THE most eagerly anticipated East Lancashire derby in decades is less than three weeks away.

Blackburn Rovers take on Burnley at Ewood on October 18 in the first top-flight clash between the two clubs since 1966.

And already the excitement is building.

Rovers have brought out a T-shirt boasting about their 5-0 victory over Burnley in the Championship in April 2001.

Blackburn fans say it is harmless fun, while some Clarets feel it is needlessly provocative.

Whatever the rights and wrongs, the fact that Rovers have brought out a piece of merchandise from a game eight years ago just shows what the result means. Premier League fans from across the country will be in for a shock when they witness the passion, which is perhaps unrivalled by any other derby.

East Lancashire will well and truly be on the map – but under the watchful eye of the national media.

Without question, 99 per cent of fans are honest, law-abiding supporters. But there is always that tiny minority intent on causing trouble.

Police have taken tough action aimed at this group which has affected all Burnley fans, who can only travel to Ewood on official coaches.

Let’s hope these steps work again as they have in the past, and that the game is remembered for all the right reasons.