A book detailing the life and times of a Rovers icon has been nominated for a top national prize.

One Last Shot, Simon Garner’s new book, is among the nominations for the annual William Hill Sports Book of the Year – or Bookies.

The real-life tale, penned by former Lancashire Telegraph journalists Dan Clough and Richard Slate, was released just before last Christmas.

Garner, 64, still Rovers' all-time leading scorer before stints at West Bromwich Albion (WBA) and Wycombe Wanderers, faces tough competition with books by boxer Amir Khan, wrestler Ronda Rousey, City legend Francis Lee and current Wrexham star Paul Mullin.

He said: “I am just happy to be nominated to be honest. It’s very nice.

“I enjoyed doing the book, it brought back a lot of memories, things I had forgotten all about until I had to really think about my time playing football.

“I have been really pleased with the response to the book from supporters and I am glad that I have been able to provide a little more entertainment. I can’t do it on the pitch anymore so it’s nice to do it this way. Good luck to all those who have been nominated.”

Garner bagged 194 goals in all competitions for Rovers, in a career that began as an apprentice in 1976 and lasted until 1992 when he was sold by Sir Kenny Dalglish following promotion to the new Premiership.

He then helped both WBA and Wycombe to promotion before finishing his career in non-league.

The William Hill prize is considered to be the top annual British sports writing award and was first presented in 1989. The entries that make it on to the longlist will be announced in the next few weeks.

One Last Shot is still available at www.simongarnerbook.co.uk and at Waterstones in The Mall, Blackburn.