Blackburn Rovers score big with The Game (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn Rovers score big with The Game

6:00pm Tuesday 19th December 2006 in Sport By Ben Briggs

THERE could soon be more Bling in Blackburn after it was revealed the town's Premiership stars have recruited a new high-profile fan.

And for those supporters who thought Rovers' celebrity fan base began and ended with Bullseye's Jim Bowen, the latest recruit may turn a few heads.

US rapper, The Game, is now throwing his full support behind the club after he was snapped on a recent European tour wearing last season's Rovers away shirt.

Maybe it is Rovers reputation as Premiership bad boys that drew his attention to the club, but even the team's supposed hard men Andy Todd, Robbie Savage and Aaron Mokeona would struggle to match The Game's tough-guy credentials.

Brought up on the streets of Los Angeles, the 27-year-old rapper, real name Jayceon Taylor, hit number four in the UK singles chart with "Hate it or Love It" last year.

Despite his bad boy image and lyrics about drug dealing, gun crime and life on the streets, Rovers said they would be more than happy to accommodate the US star and his entourage at one of their Premiership games.

The club have contacted The Game's people and told them that if he ever wants to visit Ewood Park he would be given the full VIP treatment.

The Game's choice of football shirt is believed to be because Lonsdale, Rovers' kit maker, were one of the principal sponsors of his European tour.

He wore the Rovers shirt, including the Lonsdale logo, in numerous photo shoots during the tour of the UK last month.

Lonsdale sportswear has a reputation as being one of the principal lines of street wear, especially to its tough image born out of its association with the world of boxing which was how it first started.

And staff at Rovers were thrilled to learn of the high profile but unlikely fan.

If the rapper ever takes the club up on its offer he would be treated to a pre-match meal, tour of the ground, seats in the directors' box and an opportunity to meet the players.

Simon Williams, head of sales and marketing, said: "We are thrilled to learn about our newest fan, especially as he has such as an apt name.

"He has many fans at the club and we would love to see him at Ewood."

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