slightly. But dont tell him I said that. 4. Who was the most consistent defender you came up against? SG. Steve Walsh, the ex-Leicester City defender. I played against him quite a bit and he was consistently a pain in the arse. And the ankles. A very tricky opponent. ABBEY Did Don Mackay ever catch you having a fag outside the ground just before kick off; i.e, when we chatted to you at Port Vale? SG. No. Nor at any other ground. Was it really you who messaged some of the members on here? SG. No. I cant work a computer. But I have one or two friends who can . . . Will you sign my Homer Simpson undies? SG. That depends. Are they clean? Can I have some of the royalties from your book as there is a photograph of me in it SG. Which picture? CAPT KAYOS What do you really think of Bumley? SG. I dont really think of Burnley at all. How did it feel when you scored against them? SG. Great. It's always good to score, but that's really special. Though they seemed to keep making it easy for me. Jim mk2 1.Despite your goal-scoring record, you had a a lot of critics who said you were nothing better than a goal-hanger who could not play the game and had a poor technique. What do you say to them? SG. I dont think I was a goal-hanger. I made as many as I scored and I was never frightened to pass to someone in a good scoring position. As for technique, my meagre talents kept me in the professional game for 20 years. 2. Your Rovers career ended in disappointment when Kenny Dalglish did not even put you on the bench for the Wembley play-off final in 1992. You had positive things to say about Dalglish in your overpriced book, but what do you really think of him? SG. I'm sorry you thought the book was overpriced. As for Kenny, he was a great player, a great manager and a great man. There were players in better form than me available on that day in 1992 and Kenny made the right decision. I had the next best thing by being one of the non-playing guys on the bench. I can honestly say it was one of the best days of my life. 3. Do you think you would have been a better footballer if you had not smoked like a chimney and drunk like a navvy? SG. No. And while I've always enjoyed a drink, your description is over the top. 4. Why did you never earn a big-money move to a First Division club? Do you think it was because you weren't good enough as a player or do you think managers wouldn't touch you because of your reputation for smoking and drinking? SG. It had nothing to do with my reputation, because I was hardly a bad boy. At that time, there were plenty of others around who might have looked after themselves a bit better. I thought I was good enough to play at the top level, but a deal never happened and that's life. 5. Why do you think you deserve a second testimonial when some people might say that real Rovers legends such as Bryan Douglas and Ronnie Clayton, who earned more than 70 England caps between them, are far more deserving? SG. Those people may be right. I certainly wouldnt say they are less deserving than me, but that's not up to me. If anyone wanted to arrange a testimonial for Ronnie or Bryan, then I think that would be fantastic. 6. What happened to the (good) money (compared with the man in street) you earned throughout your career? Did you blow it on fags and booze and having a good time with your mates? SG. No. On a mortgage, paying bills, bringing up my children. Like most people, I guess. And, again like most people, I like to socialise. Is that unusual? 7. What happened to the money from your first testimonial? Did you blow it on fags and booze and having a good time with your mates (according to your book) rather than put it to one side for your retirement or to spend on your ex-wife and children? SG. I dont think you read the (overpriced) book properly. The majority went to my ex-wife. 8. And talking about your ex-wife and children, do you think you would still be married if you had spent half as much time with them as you did living it up with your mates? SG. No, I wouldnt be married. It can be difficult spending as much time with people you'd like to when you work and, for the most part, live so far away. The reasons for that are, again, explained in my (overpriced) book. The connection you make is inaccurate and not relevant to the breakdown in my first marriage and, while I'm trying to answer honestly here, this is, with respect, a private matter. 9. With reference to your time in jail, do you regret not paying your ex-wife the money she was owed as part of your divorce settlement, rather than (according to your book) blowing it on a Vauxhall Calibra and more good times with your mates? SG. Your presumption is again way off the mark, Jim, and I wonder how much of my (overpriced) book you actually read. I regret making the mistake which saw me go to prison. I didnt enjoy prison. It was a dreadful experience. My ex-wife received all the money she was due. 10. Did you feel bitter when you saw multi-millionaires such as Jason McAteer, playing as if he could not care less in a Rovers shirt, when you gave the best years of your life to the Blackburn cause for a relative pittance? And if you don't feel bitter, why not? Most people would be. SG. More presumption, Jim. Please dont presume that my emotional make-up is the same as yours. Why should I feel bitter? I made a decent living (as you say earlier in question 6) during my career and had a brilliant time. As for Jason, I doubt he is a multi-millionaire. As for his attitude, I dont like to make sweeping judgements about people I dont know. That would make me look foolish. Wouldnt you agree? SteB What is your opinion of journalists ? SG. 99% are fine, but you always get the odd one who changes the words you say and then changes the meaning, which is worse still. I've only had one really bad experience, which I'd consider pretty good considering the number of times I've been interviewed. Did you always see eye to eye with the Rovers fans or did you find there were a few ungrateful whingers about ? SG. Again, 99% are fine but there's the odd one who would moan if it was free admission, free pies, free beer and Rovers were in the Champions League Final. Scotty I'd love to hear his opinions on the current squad too, especially about the Dunn saga, but I suspect he won't want to rock the boat before his testimonial. SG. I think the current squad is more than capable of holding their own. Perhaps Dunn needed a kick up the backside. It certainly appears to have worked, but I dont know the full story. Nelly bc What is your proudest moment for Rovers? SG. Breaking the scoring record. Moppy Taking Rovers out of the equation, which club did you most enjoy playing at? SG. Wycombe Wanderers. A fantastic style of play, a great manager, a lovely club and we did extremely well. I thoroughly enjoy going to Wycombe, which is near my home, and I am always made to feel welcome there. (Not sure if you will remember this) How did you feel when my dog got the ball off you during a training session in Witton Park, and how long did the ribbing last from the other players? SG. I've had a lot worse players than your dog take the ball off me. The ribbing lasted until I scored my next goal. Glenn Some of the current Rovers team have a reputation for enjoying a skinfull and can often be seen out and about in Blackburn. Some fans feel this has an adverse effect on their game. Do you think the fans should get off their back and leave them alone or has the modern game changed so much that your beer and fags training regime is no longer acceptable. SG. If players are performing on the pitch, they should be able to lead their own lives off it. In your book you mention befriending Helen Chamberlin, does her real life persona match her on screen one? Is she really that attractive close up and why haven't we seen you on the coach with her and Tim ? SG. Yes, she is. I've been on the couch once before and I'm waiting for another invitation. If you could bring one current Premiership player to Rovers, who would it be and why? SG. Alan Shearer. He's the best player of the Premiership era without exception, still absolutely deadly and a great leader on the pitch. © BRFCS.com Prepared by Paul

We forwarded all the questions posed to Simon last week and received his reply on Monday. Admin/mods are delighted to have had Simon's response, not much else to say other than many thanks to Simon and good luck with the Testimonial. I've got my tickets Just a reminder to everyone; Season Ticket holders have until tomorrow to claim their seat after which tickets go on general sale priced £12 for adults, £6 concessions. The replies are split in two as the board won't accept an individual post of this length. © BRFCS.com Prepared by Paul