JASON Lowe says being given the chance to captain Blackburn Rovers was an honour and a privilege after his long association with the club came to end.

Lowe was one of six first-team players released by Rovers after relegation to League One, leaving just four games short of 200 for the club since his debut in the FA Cup win over QPR in January 2011.

The 25-year-old - who played 32 times in Rovers' last Premier League campaign in 2011/12 - has moved to thank everyone at their club for allowing him to fulfil his dreams at the club he joined as a 12 year-old.

Lowe played 49 times for Rovers this season, all of those as captain, and speaking after his release, he said: “Blackburn Rovers will always have a special place in my heart and gave me all my opportunities to become successful.

“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.”