Blackburn Rovers: Photo's 2

Bob Crompton

Bob Crompton. He made 529 League appearances for Rovers, scoring 14 goals, in an incredible career which spanned 23 years at the club. He was born in Blackburn in September 1879 and made his first appearance in 1896 at the age of 17 away at Stoke. His final game as a player would come at Bradford Park Avenue in February 1920. This outstanding full-back made 41 international appearances for England between 1902 and 1914. Captaining his Club and Country would prove to be only a springboard to further success. He became a director of the club and then honorary manager in the mid 1920’s. His 1928 side won the FA Cup, the only medal that eluded him as a player. He had a short spell at Bournemouth but returned to Ewood in 1938 to save Rovers being relegated to Division Three. He sadly died in March 1941 aged 61. Crompton had a heart attack while watching Blackburn Rovers play hated rivals Burnley. His team had just won the match 3-2. He dies that evening. His memory will live on as one of the ‘Greats’ in football for Club and Country.

Bob Crompton
Bob Crompton
Bob Crompton

Bob Crompton (front row middle) is part of this England team group photo taken in 1912. (Back row, left to right) linesman GW Simmons, reserve Charles Buchan, reserve Billy Silto; (middle row, l-r) referee J Mason, Tom Brittleton, George Holley, Tim Williamson, Bertie Freeman, Billy Wedlock, Jesse Pennington; (Front row, left to right) Jock Simpson, Frank Jefferis, Bob Crompton, George Wall, Harry Makepeace

Bob Crompton
The Riverside packed out v Bury, 10/11/1929. 1-1.
The Riverside packed out v Bury, 10/11/1929. 1-1.

Bill Eckersley was one of the smallest and lightest full backs to play international football but was recognised for his clean tackling and powerful kicking. He suffered knee problems during his career and finally retired from football at 35 years of age. He was just 57 when he died, but the former lorry driver from Southport will always be remembered as one of the post-war greats for both Club and Country.

Bill Eckersley
Bill Eckersley, 1951.
Rovers v Leeds United, 1954-1955.
Rovers v Leeds United, 1954-1955.
The West Ham goalkeeper punches clear against Rovers v West Ham United FA Cup 5th round replay on 23/02/1956 at a packed Ewood Park. Rovers lost 2-3.
The West Ham goalkeeper punches clear against Rovers v West Ham United FA Cup 5th round replay on 23/02/1956 at a packed Ewood Park. Rovers lost 2-3.
Free scoring Rovers striker Andy McEvoy moves in on Tottenam Hotspurs goalkeeper Bill Brown.
Free scoring Rovers striker Andy McEvoy moves in on Tottenam Hotspurs goalkeeper Bill Brown.
Tottenham Hotspurs v Rovers, 1962.
Tottenham Hotspurs v Rovers, 1962.
Rovers v Liverpool, 1963. Ronnie Clayton scores.
Rovers v Liverpool, 1963. Ronnie Clayton scores.
John Byrom scores for Rovers v Woves, 1964.
John Byrom scores for Rovers v Woves, 1964.
Rovers v Leeds United, 1964.
Rovers v Leeds United, 1964.
John Byrom fighting for the cause.
John Byrom fighting for the cause.
West Ham v Rovers. John Byrom tussles with Bobby Moore.
West Ham v Rovers. John Byrom tussles with Bobby Moore.
Blackburn Rovers; Sunderland.
Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers, 1965.
Harry Leyland
Harry Leyland, 1960.
Peter Dobing
Peter Dobing, 1960.
Mick McGrath
Mick McGrath, 1961.
Andy McEvoy
Andy McEvoy, 1964.
Keith Newton
Keith Newton, 1964.
Brian Douglas
Another Blackburn born player to make the grade; Brian Doulas, 1960's.
Brian Douglas
Brian Douglas.
Brian Douglas
Brian Douglas, 1960.
Brian Douglas
Brian Douglas slots one in for Rovers v West Ham.
27th January 1962: Rovers beat Stoke City at The Potteries to march through to the 5th Round of the FA Cup. Blackburn born Rovers fan Brian Douglas leads the players off the pitch followed by Stanley Mathews.
27th January 1962: Rovers beat Stoke City at The Potteries to march through to the 5th Round of the FA Cup. Blackburn born Rovers fan Brian Douglas leads the players off the pitch followed by Stanley Mathews.
Brian Douglas
Brian Douglas, 1963.
Brian Douglas
Brian Douglas, 1964.
Brian Douglas
Brian Douglas,1964.
Mike England, Blackburn Rovers,1959-1966.
Mike England, Blackburn Rovers,1959-1966.
Top: Ronnie Clayton; Middle: Roy Vernon; Bottom: Brian Douglas - Ewood Park, 1960's.
Top: Ronnie Clayton; Middle: Roy Vernon; Bottom: Brian Douglas - Ewood Park, 1960's.
Ronnie Clayton training on The Riverside, 1960's.
Ronnie Clayton training on The Riverside, 1960's.
Ronnie Clayton proudly poses as England Captain at Ewood Park, circa 1955-1960.
Ronnie Clayton proudly poses as England Captain at Ewood Park, circa 1955-1960.
Ronnie Clayton as Captain of the England team, bottom row centre, circa 1955-1960.
Ronnie Clayton as Captain of the England team, bottom row centre, circa 1955-1960.
Ronnie Clayton
Ronnie Clayton, 1964.
Blackburn Rovers badge
1975 Centenary Year Division 3 Champions.
1975 Centenary Year Division 3 Champions.
Jimmy Quinn applauds the Rovers fans with Ian Miller behind him in tears as Rovers come back on to the pitch to thank the fans after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion by 1 point, final game of the season at Ewood Park, 11/05/1985.
Jimmy Quinn applauds the Rovers fans with Ian Miller behind him in tears as Rovers come back on to the pitch to thank the fans after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion by 1 point, final game of the season at Ewood Park, 11/05/1985.
Blackburn Rovers; Simon Garner
Blackburn Rovers; Simon Garner
Simon Garner
Simon Garner
Simon Garner

Chris Thompson circa 1984-1986. Chris died a lonely death at his Black Country home in 2012 after he hit the bottle and shut himself away from friends and family, an inquest heard.

Chris Thompson’s remains were found at his home in Anderson Gardens, Tipton, on 1st June 2012. He was just 52.

The Walsall-born former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic midfielder suffered health problems and battled an “on-off” drink problem for “some years”, his sister told a hearing.

Blackburn Rovers; Glenn Keeley
Glenn Keeley in action, circa 1984-1985.
Blackburn Rovers; Port Vale; David Speedie; Lee Richardson
David Speedie celebrates with Lee Richardson after scoring. Rovers 1 - 0 Port Vale. 14/09/1991.1991-1992 Division 2 promotion season. Att: 10,225.
Blackburn Rovers; Newcastle United; David Speedie
David Speedia taunts the Newcastle fans after bagging a hatrick. Rovers 3 - 1 Newcastle United. 15/02/1992. 1991-1992 Division 2 promotion season. Att: 19,511.
Blackburn Rovers; Chris Price; David Speedie
Chris Price and David Speedie celebrate at Ewood Park, 1991-1992 Division 2 promotion season.

The man who replaced Speedie.

Alan Shearer Blackburn Rovers 1992-1993
Alan Shearer, Ewood Park, 1992-1993
Alan Shearer Blackburn Rovers 1992-1993
Away v Southampton, 1992-1993
20/09/1994, Southampton 1 v 1 Blackburn Rovers
20/09/1994, Southampton 1 v 1 Blackburn Rovers
Shearers trademark salute, Ewood Park, 1994-1995.
Shearers trademark salute, Ewood Park, 1994-1995.
Alan Shearer Blackburn Rovers 1994-1995
Ewood Park, 1994-1995
Alan Shearer Blackburn Rovers 1994-1995
There goes that Shearer salute. 1994-1995
Crystal Palace v Blackburn Rovers 1994-1995
Away v Crystal Palace, 1994-1995
West Ham  Blackburn Rovers 1994-1995
Away v West Ham, 1994-1995
Blackburn Rovers v Nottingham Forrest 1994-1995
Blackburn Rovers v Nottingham Forrest, 1994-1995
Chris Sutton and Graham Le Saux celebrate another goal, 1994-1995.
Chris Sutton and Graham Le Saux celebrate another goal, 1994-1995.
Chris Sutton, 1994-1995.
Chris Sutton, 1994-1995.
Stuart Ripley, 1994-1995.
Stuart Ripley, 1994-1995.
Colin Hendry, 1994-1995
Colin Hendry, 1994-1995
Captain Tim Sherwood, 1994 pre season friendly v Aberdeen.
Captain Tim Sherwood, 1994 pre season friendly v Aberdeen.
Tim Sherwood away match, 1994-19995.
Tim Sherwood away match, 1994-19995.
Away v Wimbledon, 1994-1995.
Away v Wimbledon, 1994-1995.
Liverpool v Blackburn Rovers 1994-1995
Away v Liverpool, 1994-1995
Final whistle: Anfield, Sunday 14th May 1995 - Blackburn Rovers: Champions of England.
Final whistle: Anfield, Sunday 14th May 1995 - Blackburn Rovers: Champions of England.
Alan Shearer Jack Walker Blackburn Rovers 1995
Love - Appreciation - Respect.
Alan Shearer Jack Walker Blackburn Rovers 1995
We did it! Champions of England, 1995.
Alan Shearer Blackburn Rovers Premier League Champions, 1995
Alan Shearer - Champion, 1995

Charity Shield game at Wembley, 1995. Rovers lost the game against Manchester United 2-0 but it was a great day out with over 20,000 Rovers fans making the trip.  Kenny Dalglish and the players had surprised Jack Walker by asking him to lead the team out at the start of the game. It was a fitting tribute to the man who has given so much to this club.

David Batty Blackburn Rovers 1995-1996
David Batty, 1995-1996
Chris Pearce Blackburn Rovers 1995-1996
Chris Pearce, 1995-1996
Blackburn Rovers v West Ham 1994
Rovers v West Ham, 12/12/1995.
Chris Sutton, 1996.
Chris Sutton, 1996.
Blackburn Rovers; David Dunn
David Dunn, 1997.
Blackburn Rovers; David Dunn; Damien Duff
David Dunn & Damien Duff; Rovers Youth team, 1997.
Blackburn Rovers; Kevin Gallagher
Kevin Gallagher who years later, to his eternal shame, was to brand Blackburn Rovers supporters as an "embarrassment" for protesting against the Venkys.
Blackburn Rovers; Liverpool; Anfield; Nathan Blake
Nathan Blake scores a late winner to knock Liverpool out of the cup. Liverpool 0 v 1Rovers, FA Cup 4th round, Monday, 10th January 2000.
Blackburn Rovers; Liverpool; Anfield; Nathan Blake
Nathan Blake scores a late winner to knock Liverpool out of the cup. Liverpool 0 v 1Rovers, FA Cup 4th round, Monday, 10th January 2000.
Blackburn Rovers; Manchester United; David Dunn
David Dunn at Old Trafford, Saturday, 21st February 2009. 2-1.
Blackburn Rovers; Tugay
"You are my Turkish delight" - Tugay waves goodbye to The Blackburn End from the Ewood Park pitch in his final game for Rovers, 2001-2009.
Blackburn Rovers; Tugay
"You are my Turkish delight" - Tugay waves goodbye to The Blackburn End from the Ewood Park bench in his final game for Rovers, 2001-2009.
Blackburn Rovers; Burnley
Rovers score v Burnley, Ewood Park, Sunday 18th October 2009. 3-2
Blackburn Rovers; Junior Hoilete
Junior Hoilete: Another fine product of Rovers' Youth Academy.
Blackburn Rovers; Ewood Park; David Dunn; Jason Lowe
Local lads David Dunn and Jason Lowe show Chelsea how it's done.
Rubén Rochina
Rubén Rochina, 2011.
Jordon Rhodes
Jordon Rhodes, Ewood Park, 2011-2012.
Blackburn Rovers v Burnley
He scores when he wants - and the Longside looks on despondent, 02/12/2012. 1-1
Blackburn Rovers; Burnley; David Dunn
Dunn reals away in celebration after scoring a winning 20th minute penalty at Turf Moor. Sunday, 28th March 2010. 0-1.
Blackburn Rovers; Burnley; David Dunn
Rovers fan and legend: Dunn scores a late goal to make it 1-1 at Ewood Park in front of the Burnley fans in the 6th minute of added time to make it 33 years undefeated to Burnley at Ewood Park, Sunday, 17th March 2013. 1-1.
Blackburn Rovers v Burnley, David Dunn
Blackburn Rovers v Burnley, David Dunn
Blackburn Rovers v Burnley, David Dunn
Jordon Rhodes
Jordon Rhodes, Ewood Park, 2013-2014.
Blackburn Rovers v Burnley
36 years since losing at Turf Moor, 14/09/2013. 1-1.
Blackburn Rovers v Burnley
The proud 35 year undefeated run at Ewood Park had to come to an end eventually, 09/03/2014. 1-2.
Jordan Rhodes
Jordan Rhodes, Ewood Park, 2013-2014.
Tom Cairney
Tom Cairney, 2013-2014.
Tom Cairney
Tom Cairney, Rovers' Player of the Year, 2013-2014.
Rudy Gestede
Rudy Gestede, 2013-2014.
Blackburn Rovers; Rudy Gestede, David Dunn, Grant Hanley, Matt Killgallon, Chris Taylor
Rudy Gestede, David Dunn, Grant Hanley, Matt Killgallon, Chris Taylor
Blackburn Rovers; Jordan Rhodes
Jordan Rhodes celebrates another. 2014-2015 season.
FA Cup third round, Saturday 4th January 2014, Ewood Park: Rovers 1 - 1 Manchester City.
FA Cup third round, Saturday 4th January 2014, Ewood Park: Rovers 1 - 1 Manchester City.
FA Cup Fifth Round, Saturday 14th February 2015, Ewood Park: Rovers 4 - 1 Stoke City.
FA Cup Fifth Round, Saturday 14th February 2015, Ewood Park: Rovers 4 - 1 Stoke City.