THE Lancashire Evening Telegraph tracks down the players from the last time Rovers were in a major cup final.

The Ewood outfit lost 3-0 to Wolves at Wembley in 1960 but they were - with no substitutes - effectively playing with nine men as Derek Dougan - who handed in a transfer request on the eve of the match - was playing with an injury and Dave Whelan broke his leg.

HARRY LEYLAND

Goalkeeper. Agile and brave keeper with infectious humour. After Rovers went to Tranmere and Wigan as player-manager. Lives in Runcorn, involved with New Brighton rugby club. Semi retired.

JOHN BRAY

Right back. Affectionally known as 'The Tank'. After Rovers, joined Bury and then went to Drumcondra in Ireland. Played non-League football with Great Harwood and later became manager. Worked as a foreman. Died in September 1992.

MATT WOODS

Central defender. Emigrated to Australia from Rovers. Returned to play for Luton and Stockport, where he was manager. Lives in Heald Green in Manchester. Used to work in the haulage business but has now retired.

LOUIS BIMPSON

Outside right/centre forward. Not a first team regular but appeared in every round on way to FA Cup final. Moved to Rochdale where he helped the Spotland side beat Rovers in the semi-final of the League Cup. Now lives in Burscough.

DEREK DOUGAN

Centre forward. Scored both goals in FA Cup semi-final to beat Sheffield Wednesday. Handed in transfer request before FA Cup final but played although doubts over his fitness. Eventually made a big impact at Wolves and later became Chief Executive. Lives in Codsall near Wolverhampton.

PETER DOBING

Forward. Son of former Salford Rugby League player. 20 League goals helped Rovers to promotion to First Division in 1957-8. Notched five goals in run-up to FA Cup final. Moved to Manchester City then joined Stoke.

Works in the Potteries

ALLY McLEOD

Outside left. In 1961 joined Hibernian. Became manager at Ayr United then appointed Scottish team manager. Took them to 1978 World Cup finals in Argentina before returning to Ayr. Retired and can be found on golf courses in Ayr.

MICK MCGRATH

Left half. Had misfortune to put through his own goal in FA Cup Final for first Wolves goal. Joined Bradford then went into non-League football. Lives in Blackburn and has retired after 24 years working for Thwaites Brewery.

DAVE WHELAN

Full-back. Broke his leg in Cup final and was eventually released by Rovers. Went to Crewe and moved to Wigan as a market trader. Built up chain of supermarkets and sold his business and joined ranks of millionaires. Sports shop magnate with JJB Sports. Owns Wigan Athletic FC and Wigan Warriors.

EDDIE THOMAS

Inside forward. Was the 12th man and did not play as there were no reserves in 1960. Went to Swansea and then Derby County before ending his career with Leyton Orient. Now lives in Derby.

BRYAN DOUGLAS

Outside right/Inside forward. Played at Rovers for 17 years. Became, with Clayton, one of most famous 'Rovers' in modern history of Blackburn. Played for Great Harwood before he worked with Dave Whelan. Then went on to be a sales representative for Starpaper Mill before he retired in Blackburn.

RONNIE CLAYTON

Right half. After almost a 20-year career at Rovers became player-manager of non-League Morecambe, then played for Great Harwood. Had a newsagents in Darwen while he was playing and worked for a National Tyre Company as a sales representative before retiring. Lives in Wilpshire.