Gennoe : This is the best derby of them all

Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Terry Gennoe believes the East Lancashire derby is the best that britain has to offer. Even claiming Scotland`s old firm clash between Rangers and Celtic sits in second place to the East Lancashire variety.

Gennoe has warned the footballing world to expect a white hot atmosphere on Sunday lunchtime as the two bitter rivals do battle. He aslo acknowledges that if you are not from the area then you fail to understand the significance of the match.

Gennoe, who made 334 appearances for Rovers stretching over 11 years, only got to play in two derby games but they are the two games he remembers more than any other.

Gennoe, giving his insight into derby games across Britain to the Lancashire Telegraph said – “I have been in the game for a long time and have experienced a lot of derbies, playing and coaching. I was Celtic coach at the Rangers v Celtic game and obviously that is all about religion.

“Southampton v Portsmouth was absolutely horrendous as well, while there is obviously passion in the North East derbies.

“But to my mind there is nothing that compares to the Blackburn, Burnley derby at all. People who are not from the area won`t realise but the passion and intensity is something different than I have experienced anywhere else.”

“I experienced playing a pre-season game when a chunk of concrete was thrown through the team coach window. I have had darts, coins, whiskey bottles thrown at me,” he said.

“It has been the wrong kind of passion in the past obviously but hopefully Sunday will be a demonstration of how much football means to fans in East Lancashire – nothing else. Hopefully times have changed.

“The passion and intensity won`t be any less I am sure but you have to believe the behaviour and conduct will be different this time. It will be a huge shame if the crowd ruin what will be one of the special games in the Premier League.”

This is all part of our build up to the best football match in England here on Vital Blackburn which will be on going this week…