BLACKBURN Rovers are to say a thousand thank-yous to their loyal travelling supporters by taking them on a trip to the seaside before the end of the season.

Rovers have promised to provide free return travel for up to 1,000 fans wishing to attend the forthcoming Division One clash at Grimsby on Saturday week, April 26.

The club will lay on a fleet of up to 20 free coaches to ferry fans to and from Blundell Park. Rovers away support has held up magnificently despite a rollercoaster season following relegation from the Premier League.

And that show of loyalty has not been lost on the club itself, who want to reward fans for their efforts.

"The gesture is a mark of appreciation aimed at those who regularly travel the length and breadth of the country to support the team," said chief executive, John Williams.

"There backing at away games is much appreciated.

"So this is our way of showing how much we value their unswerving support, not just this season, but over the years."

Free places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and to claim a seat fans must produce either an away travel coach ticket from any away game this season, a Supporters Association/Away Travel Club members card, or a valid season ticket.

The offer is open until Saturday, April 15, subject to availability.

On the day of the game itself coaches will leave Ewood at 11am. Places can be booked at the Customer Services desk at the Rover the Moon store.

Meanwhile, midfield hard-man Lee Carsley is set to step up his comeback in the reserves against Barnsley at Ewood tonight.

The Republic of Ireland international has been sidelined with a broken bone in his right instep since Rovers' FA Cup fifth round defeat against Newcastle back in January.

He came through his first game in over two months against Bradford reserves last week and tonight marks another major step on the road to recovery.

But manager Graeme Souness insists he will not try to rush back the player too early.

"With the type of injury Lee has got he could probably do with two or three more reserve games yet," said Souness.

"If we suddenly had problems with any of our other midfielders then I would probably have to throw him in.

"But I won't be rushing him back unless there's some kind of emergency."

Central defender Darren Peacock is also expected to return to action after missing the last three first team games with a calf strain.

And defensive duo Callum Davidson and Simon Grayson will also get a run out after missing Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United.

Rovers reserves: Williams, Richardson, Davidson, Darren Dunning, Peacock, Grayson, McNamee, Carsley, Richards, Hamilton, Forsyth, Murphy, Bingham, Hawe, O'Brien, Danns.

The match kicks off at 7pm.

Match tickets for the First Division clash against Grimsby on Saturday, April 22, go on sale tomorrow.

Away fans have been allocated seats in the Osmond Stand behind the goal and prices range from £14 (adults) to £8 (juniors/OAPs).

Tickets WILL be available on the day but to purchase them in advance you can call in at the ticket office, send a postal application, or phone the ticket hot-line on 08080 10 10 10.

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