FOOTBALL fanatic John King made sure his special mascot - a can of baked beans - had a front seat when he took a limo to Blackburn Rovers' match of the day.

John's famous tin - which he takes to every home game - might have seen better days but loyally accompanied him to Rovers' clash with Man United.

The unusual 'spectator' has been at pitch side with John, who lives in Ewood, since Tony Parkes became boss. And the can had a special seat when John hired a limousine to take him from the Lion Pub in Wensley Fold.

Wacky John hailed the beans as the reason behind Rovers' mid-season rise up the Premiership - but pledged to eat them if Rovers ever lost at home.

United beat Rovers 3-2 - and John's resigned to scoff his savoury snack. But he joked:"Let's hope there's plenty of wind in Rovers' sails to keep them in the Premier League."

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