Leaving Lyon's Stade de Gerland after Tuesday's game, a policeman told one of Rovers' Away Travel officials: "Your supporters have done a lot to mend the fences for English fans from the World Cup."

Rovers have issued a personal thank you to all those who travelled with the official parties. The last ones arrived back in Blackburn by coach at around 3.30pm on Wednesday afternoon, a few hours ahead of schedule.

"They were all a credit to the club. The hotel we booked was dubious about taking football fans after the World Cup but they praised the behaviour of our supporters and said we were welcome back any time," said an Ewood travel official.

TICKETS are now on open sale for the Premiership game at Middlesbrough in a fortnight's time on Saturday, October 17 (kick-off 3pm).

They are priced £20 adults, £10 juniors and senior citizens.

ROVERS Reserves, who have made a good start to the season in the Pontin's League Premier Division, are at home on Monday night, when Everton are the visitors to Ewood (7pm).

TIM Sherwood and Jason Wilcox are the only two players still at Ewood who were also in the team which played Crewe on the last occasion the clubs were drawn together in a cup competition.

Last Saturday's Worthington Cup third round draw, made by FIFA boss Sepp Blatter at Deepdale, sends Rovers to Gresty Road later this month.

The clubs have never met in a League game or the League Cup, but Rovers visited Crewe as recently as January, 1993, in the FA Cup. They won 3-0 with goals from Roy Wegerle, Mike Newell and Kevin Moran.

Rovers, enjoying their first season back in the top flight at the time, lined up for that fourth round tie: Mimms, May, Hendry, Moran, Wright (sub Atkins), Ripley, Sherwood, Cowans, Wilcox, Newell, Wegerle.

BOTH of the Academy teams were away in London this morning, against Arsenal (under-17) and Chelsea (under-19).

Next Saturday, October 10, is a free weekend as in the Premiership. Rovers resume their Academy matches on Saturday, October 17, when the two youth sides visit Aston Villa.

NEXT Friday night, the Supporters' Association are holding a 'Cabaret Night' in the Centenary Suite at Ewood (8pm-late).

Merseyside group 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' are the attraction and there will also be a disco.

Tickets are available, £4 to members, £5 for non-members.

LATEST Double Your Money Club £500 winner (September 26) is F Johnston (Blackburn), number 902A.

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