Rovers hero to be honoured

Rovers legend Alan Shearer is to have a major road named after him.

The former England forward fired Rovers to Premiership glory 20 years ago, scoring 34 goals in the historic title-winning season.

Blackburn with Darwen Council were keen to recognise the key role he played in bringing the trophy to Blackburn and to acknowledge what a great advocate for the town he has been since.

The new stretch of road that is part of the Pennine Reach regeneration project will bear Shearer’s name and the Match of the Day expert, who scored 130 goals in 171 appearances for the club, was delighted to have the Ewood road named in his honour.

Alan Shearer said:

“I am honoured and flattered that Blackburn with Darwen Council have named the new road after me.

“My time playing for Rovers and also being part of the team that won the title was an incredibly happy period of my life and I will always look back fondly on the time and the people that made it so special.”

Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration, said:

“Rovers’ title win was a great achievement and made people across the world take notice of the town. Personally, it was one of the highlights of my life!

“The scale of the achievement cannot be understated. Only four others clubs – all big city teams – have lifted the Premier League trophy, so for a small town team in East Lancashire to win the title was a fantastic achievement.

“Naming the road after Alan is a way of recognising him for being a key player in that team and reminding visitors to our Borough of our links to him.”

Councillor Mohammed Khan, leader of the Council, said:

“I am pleased Alan has accepted. It was a key achievement for the club and was excellent for the town.

“It brought the community together. Rovers are a force for good in Blackburn with Darwen and we work closely we them.”

Rovers’ Director of Communications, Alan Myers, said:

“Alan Shearer is a name which is intrinsically connected to Blackburn Rovers and someone who both the club and town should celebrate for the part he played in the achievements of the mid-90s.

“It is therefore fitting that the stretch of road in question, so close to Ewood Park, is named in his honour.”