Ex-manager inspired after meeting Rovers fans memory group

Former Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer said he was honoured to speak to members of 'Remember the Rovers' group at Ewood Park recently.

Bowyer, who was permanent Rovers manager between 2013 and 2015 having previously served in caretaker spells as well as first-team and academy coaching roles, was the special guest speaker at the weekly session, which is hosted by the BRFC Trust.

Gary spoke at length about his 11-and-a-half years at Rovers and the progression from academy coach to first-team manager.

Delivered by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, Remember the Rovers supports local residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s to rekindle memories of Blackburn Rovers Football Club for those who attend.

He shared some of the highlights of his career including insights into his father Ian, who won nine trophies with Brian Clough’s iconic Nottingham Forest team, including back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980.

Bowyer said: “When Ben Howard (Remember the Rovers lead) asked and told me about the project, I thought it was fantastic and I was all in.

“I really enjoyed talking to them and sharing memories, and hopefully they’ve taken something away from the stories that I’ve managed to tell.

“Ben and the team have done an unbelievable job and when you arrive, you see the excitement and the noise it all creates, it’s a really good project and I’m really glad to be a part of it.”

(Image: BRFC Trust)  The group took part in a quiz 

Gary’s appearance at Remember the Rovers also included a quiz, with those attending tasked with naming all 22 of his signings as Blackburn Rovers manager.

He added: “I was here 11-and-a-half years in various roles from within the academy before becoming the manager, and the big thing when I first arrived all those years ago was the family feel and that ran all the way through the club.

“Football clubs play a massive part in communities and with the cost of living, and how times are hard for people, football is a release.

“From my point of view whenever I’ve been a manager, I’ve always pushed it at all the clubs to try and educate the players to make them realise that they have a bigger part to play than just turning up on a Saturday and playing 90 minutes."

“Football clubs play such a role in looking after people.”