FORMER Rovers skipper Jason Lowe has joined Championship side Birmingham City on a one-year deal.
Lowe was one of six players released by Rovers in the summer, bringing an end to his 13-year association with the Ewood Park club having graduated through the Academy.

A former England Under-21 international, the 25-year-old was just four games short of 200 for Rovers having made his debut in the FA Cup win over QPR in January 2011.

He played 32 times for Rovers during the 2011/12 campaign in which they were relegated from the Premier League.

Lowe had spent the early part of the summer on trial with Premier League West Brom, while he was also linked with a move to Bolton Wanderers.

He becomes the 11th player to join the Blues ranks this summer and will wear the number 21 shirt.

After leaving Rovers in the summer, the central midfielder said: “Blackburn Rovers will always have a special place in my heart and gave me all my opportunities to become successful,” said Lowe.

“I'm grateful for everyone who has helped me through the ranks at Rovers since joining as a 12-year-old kid trying to achieve a dream.

“Special thanks to all the people from behind the scenes who are the backbone of the club day-to-day. There are too many to mention individually but from the kit men/women, house-parents in my youth, chefs, receptionists and secretaries I'm forever grateful.

“Thank you to all the analysts, coaches and managers I've worked with for helping me grow as a man and player from a kid to now.

“Finally, what makes a club is the fans. Coming into the team they've done nothing but back me through the good and rough times, they deserve to see the club have success again and I'm sure it will come sooner rather than later. They saw me achieve my dream and being the captain was an honour and privilege. 

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I wish everyone at the club and the players every success in the near future.”