Weekly round-up from the Rovers end

Souey was behind Vialli appearance

REPORTERS speculating on the identity of the next Fulham manager made a big fuss of Gianluca Vialli's presence at Loftus Road on Monday night.

Vialli, the bookmakers' favourite to replace the departing Jean Tigana in the summer, seemed happy to fuel speculation surrounding the vacancy by being photographed in the directors' box as Fulham were thrashed 4-0 by Rovers.

However, it has since emerged that the former Chelsea boss was present at the game due to his old pal Graeme Souness -- and not at the invitation of Fulham chief executive Bruce Langham, the man in charge of their recruitment drive.

Ray Wilkins, Vialli's former assistant, explained: "I'd like to put the record straight.

"We were there as guests of Graeme Souness, who Luca played with at Sampdoria and I played under at Rangers.

"We enjoyed the game and it was good to see the old fellow. But our presence was nothing whatsoever to do with the Fulham job."

Garner tickets

TICKETS are now on general sale for Simon Garner's Testimonial Match, which is due to take place on Sunday May 18 at Ewood Park (kick-off 4pm).

Prices are £12 and £6 and they're available from the club ticket office or by calling 01254 671666.

Corporate packages and boxes can also be purchased by calling 01254 690909.

Fulham off tune

THE PA announcer at Fulham on Monday night could have been more tactful in his choice of track to pump up the atmosphere as the players ran out before kick-off.

With everything going on in the Middle East at the moment, was Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'Two Tribes Go to War' really the wisest choice in the circumstances? I doubt it!

Talking of the Fulham game, Graeme Souness had a cheeky pop at Sky pundit Andy Gray after Rovers' 4-0 win on Monday.

"Tugay's just asked me if you were the old bald guy who used to play for Rangers," quipped Souey, as he spoke to Gray in a post-match interview.

"No, that was you," replied the former Scotland striker, rather red-faced.

Awards night

BLACKBURN Rovers' Disabled Supporters Association are holding their annual player of the year night on Wednesday April 23.

The event will take place in the Premier Suite at Ewood and admission is by ticket only with the cost £5.

For further information contact Duncan Gardiner on 01254 693793 or any other committee member.