THE local rivalry was put to one side today as the powers that be at Burnley paid tribute to Rovers owner Jack Walker.

Clarets chairman Barry Kilby said: "You can't help but admire what he did for Blackburn Rovers and for smaller town clubs in general.

"He changed the big city monopoly on the title and proved that the stranglehold could be broken.

"I hope that our supporters treat his death with the respect it deserves."

The East Lancashire derby is set to be revived for the first time in 17 years just before Christmas and Walker will be missed as a guest at Turf Moor.

Clarets manager Stan Ternent said: "It's sad that he will miss the derby games between the two clubs but I suppose this is now something extra for Rovers to play for this season."

Ternent added: "He showed a lot of us the way forward in the way he developed Blackburn.

"Blackburn Rovers was his life and although they are great rivals of ours whenever something like this happens it put things into perspective.

"I had met him and he was a nice fellow. I knew he had been ill but this is obviously a huge blow."

Long-standing Burnley director Clive Holt had met Walker many times as footballing neighbours.

He said: "I am sorry to hear the news and it's obviously a very sad day for Blackburn Rovers.

"He has been the driving force behind the club for the past 10 years.

"He intensely wanted to win but always in a sensible and sporting manner and I know he was looking forward to coming over for the derby game."