Neil Warnock revealed Rovers were one of the clubs interested in hiring him as manager in the summer of 2016 before opting for Cardiff City.

Warnock opted against staying with Rotherham United after the 2015/16 season having guided the Millers to safety following six wins in his 16 matches in charge.

At the time Rovers were in the market for a new boss, with Paul Lambert having stepped down from his position after just seven months in charge at Ewood Park.

Warnock was on the Rovers shortlist to replace the Scot, but instead opted to hold out before eventually taking charge of the Bluebirds who he won promotion with the following season.

The now 71-year-old also turned down the advances of Derby and Nottingham Forest, with Rovers appointing Owen Coyle as Lambert’s successor in June 2016.

Warnock had already lined up two potential signings for whichever club he would eventually join, central defender Sol Bamba, then at Leeds, and former Rovers winger Junior Hoilett who was previously at QPR, with the pair still part of the Bluebirds squad.

The former Sheffield United boss left his position at the Cardiff City Stadium last November, replaced by Neil Harris, and asked if he would consider a 15th managerial position of his career, he told the Athletic: “Never say never.

“Age should not be the deciding factor. Roy Hodgson (at Crystal Palace) is older than me, for a start. The big thing is whether you still have the drive. And if the right job comes along.

“Before going to Cardiff, which did feel right from the start, I’d had two or three clubs come in for me, Nottingham Forest, Derby and Blackburn.

“I had told Sol Bamba and Junior (Hoilett) to wait for me but even they were getting fed up as it was October before I went to Cardiff (and signed both players).

“The club reminded me a bit of Sheffield United, one of those places where the fans really get behind the team, making it hostile for the visiting team. We were a good match.

“I still love the game as much as ever. There really is nothing like that moment when the final whistle blows and you have won a match. Or just clinched promotion.

“Life without football after all these years can be a frightening thought. That is why I never say never. I am 12 games short of 1,500 as a manager. Maybe I will reach that landmark one day. I honestly don’t know.

“If what is happening today teaches us anything, it is that you just don’t know what will come next.”