THE organisers of the Orphanage Cup are hoping a Rovers return will continue to encourage teams to enter the long-running competition.

Last year’s final was held at Ewood Park and competition secretary, Tommy Tatham, is hopeful that this year’s showpiece will also be staged at the home of Blackburn Rovers.

The works competition , which dates back to 1932, has briefly enjoyed the Ewood experience on a number of ‘one-off’ occasions - in 2001 and 2012/13 - but Tatham says he would be delighted if it became a permanent fixture.

“Playing the final at Ewood Park meant a lot to everyone involved in the competition,” said Tatham. “Not just me and the committee but the players, managers, friends, family and work colleagues.

“When you stage the final at such a great venue, where the club gives everyone involved the Ewood Park experience, it makes it all the more special.

“We are very hopeful we can do so again this year and it would be great if this is something we could do every year.

He added: “With the final being held there last year, it certainly raised the profile and increased the interest in the competition and we are hoping more teams enter this year.”

The Orphanage Cup is for work teams in and around the Blackburn area. Entries for this year’s competition are now being taken and for more information, contact Tommy Tatham on 07437 012979 or email t.tatham84@googlemail.com