A Stroll Down Memory Lane?

1984 saw a Third Round of the FA Cup meeting between struggling (in terms of finances!) Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea, Rovers went on to win 1-0 but who were the men involved and where are they now?

The bbc.co.uk often runs an article on previous meetings between sides on the eve of a MASSIVE fixture, and they’ve done so again ahead of Rovers’ Semi Final clash with Chelsea, looking back at a meeting some 23-years ago as two financial challenged Second Division teams battled it out for FA Cup glory. The millions of Jack Walker for Rovers and billions to Chelsea of Roman Abramovich were still some time off (although not that far for us from Uncle Jack!) as Rovers triumphed 1-0 thanks to the legendary Noel Brotherston. What we would give for a repeat on Sunday!

The names of Terry Gennoe, Derek Fazackerley, Noel Brotherston, Simon Garner etc. are etched into our history but where have the XI that started that game been, and where are they now?

Terry Gennoe Consistent keeper who holds the record number of appearances for a Blackburn stopper. Clocked up 289 matches in his 10-year Rovers playing career before hanging up his gloves to become a goalkeeping coach at the club in 1991. His 16-year stint at Ewood Park ended over a contract dispute in 1997 but he quickly found work at Newcastle and is back at St James’ Park after a brief stint at Celtic.

Jim Branagan Made 294 appearances for Rovers in an eight-year spell before moving on to play for Preston and York and then non-league side Chorley. Previously had a brief spell with Cape Town City in South Africa.

David Glenn Began his career at Wigan where he became the Latics’ first ever apprentice. He left Springfield Park to sign for Rovers at the start of the 1983/84 season but was to suffer an injury that eventually ended his professional career years later at Chester City.

Derek Fazackerley Stalwart centre-back was a Rovers hero for 17 years from 1969 to 1986, during which time he made a record 593 League appearances for the club. Released early in 1987, he took the first steps on the coaching ladder with various clubs before returning to Ewood Park in 1995 after establishing his reputation at Newcastle. The high point of his coaching career came when Kevin Keegan drafted him into the England set-up and he followed Keegan to Manchester City, where he is now a scout.

David Mail Skilful centre-back who finished his career at Hull and became a lorry driver concentrating on short-haul jobs to fit in around part-time football. “For one game, I had to drive the lorry straight to the ground, park up in a lay-by and go out and play,” he says. Was persuaded to make a dramatic comeback for local side Brigg Town in 1996 for the FA Vase final at Wembley and now manages youth teams in Hull.

Noel Brotherston An inspirational figure for the club during the 1979-80 season, helping Rovers to promotion to the Second Division with his trickery and guile down the wing. A favourite among the Rovers faithful – not least for his ginger afro – he became a painter and decorator in the town when he retired, but tragically died of a heart attack aged just 38 in 1995.

Mark Patterson Journeyman winger who moved into the dug-out with Scarborough first as player/coach then as assistant manager. Had spells in charge of several other clubs before returning to the McCain Stadium. Because of injuries and a small playing squad Patterson, 41, had to register as a player and has sat on the bench for his side this season.

Simon Barker Tough-tackling, England Under-21 midfielder now works for the PFA looking after club delegates. Originally went down the coaching route and qualified up to Uefa B coaching standard before taking a degree in business management. Also a licensed players’ agent.

John Lowey Lowey joined team-mates Chris Thompson and David Hamilton in leaving Ewood Park for Wigan in 1986. However, he only appeared in three League games before being released in 1987. He and Thompson then moved to Australia where Lowey now lives.

Simon Garner Blackburn’s all-time top scorer also finished top in the BBC Football Focus’ vote for Rovers fans’ all-time cult hero. Known for his drinking and smoking habits as much as his goal-scoring exploits, Garner scored a record-breaking 192 goals in 16 years for Blackburn. ‘The Lincolnshire Poacher’ was sentenced to nine months imprisonment in 1996 when he was found in contempt of court following his marriage break-up, although he was released after four weeks. He now combines his expert analysis on Sky Sports and BBC radio with making after-dinner speeches.

Chris Thompson The former England youth international joined Rovers from Bolton as a result of the Wanderers dire financial situation in the early 1980s. He moved to Wigan at start of season 1986/87 where he went on to form a prolific attacking partnership alongside Paul Jewell.

The players information was courtesy of the bbc.co.uk website, to view the full article (which is well worth a read) click here.

We are getting closer guys, 51-hours, or thereabouts until kick off!


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