EWOOD season-ticket sales are heading towards the 10,000 mark, despite relegation and the fact that Blackburn Rovers have yet to make a major summer signing.

And chief executive John Williams says he is confident they will soon reach five figures, with a good chance of topping the club's budgeted targets.

Following relegation from the Premiership, Rovers, who sold around 15,000 season tickets last season, anticipated losing a few thousand 'regulars'.

The early indications are that they could finish up with around 11-12,000 tickets sold and that would be a realistic figure in the circumstances.

In fact, considering the lack of incoming transfer activity, allied to the loss of Stephane Henchoz and the likely departure of Chris Sutton, Rovers have no reason to be displeased by early sales figures.

Intriguingly, several hundred new applications have been received.

Tickets went on sale later than normal this summer, following the unsuccessful battle against relegation.

"We were delayed by at least a week on the previous year, because we did not know until late in the season where we would be playing," said Williams.

"But I would have to say the sales so far are satisfactory."

Tomorrow is the final day for existing season-ticket holders to guarantee renewal of their own seats and that sometimes prompts a late rush.

The deadline for supporters who opt to pay by direct debit has already passed and those sales reflect the general trend with more than two thirds of around 3,000 ticket holders having renewed for next season.

A couple of new signings could make a big difference to overall sales. Though there are few signs of anything major being imminent. But the chief executive added: "It should be remembered that, since Brian Kidd arrived, we have bought five players for around £20 million.

"It is also worth noting that the teams fielded by Brian last season did not reflect the teams that should have been available to him.

"There was a country mile between the theoretical sides and the actual sides he was able to put out because of injuries."

Kidd, meanwhile, has made another raid on Old Trafford to add to his backroom staff following the retirement of club doctor Paul Burke.

Dr Phil Batty has quit as deputy club doctor at Manchester United to link up with Kidd at Ewood and he is eager to take on the extra responsibility.

He also has a practice in Lancaster but has agreed to put in a substantial number of hours at Ewood.

"The contribution of Paul Burke and his father before him should not go unrecognised. The family have given fantastic service to the club and we wish him well in his retirement," said Williams.

"This was a very important appointment for the club but Brian has got the man he wanted."

The bulk of Rovers' senior players reported back for pre-season training today.

But the manager gave a few extra days to those who were involved in international fixtures at the end of last season.

"I felt it was important for everyone to have a decent break," said Kidd.

"They will be working hard enough in pre-season training and need to come back fresh."

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