A HOST of Blackburn Rovers legends were at Ewood Park yesterday to mark the launch of the club’s plan to create an ultimate ‘dream team’.

The Rovers Former Players Association will bring together as many players as possible from the club’s past to ensure the ‘old days’ are never forgotten.

Colin Hendry, Simon Garner and Simon Barker are just a few of the ex-stars to have already enrolled as members, with Ewood favourite Bryan Douglas chairing the association.

It will be managed and run voluntarily by former players and one of its main goals will be to provide help and support for any old Rovers stars who have fallen on hard times since hanging up their boots.

Douglas, one of the club’s greatest ever former greats, said: “It’s a great move. Ronnie Clayton and I have been talking about setting something up like this for quite a while, so I’m delighted to see it come to fruition.

“The plan is to create a database of all the ex-players – I guess the ultimate Rovers dream team if you like.

“We would then look at staging regular charity fund-raising and social events, featuring as many former players as possible.”

Kevin Gallagher, Simon Barker, Chris Sulley, Tony Parkes, Alan Miller and Jason Wilcox were other ex-stars at Ewood to mark its launch yesterday, with plenty more expected to follow in their footsteps.

Another inaugural member is current Rovers commercial manager Ken Beamish, who predicts a bright future for the organisation.

He said: “There are two elements to the association essentially. The first is to look after our former players.

“The second element is the social side. By organising regular fund raising and social events, we intend to bring a lot of ex-players closer together so that they feel part of the club.

“They might not play for us any more, but that doesn’t mean to say they’ve been forgotten.”

Any other ex-players wishing to join should Ken Beamish on 01254 296205 for more information.

The Blackburn Rovers Former Players’ Association was officially launched yesterday with 10 ex-Blackburn stars returning to Ewood. Pictured are (l-r back row) Colin Hendry; Ian Miller; Chris Sulley; Simon Garner; Jason Wilcox; (front row): Ken Beamish; Simon Barker; Bryan Douglas; Kevin Gallacher and Tony Parkes.