Rovers enied they received a joint ownership proposal and stated they had no intention of selling up on this day in 2016.

Rovers fans Ian Battersby and Ian Currie, through their company Seneca Partners, insisted they approached Venky’s with “suggestions about how we might work with them both operationally and financially to try to turn the club around from its current plight”.

But in a response, the Rovers owners said: “We have come across certain media reports that we have received a proposal for joint ownership of the club.

“We wish to clarify that there is no truth in these reports. We, the owners of the club, have no intention of selling or diluting our stake in any manner.

“We are totally and absolutely committed to supporting the club and endeavour for its advancement in all aspects.”

Meanwhile, following relegation from the Premier League in 1999, Brian Kidd insisted on bringing in a new code of conduct as he aimed to crack down on a lack of discipline both on and off the pitch.

The Ewood boss pin-pointed Rovers’ awful disciplinary record as one of the reasons behind their relegation, and was furious after having to fine Kevin Davies and Oumar Konde for their early-morning appearance in a nightclub just before the penultimate game against Manchester United.

Rovers also denied they had rejected a player-plus-cash bid for Chris Sutton from Aston Villa.

On this day 12 months ago, Craig Conway announced he was leaving Rovers after five-and-a-half years.

The 34-year-old, who made his 200th appearance for the club on the final day against Swansea, said: “I have met the most amazing people and enjoyed many highs and only some lows in my time here. I would like to thank everyone at the club and the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me.

“I wish you all the very best and hope to see Rovers back in the Premier League where they belong in the near future.”

As Conway was set to depart, Rovers were eyeing a move for midfielder Adam Maher, after Tony Mowbray travelled to watch the Dutchman play for AZ Alkmaar the previous month.

There was a changing in the guard in 2009 as Tugay declared his eternal love for Rovers after ending his eight-year romance at an emotional Ewood Park.

At the same time Andre Ooijer was set to depart for PSV while Aaron Mokoena agreed a deal to join Portsmouth on a three-year deal. But on the incomings front, Rovers looked set to complete the permanent transfer of Gael Givet for £3.5m from Marseille.

Another incoming eyed on this day in 2004 was Paul Dickov, Rovers in a tug of war with Birmingham City over the signing of the Leicester City striker.

Graeme Souness wanted to sign the Scotland international in a cut-price deal and were looking to get their man for around £750,000.

The following year, Rovers were close to agreeing a new contract with Brad Friedel.

Friedel revealed he was ready to commit his long-term future to the club in response to stories linking him with a return to the States. The 34-year-old was set to sign a two-year deal as he entered the final 12 months of his previous deal.

Meanwhile, Rovers confirmed the appointment of Gary Bowyer in 2013, and were also pondering whether to join the race to sign Dale Jennings from Champions League finalists Bayern Munich.

The future of Jason McAteer looked in doubt in 2001 after admitting he would be interested in talking to other clubs, Sporting Lisbon the latest club to be linked with a move for the 29-year-old.

In 2000, Callum Davidson vowed to fight for his future despite mounting speculation that he is one of the ‘Blackburn Six’ set to be shown the door by Souness.

In 1998, Tore Pedersen was wanted by Norwegian club Brann Bergen. Roy Hodgson was eyeing Atalanta’s Nicola Boselli as a possible replacement.