EWOOD enforcer Garry Flitcroft admits he will have mixed emotions when he runs out at Maine Road for what could be the 'first' and last time tomorrow afternoon.

Flitcroft, a former Manchester City captain, returns to his former stamping ground for the first time since he left for Rovers in 1996.

But it is also likely to be his last ever visit to the place he once used to call home as City prepare to relocate to the plush new surroundings of the Commonwealth Stadium at the end of the season.

Flitcroft served City with distinction during a five year period in the early 90s in which he clocked up well over a century of appearances.

As a result, the famous old ground holds many special memories for a player who retains a soft spot for the club who helped to launch his professional career.

And he confesses it will be a sad moment when the Blues finally bring the curtain down on 79 years of history in May.

"It's been a great ground and I've got a lot of happy memories there," said the 29-year-old.

"But they are going to a better stadium and they are going to fill it week in, week out so the more fans you can get in through the turnstiles, the better that is for City."

While City fans are currently riding on the crest of a wave after winning promotion under Kevin Keegan in May, the last decade or so has been a turbulent chapter in the club's chequered history.

A succession of promotions and relegations have taken their toll on both players and supporters alike, particularly when their arch rivals from across Manchester have swept everything before them during a similar timescale.

As a result, a huge weight of expectation rests on the shoulders of Keegan and his backroom staff as they look to bring back the glory days of the late Sixties and early Seventies.

Big money signings like Nicolas Anelka have arrived to bolster a squad featuring former Rovers favourite Eyal Berkovic who ran away with the First Division title last season.

And Flitcroft believes they have now got the key ingredients in place to enjoy a sustained period of success after years of managerial casualties and mismanagement.

"It's such a big club it had to happen at some time," said the Rovers skipper. "I must have gone through about 12 managers when I was there in the space of four seasons and they just needed that bit of stability.

"In Kevin Keegan I now think they've got that and he's got a good backroom staff in the likes of Derek Fazackerley.

"He's definitely the right man for that job. Their fans want attacking, free-flowing football and that's what they are getting at the minute.

"They are going to concede goals but they are also going to beat a lot of sides at home this season, as well which makes them dangerous."

All that is a far cry from the dark days spent in the Second Division not so long ago.

Flitcroft's departure to Rovers in a £3 million deal was one of the catalysts for the darkest period in the club's history. He was sold by manager Alan Ball towards the end of the season with City fighting for their Premiership lives.

They subsequently lost that battle and then two seasons and three managers later they found themselves in the Second Division and seemingly heading for oblivion.

However, the club's loyal army of fans stuck by them and under the leadership of Joe Royle, they managed to turn things around.

And it's because of those supporters that Flitcroft is happy to see the club back where it is now. "People always used to say they can get behind you but they can also be the loudest booers, too," said Flitcroft. "That never really happened when I was there.

"They never really turned against you, they always got behind you -- even when we struggled with relegation for three seasons. They've got unbelievable loyalty and that's what has carried them through all the bad times."

But while the future now looks bright for City, Flitcroft has no regrets over his decision to leave for Rovers, who have had their own ups and downs over the last six years.

"I never wish I was there instead of here because I can see good times here as well," said Flitcroft. "We are playing some good stuff here, we've got a manager who likes to play attacking football as well, and I couldn't be more happy than I am at the minute."

But if Flitcroft is to enjoy a winning return tomorrow then Rovers must improve dramatically following Wednesday night's disappointing performance against Chelsea.

Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke again failed to find the net up front but their captain insists it will not be long before they start putting defences to the sword once more.

"Andy and Dwight have had chances already this season and I just think they need one goal to get them going.

"Confidence is a big thing as far as a striker goes and I think they will come because Andy Cole is a proven 20-goal-a-season man and he will get those for us.

"We are perhaps missing Matt Jansen a bit because he's a talented player and it will be a big plus to get him back."

"He's a different type of player to Dwight and Andy in terms of he works hard in running the channels and I don't think people realise just how much work he does get through over 90 minutes."