I USED to sit directly behind Jack Walker in the front row of the old Nuttall Street stand.

In marked contrast to the other officials he would always make a point of greeting and shaking the hand of the four or five nearest spectators before kick off. My deepest sympathies go out to his family on the loss of a true gentleman and I am sure all Rovers fans feel almost as if they have lost a member of their family.

It seems a peculiarly English trait that it is only now he is gone Mr Walker seems to be starting to receive some of the credit he deserves. Here was a man who put the unbelievable sum of £100m of his personal wealth into transforming and ensuring the long-term future of his hometown club without any thought of return.

Yet on a national level he was derided in the press for buying the title. It would however, appear to be quite acceptable for the big city clubs to spend even more money and achieve far less.

Latterly, on a local level, he was castigated by some so-called supporters for the abject failure of a string of big name managers who certainly did not fail for want of financial support. Moreover who knows how things would have turned out had his first choice Sven Goran Eriksson not reneged on an agreement to come to Ewood? Away from football you would never have realised Mr Walker had done wonders for the profile of, and provided massive employment in the town judging by his total lack of official recognition from the Council.

It would be a disgrace if permanent memorials to Mr Walker are not erected both at the ground by the club and in the town by the council. What he would really want however, is to see his club back at the forefront of the English game.

There is no reason given the right management why this should not occur due to his long-term trust funding and magnificent academy. Not a single person connected with the club should rest until this is achieved. Officials and players at the club should remember they are in an extremely privileged position thanks to Mr Walker's largesse.

Rovers fans are also privileged because few fans will ever see their team win the league. Supporters should never again fail to raise the roof at Ewood Park and around the country for the team and in memory of 'Uncle Jack.'

Thank you for making our dreams come true Mr Walker. We will always be not only Blackburn Rovers but Uncle' Jacks blue and white army.

SIMON J LEIGH, Wycollar Road, Blackburn.