ROVERS fans should get the binoculars out this week after reported sightings of a rare species long thought extinct in these parts - the Cocky Claret.
The authorities, however, have said not to worry about an epidemic after their investigation, codenamed "Claret-gate", found that over 50 per cent of the stadium was found empty despite their biggest match in 20 years.
My fellow Football Jury panellist, Wayne Hunt, must have been gutted after his bravado (too much humble pie, I think) to see Thursday's national papers dominated by Rovers legend Alan Shearer's European hat-trick for Newcastle.
But while the Clarets were beating the "Kings Road" paupers club, who are so poor they have no ground and had to play the same team twice in two days, Rovers were at the posh end and, as usual, beating the top London clubs and returning from Chelsea with three points in the all-important Premiership.
It would be a brave Clarets fan who traded punchlines with Rovers fans over FA Cup success - check the record books, Wayne; even Liverpool and Manchester United can't match some of Rovers' achievements.
Finally, that humble pie Mr Hunt mentioned was not sent by me - the shop said there is a three-year waiting list because of an order by some bloke called Cummings!
DEREK POWER
Blackburn (via e-mail).
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