Blackburn Rovers' players and managers were due to become the toast of the town today as council bosses paid tribute to last season's success -- and asked for more of the same this year!

The team were due to attend a special lunch hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Council at King George's Hall today to wish them all the best for the new season, which kicks off on Saturday against Sunderland.

The civic event is also being held to toast the success of last season -- when Rovers finished 10th in the Premiership and won the Worthington Cup earning them a place in Europe's UEFA cup.

The tough premiership schedule and World Cup, which featured many Rovers players, has delayed the celebration, but council leaders said the event will be a spur for the start of the new season and get them off to winning ways.

Council leader Bill Taylor said: "We are very proud of our team and their success of the last season.

"We are delighted that they were able to bring more silverware to the borough."

He added: "Rovers efforts on a national stage raise the profile and image of the borough to a growing audience and we are pleased to be able to acknowledge their success in this way.

"The whole borough benefits from the Rovers success, including local business and industry and the community and this is our chance to say thanks to the team for their efforts.

"From a personal perspective, I can not wait to take my seat in the Ewood Park ground ready for next season's action and wish the boys well for the forthcoming games."

John Williams, Chief Executive of Blackburn Rovers, said: "We are fully aware that any success enjoyed by the club represents success for the borough as a whole. The mutual benefits are there for all to see with the winning of the Worthington Cup a classic case in point.

"We have close links with the local authority and hope to further develop that relationship as we strive to sustain a Blackburn Rovers challenge at Premier League level."

On the guest list was Gordon Taylor of the PFA and representatives of the Ewood Community Association and the Ewood Park Disabled Supporters Group.

Coun Tony Humphrys, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, who was hosting the celebratory lunch in the town's Windsor Suite, said: "The whole borough supports the team and wishes them well for the new season.

"We are looking forward to another successful season with the added pleasure of games in Europe once again.

"Graeme Souness and his players are a credit to the town and the fans and I am delighted to have been able to host this celebration.

"I am sure the new additions to the Rovers squad will soon feel at home here in our friendly borough."

Rovers were due to arrive for the private event at 2pm.