A Blackburn jewellers says it is ‘disappointed and sad’ after it was replaced by Blackburn Rovers as the official Man of the Match sponsor.

Peter Jackson - the Jeweller, said it has presented the award at every home game for the past 35 years, but ahead of the opening match this season was told it had been replaced by another business who had paid a 'significant sum'.

Blackburn Rovers said it had informed all businesses that 'had a contra deal agreement' that the club 'would be moving away from partnerships structured in this way ahead of the 2024-25 season.'

The club also wished Peter Jackson - the Jeweller 'all the best for the future'.

Peter Jackson - the Jeweller said, over the years award has been presented to legendary Rovers players including Alan Shearer, Chris Sutton, Brad Friedel, Colin Hendry, Tugay and David Dunn. The jeweller said it had also supported the women’s team.

Last night, the new player of the match sponsor, Oswaldtwistle-based Barcode Logistics, an independent parcel delivery firm, presented a bottle to the man of the match Lewis Travis after Rovers opened the season with a 4-2 win over Derby County.

Managing director Peter Jackson said: “When I first approached Blackburn Rovers, the then commercial manager and Rovers legend Ken Beamish proudly showed me the Riverside Stand which had just been built. 

“The Man of the Match was given a crate of beer and sent on their way. Jack Walker was investing huge amounts in the stadium and the club and it was time for a change.

 “Jack’s dream came true and the rest is history. 

“Blackburn Rovers rose to the very top and then sunk to several low points during which most of their sponsors abandoned them, but we never gave up on the club and have been there for them through the good times and the bad”. 

The business said it presented 800 ‘Man of the Match’ awards and more than 100 trophies at the end of season awards ceremonies over the decades.

Mr Jackson added: “It has truly been an honour and a privilege to share so many wonderful occasions with fans, staff and players of the club. 

“I am disappointed and sad to see that money now takes precedence over relationships, community and friendship, but Peter Jackson the Jeweller wishes Blackburn Rovers every success and we will always be there to offer the people of Blackburn and beyond our watches and jewellery service.”

Blackburn Rovers were approached to respond to Mr Jackson's comments, directly.

The club posted: "Barcode Logistics are longstanding supporters of the club and have demonstrated this by sponsoring midfielder Ryan Hedges for the past three seasons, and renewing their existing Official Logistics and Player of the Month partnerships."

And added: "The club prides itself on establishing a transparent and professional relationship with all businesses we work with.

"For the past two years, the club has been reviewing its commercial strategy and this included existing and new partnerships.

"The club informed all partners that had a contra deal agreement that Blackburn Rovers would be moving away from partnerships structured in this way ahead of the 2024-25 season.

"Blackburn Rovers would like to thank Peter Jackson the Jeweller for sponsoring the Player of the Match award at Ewood Park for many years and we wish Peter and his company well for the future."