Blackburn Rovers are to continue their link up with Morecambe FC and play the bulk of their reserve team fixtures at Christie Park again next season.

The move is designed to ensure the playing surface at Ewood Park does not suffer from over-use.

"Everything is geared up to making the first team's return to the Premier League as successful as possible, that is paramount," says Rovers secretary Tom Finn.

"We need to protect the playing surface and most Premier League clubs have similar arrangements for their reserve teams for the same reason."

Rovers played the bulk of their FA Premier League Reserve (North) fixtures at Christie Park last season and Mr Finn says it was a very successful partnership.

"The relationship worked very well and we are delighted to extend and build on that, for it is an area of Lancashire where we as a club have a great deal of support.

"The games were well supported and the facilities Morecambe provided were truly excellent.

"Naturally we know that many fans would like to watch reserve team football at Ewood and, with that in mind, we have scheduled the final three games of the season to take place here, dependent on conditions and other fixture requirements."

Morecambe chief executive Rod Taylor says: "We are delighted to welcome Blackburn Rovers back to Christie Park.

"It was great to have Rovers fans here along with football fans from the region generally who relished the chance of seeing Premier League players in action.

"We look forward to seeing them all again next season."