SEASON-ticket sales reached the 16,000 mark as Blackburn Rovers' playing staff came through their first week back for pre-season training in soaring temperatures at Brockhall.

And the club have also released details of ticket sales for the opening Premier League games, including the big date with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 25.

Manager Ray Harford who, along with his coaching staff, has had the players sweating through the demanding first week's work is pleased by the way the staff have responded.

"Everything has been going well since the players came back and there's a good spirit among the squad.

"And, as usual, the weather has warmed up to co-incide with pre-season training," he laughed.

While the players prepare for the first friendly game, away to Colchester on August 3, supporters continue to back Rovers by buying season tickets.

A club spokesman confirmed: "The total is now 16,000 and we would ask people who have not yet received their books not to worry.

"They are sent out by patron number, not by seat number. So there is no need to panic."

There is still plenty of time to add to the 16,000 figure which is second only to last season's 19,500 and ahead of the 1994-95 total of 14,500.

Meanwhile Rovers revealed that they will put tickets for the game at Old Trafford on open sale from Monday, August 5.

That's just after the Blackburn holiday weeks.

Seat prices have yet to be confirmed but tickets will be limited to a maximum of four per person.

With Old Trafford's development work now completed, Rovers should receive a bigger allocation than in past seasons when there has been a huge demand.

The minimum for Premier League matches is now supposed to be 3,000 or 10 per cent of capacity, whichever is the smaller figure, unless there are special circumstances.

Before then, the club are to put tickets for the first two Premier League games on open sale.

From July 29, fans can buy seats for the opening match against Spurs at Ewood (Aug 17) and also the away game against Aston Villa (Aug 21).

At Villa Park, prices are £13 (no concessions) and £11 (restricted view).

Opening hours at the Ewood ticket office are: Monday-Friday 9am-4-30pm; Saturday 9am-12-30pm.

Ticket hotline number is 01254-671666.

Alan Shearer is due to launch a new video called "Shearer on Shearer" at Ewood on July 30 when he returns from holiday.

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