ROVERS, Leeds and Shrewsbury are the first clubs to have been approved for the new Football Stewarding Qualification - an award established by the Football League, Premier League and Football Association.

It aims to create top standards for the training of stewards and all three clubs will receive their awards this weekend.

The inspections were carried out by national verification manager Clive Warne who said: "I have been very impressed by the high standards of steward training I have witnessed at these three clubs."

EX-ROVER Tony Finnigan figured prominently in the Stan Collymore transfer saga.

For Finnigan is a director - along with former Crystal Palace team-mates Ian Wright and Andy Gray - of the 'Wright, Wright,Wright' organisation who represent a number of leading players, including Collymore.

Finnigan did not enjoy much success in his two seasons at Ewood, after being signed from Palace by Don Mackay. Though he did feature in 48 League and Cup games before joining Hull City.

FANS are reminded that they must obtain their tickets in advance for Tuesday's re-arranged First Division game against Birmingham City at St Andrews (7.45pm). They will not be available on the day.

Visiting fans are in the Railway Stand, behind one of the goals, and tickets are priced £16 adults, £8 senior citizens and juniors.

THE Academy under-17 side were at home to Birmingham City today (kick-off 12 noon). The under-19 team travelled to Everton (11am). Next Saturday, February 19, both Academy sides are away to Aston Villa (noon).

ROVERS' next FA Premier Reserve League (North) fixture is against Manchester United at Ewood on Wednesday (7pm).

IT'S travelling time again next Saturday when Rovers face Stockport County at Edgeley Park (3pm). Terrace tickets and a limited number of reserved seats are available.

Standing tickets - behind one of the goals - are priced £13 adults, £9 senior citizens, £6 juniors. Seats, if still available, in the Vernon Stand, along the side of the pitch, are £14, £9 and £6.

SEATS for the home matches against West Bromwich Albion (Saturday, February 26, 3pm) and Norwich City (Tuesday, February 29, 7.45pm) are now on open sale. Usual prices apply, £15-20 adults, £10 senior citizens and £8 juniors where available.

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