Blackburn Rovers managed to avoid Skonto Riga in the UEFA Cup draw which proved a bit of a disappointment to one Latvian - Skonto's groundsman Vilis Kudins.

For Kudins has been spending a few days with Ewood's head groundsman Steve Patrick and his staff in preparation for the building of a new stadium in the Latvia capital of Riga.

"Our consultant Mike Harbridge, of Professional Sports Turf Design, who look after most of the Premiership clubs, were approached by Skonto," said Steve.

"They wanted their groundsman to come to England for some experience in view of the new stadium and we were delighted when they chose Blackburn Rovers."

Steve's Ewood pitch was voted best in the Premiership two seasons ago and was runner-up last season.

ROVERS season ticket holders have until 5.30pm next Wednesday to claim their usual seats for the UEFA Cup home leg against Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday, September 15.

Tickets will be on sale up until kick-off on the day with match-day prices £16 for adults and £10 for juniors and OAPs.

Prior to 7pm on the day before the game prices will be £14 for adults and £10 for season-ticket holders on production of voucher O. Juniors and OAPs will pay £10 and £8 for season-ticket holders with under-eights with season-ticket holders free in the family stand.

BLACKBURN'S Pontins League Premier Division game at Leicester City has been moved from Monday, September 14 to Monday, January 11 (kick-off 7.00).

The away game at Liverpool postponed from a week past Tuesday will now be played on Monday, May 3 at Anfield (kick-off 7.00).

Rovers reserves have no game this coming week.

TICKETS are on sale for Rovers' Premiership game at Sheffield Wednesday next Saturday, priced £16 for adults and £11 for juniors and OAPs.

Tickets are in the West Stand Upper Tier behind the goal and will remain on sale until 12 noon on Friday.

Tickets may be purchased by personal application at the ticket office, which is open Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm and Saturday 9am-12.30pm, postal application with cheque/credit card number or credit card application on Freephone 0321 101010.

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