FOOTBALL was not the only sport Jack Walker backed - both Pleasington Golf Club and East Lancashire Cricket Club benefited from his support.

Mr Ian Woolley, president of the golf club said: "He was very generous but never wanted it to be publicised.

"Without his help we would never have been able to build the new clubhouse complex.

"He wasn't a keen golfer but enjoyed meeting friends here - he will be very sorely missed."

Mr Don Pomfrett, president of the cricket club said: "Some years ago the club was not in a good position financially and we benefited from Mr Walker's support.

"However, he always insisted that he remained anonymous but now I feel we should thank him publicly for his of generosity.

"His death is a great loss and our sympathies go out to his family."

As the news of Jack Walker's death spread stunned fans began to filter to Ewood Park Groundstaff hoisted up a Rovers flag at half-mast opposite the Jack Walker Stand as supporters started to lay flowers and tie flags to the railings.

Tony Riley was the first to lay his flowers with a touching tribute that read: "To the man who made dreams come true. Gone but not forgotten."

The 28-year-old has supported the club since childhood and was clearly devastated by his death. "It's like losing a relative. Jack took us out of oblivion and to the top of English football when we won the championship," said Tony.

Alan Birkbeck, chairman of Ewood Blues, the independent supporters' club called for a statue in Jack Walker's memory.

"The club and the council should think about erecting a statue like there is at Liverpool for Bill Shankly," said Alan. "Jack Walker put Rovers on the map."

As the crowds gathered so to did the floral tributes to Jack Walker. Fans young and old remembered the man who made their club great. Older ones openly wept and youngsters stood silently wondering what will become of the club that Uncle Jack proudly built.

John Fish, who has been a steward at Rovers for more than eight years, said Jack Walker was adored by fans. He said: "This is a very sad day. The ground has changed an awful lot under Jack Walker. He is very well thought of. He put a lot of money into the club and changed its fortunes."

Jimmy Hughes, the landlord of Uncle Jacks pub in Branch Road, Lower Darwen, renamed the pub five years ago as a tribute to Jack Walker.

Mr Hughes said: "But for Jack Walker, Rovers wouldn't be where they are today. A lot of my regulars are Rovers fans and thought a lot of Jack. We will definitely be doing something in his memory."

Picture: Fans put flowers at Ewood Park in memory of "Uncle Jack"