Douglas full of pride after being handed Blackburn Rovers honour (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Douglas full of pride after being handed Blackburn Rovers honour
9:00am Saturday 3rd November 2012 in News
By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter
Blackburn Rovers legend Bryan Douglas has spoken of his “immense pride” after having an Ewood Park stand renamed in his honour.
The Bryan Douglas Darwen End was unveiled at a special dinner date on Thursday night, with the 78-year-old taken by surprise.
Douglas’s best friend and former Rovers team mate, the late Ronnie Clayton, had the Blackburn End named after him last September - and now Douglas has been awarded a similar honour.
Douglas, said: “It came as a huge surprise. It is just a shame my wife isn’t here to see it but three members of my family were there and are over the moon.
“The first person to congratulate me was Ronnie’s wife Val. He is at one end of the ground and I’m at the other end and long may that continue. We were great friends.
“They have put me at the right end as well. “I was born just 400 yards away from the Darwen End. It is a really proud moment.”
‘Dougie’ joined Rovers in 1952 and went on to make 503 appearances, scoring 115 goals, over the next 17 years. He also earned 36 caps for England.
Rovers’ operations director Paul Agnew said: “This is a fitting tribute to a true Blackburn Rovers legend and loyal servant of the club, which has been done with the blessing of our owners. It is an honour richly deserved.”
Comments(36)
zenoufthebirdcatcher
says...
9:35am Sat 3 Nov 12
So many memories that this article invokes of one of the finest players that the Rovers, or indeed England, ever had. May I offer my poor salute.
stick to football
says...
10:00am Sat 3 Nov 12
The old faithfull
says...
10:10am Sat 3 Nov 12
manxrover
says...
10:11am Sat 3 Nov 12
My father told me that my first game watching Th'Rovers when I was but a lad, was also Dougie's first game, at Bury I believe. I guess that I must have watched over half of his 503 games since then, many of them sat over the wall that ran around the pitch in those days. I can still remember how I was amazed at his wizardry, which I guess was enhanced when watched from such a viewpoint. I have fond memories of many things my life, but watching Dougie literally mesmerise full backs is right up there with the best of them, and will live in my memory for ever. Thanks for enriching my life Dougie, you are a genuine legend in a world of many fakes.
BlueSkies
says...
10:23am Sat 3 Nov 12
French Rover
says...
10:32am Sat 3 Nov 12
Hovis1945 wrote:he might even be able to play on the right wing again..... a true legend and a true gentleman
Bring Dougie out on the pitch on the 10th so Rovers fans can show their respect.
Joey99
says...
10:42am Sat 3 Nov 12
Captain Dreckley
says...
10:48am Sat 3 Nov 12
Harwoodstblue
says...
10:51am Sat 3 Nov 12
zenoufthebirdcatcher wrote:I agree entirely... I once remember Dougie confusing Billy Wright so much that he fell over on his backside. Dougie waited for him to get up and then beat him again before dribbling off towards the Blackburn End.
A long overdue honour. 'Duggie' it was, all those years ago who first lit the fires in me for the Rovers. He was the most exciting player that I have ever seen, with only 'Bestie' to match him. I remember the buzz at Ewood when Duggie had the ball, for you never knew what he would do with it. I have seen him dribble (a forgotten skill these days) half the length of the pitch leaving defenders in his wake but I have also seen him, annoyingly, dribble round two defenders then do it again for an encore before falling over the ball.
So many memories that this article invokes of one of the finest players that the Rovers, or indeed England, ever had. May I offer my poor salute.
Great player in the days when football was fun, no diving or feigning injury in those days.
smellthecoffee
says...
10:53am Sat 3 Nov 12
OnePostThenTheOther
says...
11:07am Sat 3 Nov 12
Well done Duggie, it's the least you deserve. I'll get you a pint if you're in there the next time I'm there.
smellthecoffee
says...
11:14am Sat 3 Nov 12
RUinsane
says...
11:16am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee wrote:Oh go boil an egg will you.
Just a shame it was a cynical ploy timed to coincide with the appointment of a third rate manager...just like the Ronnie Clayton Stand being named on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving.
Well done Rovers and all the best Duggie. A true gentleman and Rover through and through.
blueblooded
says...
11:18am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee wrote:You my six fingered turd dweller, are an idiot.
Just a shame it was a cynical ploy timed to coincide with the appointment of a third rate manager...just like the Ronnie Clayton Stand being named on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving.
RUinsane
says...
11:22am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee wrote:What about Fazackerley and his 600+ appearances surely Faz should get something. Okay he wasn't in the same league as duggie but over 600 apearances and 18 years. Just amazing.
Doubtful Simon Garner will ever get any recognition from the "owners" because of his support for the breakaway trust. Then again, if he was offered a similar "gesture" then I have no doubt he would politely decline the offer after what these people have done to the club. Simon Garner: Top Rovers goalscorer ever 168 in 474 matches.
Is Eckersley playing?
says...
11:22am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee
says...
11:31am Sat 3 Nov 12
blueblooded wrote:Just know what Kentaro are up to!! Would I sell my soul to people who destroy a football club by systematically removing professional, honest people for their own ends?? ANSWER: NO!! Bryan Douglas is a Rovers legend - amongst many others - but by accepting this "surprise gesture" from these people, he is seen to condone their activities and therefore slightly taints his reputation for me. Why the surprise as well??...Why all of a sudden out of the blue was this offer made?? Why wasn't it made when the other stand was renamed after Ronnie?? Many questions as always...no answers forthcoming. BTW Kentaro, keep your keyboard monkeys hard at work on those "thumb downs" !!
smellthecoffee wrote: Just a shame it was a cynical ploy timed to coincide with the appointment of a third rate manager...just like the Ronnie Clayton Stand being named on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving.You my six fingered turd dweller, are an idiot.
merlinrabbit
says...
11:35am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee wrote:Everbody knows what Venkys and co are capable of so give the lecturing a rest. If you cant get behind the team and let up for a bit, take a break. Im sick of hearing your tripe. Reading your stuff is as painful a listening to Steve Kean's post match interviews.
blueblooded wrote:Just know what Kentaro are up to!! Would I sell my soul to people who destroy a football club by systematically removing professional, honest people for their own ends?? ANSWER: NO!! Bryan Douglas is a Rovers legend - amongst many others - but by accepting this "surprise gesture" from these people, he is seen to condone their activities and therefore slightly taints his reputation for me. Why the surprise as well??...Why all of a sudden out of the blue was this offer made?? Why wasn't it made when the other stand was renamed after Ronnie?? Many questions as always...no answers forthcoming. BTW Kentaro, keep your keyboard monkeys hard at work on those "thumb downs" !!
smellthecoffee wrote: Just a shame it was a cynical ploy timed to coincide with the appointment of a third rate manager...just like the Ronnie Clayton Stand being named on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving.You my six fingered turd dweller, are an idiot.
champs95
says...
11:47am Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee wrote:Are you unhappy about life in general?
Just a shame it was a cynical ploy timed to coincide with the appointment of a third rate manager...just like the Ronnie Clayton Stand being named on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving.
smellthecoffee
says...
11:54am Sat 3 Nov 12
RUinsane wrote:Why wasn't Faz in the same league?? If it was down to appearances then he would be top of the list...if it was down to ability and/or England caps then Alan Shearer would be top of the list. If it was down to the popularity of the fans then you could argue for Simon Garner. I'm sure Derek Shaw had his reasons for naming the stand...just like he did with the Bill Shankly stand at his beloved Deepdale.
smellthecoffee wrote: Doubtful Simon Garner will ever get any recognition from the "owners" because of his support for the breakaway trust. Then again, if he was offered a similar "gesture" then I have no doubt he would politely decline the offer after what these people have done to the club. Simon Garner: Top Rovers goalscorer ever 168 in 474 matches.What about Fazackerley and his 600+ appearances surely Faz should get something. Okay he wasn't in the same league as duggie but over 600 apearances and 18 years. Just amazing.
rhodie110961
says...
11:55am Sat 3 Nov 12
champs95 wrote:No he`s just a D#@k in general.
smellthecoffee wrote:Are you unhappy about life in general?
Just a shame it was a cynical ploy timed to coincide with the appointment of a third rate manager...just like the Ronnie Clayton Stand being named on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving.
smellthecoffee
says...
12:13pm Sat 3 Nov 12
rhodie110961 wrote:A characteristic clearly shared by yourself.
champs95 wrote:No he`s just a D#@k in general.smellthecoffee wrote: Just a shame it was a cynical ploy timed to coincide with the appointment of a third rate manager...just like the Ronnie Clayton Stand being named on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving.Are you unhappy about life in general?
.
You telling me the Blackburn End wasn't renamed on the day Kean was convicted of drink driving?? You telling me the Darwen End was planned months in advance?? If so, why the "huge shock". Nice to know it was done with the full blessing of the owners though...whoever they may be.....
bburnrover
says...
12:28pm Sat 3 Nov 12
A Darener
says...
12:56pm Sat 3 Nov 12
Long time Rover
says...
1:12pm Sat 3 Nov 12
Saw hundreds of his games and remember particularly his being part of an all international front line of douglas/dobing/douga
n/vernon/macleod, a few goals scored by that forward line!
I dont know if the cynics are right or not in their version of events here but I do know that full support from the fans for the team, and a fresh chance for the owners will help us get what we all want, a club we can be proud of again.
Well done Bryan, definitely one of Rovers greats
jogalot
says...
1:44pm Sat 3 Nov 12
n/vernon/macleod - I remember them too! 5 up front! And what a 5!
Dougie is a Rovers legend and the naming of the stand will be a good reminder for many many years to come of just how great he was and how great BRFC was with such talented and loyal players.
Well done, Bryan!
Only1Garner
says...
1:44pm Sat 3 Nov 12
RoverInRotterdam
says...
1:51pm Sat 3 Nov 12
cathedral citi
says...
2:07pm Sat 3 Nov 12
RUinsane
says...
2:24pm Sat 3 Nov 12
smellthecoffee wrote:Because Faz played at a lower level of football and played for more than one club, whereas duggie was a one club guy who played at the highest level.
RUinsane wrote:Why wasn't Faz in the same league?? If it was down to appearances then he would be top of the list...if it was down to ability and/or England caps then Alan Shearer would be top of the list. If it was down to the popularity of the fans then you could argue for Simon Garner. I'm sure Derek Shaw had his reasons for naming the stand...just like he did with the Bill Shankly stand at his beloved Deepdale.
smellthecoffee wrote: Doubtful Simon Garner will ever get any recognition from the "owners" because of his support for the breakaway trust. Then again, if he was offered a similar "gesture" then I have no doubt he would politely decline the offer after what these people have done to the club. Simon Garner: Top Rovers goalscorer ever 168 in 474 matches.What about Fazackerley and his 600+ appearances surely Faz should get something. Okay he wasn't in the same league as duggie but over 600 apearances and 18 years. Just amazing.
Garner is a favourite of mine too. But he gets all the plaudits because of his goal record whereas Faz never gets a mention. Just something to think about instead of inspecting the chips on your shoulders.
Abu dabi
says...
5:20pm Sat 3 Nov 12
Chicken Burgers great start promised. Biggest joke ever!Hahahaha
ronnie clayton
says...
6:13pm Sat 3 Nov 12
Long time Rover wrote:Long Time Rover , you really are a long time Rover , you remember Big Doog , big lanky Belfast headcase but I mean that in a good way, great player ,then the original baby faced assassin Roy Vernon , pity he was a taff,ha ha, Ally before he had his army and invaded Argentina , Bryan and Peter quality ,quality ,quality ,quality all top top players and all decent and honest men.
Great player in a great team and a well deserved honour.
Saw hundreds of his games and remember particularly his being part of an all international front line of douglas/dobing/douga
n/vernon/macleod, a few goals scored by that forward line!
I dont know if the cynics are right or not in their version of events here but I do know that full support from the fans for the team, and a fresh chance for the owners will help us get what we all want, a club we can be proud of again.
Well done Bryan, definitely one of Rovers greats
True/honest men in they days, and nowadays we have "a bunch of pansies that put on one the most famous football shirt in the history of football, and when they put it on it means nothing to them !
Roverthere
says...
4:22am Sun 4 Nov 12
Abu dabi wrote:Abu brain dead!
PALACE 2 should have been 3 CHICKEN FARMERS 0 hahahahahahaha!
Chicken Burgers great start promised. Biggest joke ever!Hahahaha
filjen1974
says...
6:26pm Sun 4 Nov 12
Hovis1945 wrote:Many years ago when I was a lad I remember Brian was interviewed by an LET reporter called Alf Thornton and was asked how frustrating was it to be fouled so often by defenders and he simply replied that it gave him a lot of satisfaction that it was the only way they could stop him. A true gent on and off the pitch. Thanks for the memories Dougie
Bring Dougie out on the pitch on the 10th so Rovers fans can show their respect.
fondarovers
says...
5:49pm Tue 6 Nov 12
Hovis1945 says...
9:26am Sat 3 Nov 12