MATT Derbyshire was touched by the reception he received from Blackburn Rovers supporters.

And he admits he will be sad to see Paul Lambert leave the club he has supported since he was a boy.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Derbyshire was given a standing ovation by all four sides of the ground when he was substituted in Rovers’ 1-0 win at Rotherham United on Saturday.

The Rotherham striker joined the Ewood Park outfit in 2003 from Great Harwood Town and went on to score 20 goals in 86 appearances before moving to Olympiakos in 2009.

But Derbyshire, who still lives in Blackburn, has continued to follow Rovers’ fortunes closely.

And he was taken aback when their 1,225-strong travelling support made their feelings toward him known when he came off at the New York Stadium.

Derbyshire said: “It’s was lovely. I had a great time at Blackburn and I still live in Blackburn.

“I left the club for different reasons but the main one was I wanted to play football.

“That’s all I’ve wanted to do and any club I’ve been at where I’ve not played, I’ve always moved on quite quickly because I’m in the game to play football – and that’s it.

“I will always love the club. I’m a Blackburn fan and it was fantastic from the fans and I appreciate it – and from the home fans as well. It was great and they’ve been great all season.”

Rovers provided some light relief to supporters by ending their six-match winless run on Saturday – and Rotherham’s 12-game unbeaten streak.

The 1-0 victory came at the end of a turbulent week in which boss Lambert announced his decision to leave at the end of the season after failing to receive assurances from the club’s owners Venky’s.

Derbyshire said: “I don’t know what’s happening specifically but he’s a good manager and he seems a really nice guy as well.

“It will be sad to see him leave Blackburn Rovers because I think given the right opportunity from Venky’s then I’m sure he would do a great job there.”

Derbyshire has scored eight goals in 38 appearances to help Rotherham battle back from the brink of relegation.

But the 30-year-old is still waiting to see whether he will extend his two-year stay with the south Yorkshire side.

Derbyshire, who is out contract in the summer, said: “I’ haven’t spoken to anyone yet. I’ll see what happens”

And asked whether he could envisage a return to Rovers, he said: “Who knows? I’m a Blackburn fan but I’m a Rotherham United player until people say I’m not. So who knows?”