PATRICK Valery re-signed for his former club Bastia last night, with Blackburn Rovers picking up £80,000 from the French League outfit.

Manager Roy Hodgson's £10 million summer spending spree - which helped spark a surge in season-ticket sales - had left Valery's chances of a place in the first team at Ewood strictly limited.

And, ironically, that includes one of his former Bastia team-mates Sebastien Perez, who can play anywhere along the right-hand side.

Valery joined Rovers on a free transfer under Bosman from Bastia last summer and featured in a number of senior games, especially during the first half of the season. But he was not a regular choice once Jeff Kenna reverted to his favoured right-back spot.

When Rovers moved in for Perez, Bastia first mentioned their possible interest in re-signing Valery. But it has taken them a long time to firm up their intentions.

Valery initially signed a one-year agreement when he joined Rovers, but accepted another 12 months during last season. As he was under contract, the club were able to ask for a fee.

Ewood secretary Tom Finn said: "The transfer was completed last night and it will give Patrick the chance of playing regular first team football again."

James Beattie was expected to complete his £1 million move to Southampton today after taking the usual medicals.

Meanwhile, club officials believe that Hodgson's recent signing spree is one of the key factors behind the surge in season-ticket sales which stand only a couple of hundred behind the total figure for the start of the 1997-98 campaign.

Last summer, Rovers sold 14,442 season tickets - a figure which went over the 15,000 mark when half-season tickets were made available at Christmas. But Ewood's business development manager Alan McColgan revealed today that, so far, 14,200 season tickets had been sold including nearly 1,000 new applications.

At the same stage in 1997, the figure was 13,100 - so sales are clearly well advanced.

Rovers had set themselves a target of 17,500 season-ticket holders and, while that seemed an ambitious figure, they could well go close.

"We are quite happy with the figures, in fact we are upbeat about the situation. It is very encouraging," said Mr McColgan.

There are still five weeks to go to the start of the Premiership campaign, so there is plenty of time for the figures to grow.

"The season kicks off a week later this year, because of the World Cup," added Mr McColgan.

"Last year, between this date and the start, we sold another 2,000 tickets so we are hopeful we can hit the 17,000 mark.

"The new signings have undoubtedly helped to boost sales." Rovers are also giving away copies of 'Kick Off', the official Premier League supporters' guide to all fans who buy season tickets, along with a book full of money-saving vouchers.

These include major discounts at restaurants, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Chester Zoo and money off holidays.

Mr McColgan believes fans will be delighted when they receive them.

Ewood youngster David Dunn has been included in the England squad for next week's European Youth Championship finals in Cyprus.

Fans requiring more information about season tickets can call at Ewood or ring the hotline free on 0321-101010.

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