John Filan’s Back At Ewood

Former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper John Filan has returned to the club to act as a Coach.

Arriving from Coventry City in the 1990’s as a player when signed by Roy Hodgson the Australian goalkeeper would spend four-and-a-half years with us as a player making 75 appearances, he then left for Wigan Athletic where he stayed for six-years before retiring.

A chance meeting with Terry McPhillips this summer set a return to Ewood Park in motion with the forty-four-year-old today confirmed as Eric Kinder’s Assistant with the Development Squad.

Filan worked with us over the summer and has now been rewarded with a permanent role among the Coaches at Ewood, much to his delight.

He told The Official Website: “It was a chance meeting between Terry and myself. Then I got a phone call from Gary and the boss asked me to come up and talk to him about helping out with the goalkeepers, as (goalkeeping coach) John Keeley had an injury. Obviously pre-season is an important time, so they asked me if I’d help out with the keepers.

“So I came up and enjoyed the five weeks and in the process the Under-21 job was open. I’ve always been interested in the outfield side of things since I’ve finished playing, so it has just come around that way and thankfully they have taken me on, so I am really happy.

“Obviously I’ve been away from here for a long time, but when I walked back in it had the feeling I had when I first came here in 1997.

“When I played I always said it was a real privilege to play for Blackburn – it has fantastic facilities. My focus now is on doing my best for our younger players and trying to develop them.“

John, we’d like to all wish you a warm welcome back to Ewood!!