Paul Salmon's blog: As both a Blackburn Rovers fan and a true football supporter, I was sorry to read reports this week that our footballing neighbours and lower division rivals Burnley FC have announced losses of £4.3 million for the past financial year.

I have always believed in the importance of the history and heritage of football, particularly in Lancashire, which really is the unofficial home of the professional game, providing 4 of the 12 founder members of the Football League with great rivals Rovers and Burnley of course being two of these clubs.

Now putting aside all of the bitterness and vitriol that has been synonymous with the relationship between the clubs over the years, I have come up with an idea that may put our neighbours, tired of being second best to the Rovers, on a sounder financial footing, and will help to cement their future.

I have excellent memories of our games against Burnley over the last few years, particularly the 2-0 victory at Turf Moor under Graeme Souness, and the FA Cup win under Mark Hughes.

And who can forget the April Fools Day 5-0 drubbing at Ewood back in 2001?

Derby games are what football is all about, and I would hate to see the widening gap between the clubs put a stop to such occasions.

I have suggested before now that Rovers famous blue and white halved kit, which is one of the oldest and most unique in the world be placed under the same protection as buildings of historical importance are in this country.

And my idea to save Burnley from plunging even deeper into the football wilderness follows a similar theme.

I would propose that we start a campaign to have Turf Moor designated as a Grade 2 listed building of historical importance.

It is vital that we preserve such buildings for future generations to remind us what the game was like in its infancy, before the development of the quality modern stadiums most clubs, including Rovers now have.

The advantage of listed status would mean that potential investors would not be allowed to redevelop the stadium, and it could not be sold to be rebuilt as yet another council estate.

The advantage of this to the club and the fans are twofold: once Turf Moor becomes a listed building, the National Trust could be persuaded to take it over.

A National Trust annual season ticket would be £32.62 per year, or £58.12 for a family, which would represent a massive saving for the fans.

Secondly, the National Trust has over 3.4 million members, meaning that Burnley would finally be able to back up their claim that they are the best supported club in Lancashire!

Smaller clubs are the lifeblood of football in this country and long may they continue to be.

Do we Rovers fans have a heart? I say let's put our Premiership persuasions aside for once, because after all Christmas is a time for helping the less fortunate!

Enjoy my campaign!

  • Paul Salmon writes a Blackburn Rovers fan blog on the Lancashire Telegraph website. If you'd like to write a fan blog - for Burnley, Accrington Stanley, Blackburn Rovers or any other East Lancs sports team - click here to email the sports editor.