BLACKBURN Rovers fans have organised a concert in protest at the club’s owners.

A number of Rovers’ fans are unhappy with how the Venky’s have run the club since they took over in November 2010.

The takeover has culminated with the club dropping from the Premier League to League One football in just seven years.

And now Rovers’ fans Peter Ridehalgh, has teamed up with Kerry McGregor from the Sir Charles Napier pub in Limbrick, Blackburn, to organise ‘Rock Against Venkys’.

The free music concert aims to raise awareness of the Venky’s running of the club in a different way to a protest at a football match.

Mr Ridehalgh said: “The results on the pitch are just one aspect of the current situation.

“Local businesses are suffering and even closing due to the fall in attendances at Ewood.

“Families no longer meet up every two weeks as many people no longer see Rovers as the club they once loved.

“Many people have deserted the club while others are simply waiting for new ownership when Rovers are back in the hands of people who care about the club and the community.

“It should be remembered that Blackburn Rovers are the most successful ‘Town Club’ in the history of English football.

“The status of the club, and with it the town itself, has been run into the ground.”

The concert will feature bands and musicians in the area sympathetic to Rovers’ plight, with acts including Blackburn-based ‘Static’ and ‘Honour Roots’ from Preston.

Mr Ridehalgh added: “We are going to hold a music night in Blackburn featuring bands and musicians that have Rovers at heart or are sympathetic to the plight of our club.

“The event is free entry and the bands and helpers giving their time without payment.

“The idea is to generate the type of publicity that other forms of protest may not.

“Community events generate the sort of feel good factor which used to emanate from Ewood but under absent owners that is a thing of the past.

“Protesting at matches does not go down well with fans who just want to watch a football match and it can have a demoralising affect on the players.

“We are hoping that Rock Against Venkys could provide an outlet that all fans can get behind.”

The event, which is free, will take place at the Sir Charles Napier pub on September 2 with doors opening from 6pm