JACK Walker's immense contribution to Blackburn Rovers has earned him a glowing tribute from Ewood boss Roy Hodgson for putting his "heart and soul" into the club.

But the manager also believes that the most important people as he attempts to build a future championship challenge are the supporters.

Ironically, Rovers are preparing to play their first pre-season friendly in England at Wolves on Monday.

And Molineux's own multi-millionaire, Sir Jack Hayward, will be flying in just for the game from the Bahamas.

Like Mr Walker, Sir Jack has also pumped millions into his club - but without similar success.

Roy Hodgson meanwhile wants the fans to help him and Mr Walker build on the turnaround that has already been achieved at Ewood.

He rated the reception given to him and the players after last season's final game among the best he has ever experienced.

And he is looking for the fans to continue to vote with their feet by attending in even-greater numbers to show they are right behind Mr Walker.

"Don't forget, he's a man who is investing not only his money but a lot of his life in this club," said the manager.

"He lives from game to game.

"I know he's still a very important businessman but if you ask him what the most important thing is for him in the week, it's always Blackburn Rovers and what they are going to do.

"He cares for it with his heart and soul.

"So it's important that he sees there are 30,000 people in the stadium and maybe another few hundred thousand around the country who think he is doing a good job and not just for some particular personal reason.

"But our fans are good and I was so impressed by the crowd reaction after the last game, it was fantastic. Such a rapturous reception made the season really worthwhile. "We didn't run around after the Newcastle game because we were feeling cock-a-hoop and proud of ourselves, we were just pleased and relieved to have got the job done.

"We had hoped to do more but I thought the fans reaction was fantastic and gives me great encouragement for the future.

"I know it does the same for Jack Walker and the most important thing is that the people of Blackburn continue to show us that Jack's efforts are not in vain - that people appreciate what he is doing

"People sometimes write letters after a couple of bad results when they want to have a moan.

"They say that three years ago we won the League. But 10 years ago the club was languishing in the lower divisions.

"Jack Walker has transformed the club from being a Burnley, Bolton, Blackpool or Preston into a top six club."

Tickets, price £10 adults, £5 concessions, will be available at the turnstiles on Monday night. The game is a testimonial for former Wolves stalwart Robbie Dennison.

A Rovers under-14 side has reached the semi-finals of the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland. The final placings will be decided this weekend. An under-19 squad is takling part in the Reebok Premier Football Festival at Keele University. It is a non-competitive tournament, with teams playing a series of friendlies.

New Ewood apprentice Fred Murray has been called up for the Republic of Ireland under-16s to play in the Nordic Cup and Gary Hamilton and Steve Hawe, from last season's youth team, will represent Northern Ireland in a tournament with Turkey, Russia and Wales.

Jon Topley would also have been involved but is injured.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.