HOWARD Kendall believes this season’s Premier League survival scrap is heading for one of the tensest finales in history – but has warned Blackburn Rovers ‘make sure you remain masters of your own destiny’.

The former Rovers boss was involved in final day drama when his Everton side escaped relegation on goal difference back in 1998 and, despite the euphoria of the moment, admits it is something to be avoided at all costs.

Now, as 10 teams go into the last six games of the campaign with just seven points separating them, most expect a lot still to be decided by this season’s climax on May 22.

Rovers travel to another of Kendall’s old clubs, Everton, tomorrow just three points above the drop zone and very much embroiled in the relegation mire.

With two of his former sides already seemingly doomed to relegation this season, Kendall is hopeful Steve Kean’s men won’t make it an unwanted treble but admits anything can happen if left until the last day.

Kendall said: “It looks as though Sheffield United and Preston have already been relegated from the Championship and that is so sad. I played for Preston and managed Sheffield United and have a lot of fond memories of them.

“I have a great affinity for every club I have been associated with and that definitely can be said about Blackburn Rovers. What a great time I had there and I just hope they can avoid making it a relegation hat-trick. I believe they can but you do just never know.

“The Premier League is so tight now and I think the main reason for that is the money there is at the top. The inequality between the top teams and the others is greater than ever and that means most teams are just playing for survival now.

“I know it sounds simple but you just have to make sure your fate remains in your own hands and, if you can, avoid any final day nerves. Easier said than done.”

Kendall was no stranger to success as a player or manager, with league titles, FA Cups and European glory to his name during an illustrious 40 years in the game.

In his two years as player-manager at Ewood Park between 1979 to 1981, he took Rovers to promotion to Division Two at the first attempt and only missed out on taking them to the top flight on goal difference the following campaign.

He admits the joy of surviving the drop with Everton in 1998, after a tense 1-1 draw with Coventry, was up there with some of his greatest moments but admits the 90 minutes before was a living hell.

“It turned out okay in the end, but they are horrible days to be involved in,” he said. “We were relying on someone else as well because if Bolton won at Chelsea we were down.

“All we could do was focus on our jobs but it wasn’t easy. I remember a roar going up early on around the ground and we thought Chelsea had scored but it was a false one.

“We took the lead early on against Coventry but it did little to ease the nerves because we knew a Bolton goal would be the end for us. Then Chelsea did take the lead.

“Nick Barmby missed a penalty for us towards the end and Dion Dublin, who I tried to sign earlier, went up the other end to equalise. It was all down to Stamford Bridge now.

“We knew if Bolton equalised we were down. Chelsea actually made it 2-0 in the dying seconds and we were safe. It was a fantastic moment and felt like we had won something. The pain you go through is not worth it though. You want to be safe before that final day.

“Hopefully Blackburn Rovers can pick up some points in the next few games, I’m sure they have the quality. You look at the table though and you have to think there could be a lot riding on the final day. I hope not for Rovers’ sakes.”