Gally knows Rovers reputation is on the line

Former Rover Paul Gallagher has claimed that Blackburns’ status as the top dog in the region will be on the line as Burnley visit Ewood for the first Premier League game ever between the two sides in the East Lancashire derby.

Burnley have got of to a good start to life in the Premier League and will travel to Ewood with confidence after a 2-0 home win against Birmingham last time out.

But Gally (as Rovers fans know him) knows form goes out the window for derbies and expects the atmosphere to be electric.

But bragging rights are the crucial aspect of the game and Gally as a Rovers fan knows this more than most.

Gallagher, speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph said – ‘Of course this game is bigger than the FA Cup game. I was lucky enough to have played in both those games and the atmosphere was something I haven`t experienced before or since.

“But at the time, Blackburn were still the big team in the area as they have been pretty much all my lifetime. Now I suppose that reputation is at stake.

“Burnley are now in the Premier League and, credit to them, they have started very well. Whoever wins this game will believe they can say they are the better team.

“You can`t read too much into league position at this stage, but if Burnley beat Blackburn I suppose their fans will argue their team is better than ours.”

Gallagher personally played in the two game sin 2005 in the FA cup when a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor was followed by a 2-1 victory to Rovers in the replay. Despite not being at Rovers anymore, Gally is still a Rovers fa and will be in the crowd to watch the game.

Gally continued – “Before I left Blackburn, it was the one fixture I was looking out for, I knew it was probably time for me to move on for my career, but I was just hoping I could have one more go against Burnley.

“It didn`t happen, but I wish it could have done. I will be in the crowd for the game and hopefully cheering a Blackburn Rovers win. We have some good players and there is no doubt they will be up for it.

“People who don`t live in the area will not know about this game and its importance. They will know all about it once they see it on the television though. For any Blackburn or Burnley fan, this is the game that matters.”

As a Rovers fan all I can do is concur with Paul. It doesnt matter how we win, as long as we win I dont care.

This game matters more than any other. This is the biggest game for Rovers since the Premier League win of 1995.