Blackburn Rovers has paid tribute to a much-loved friend and colleague who has died at the age of 30.

The club announced the death of Matt Sillitoe, a life-long fan who had undertaken a number of roles for the club, today (Saturday).

Matt presented Radio Rovers before becoming the club’s matchday PA announcer and DJ in 2014.

In a statement on its website, the club said: “Everyone at Blackburn Rovers and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the untimely passing of our friend and colleague Matt Sillitoe, aged just 30.

“The voice of Ewood Park for over a decade, Matt had worked in a variety of roles for the club since starting out as a camera operator for our broadcast partner, CREATV, in 2012.

“A life-long Rovers fan, Matt quickly progressed to become the co-presenter and then presenter of Radio Rovers, before becoming the club’s matchday PA announcer and DJ – a role he had held since 2014.

“During this time, Matt also spent over three years as Media Manager for Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, producing written, video and social media content for the club’s award-winning official charity.

“A qualified referee, avid Lancashire Cricket fan and former University of Salford student, Matt had most recently been working as a digital content producer for the globally leading gambling awareness and harm-prevention company, EPIC Risk Management.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Rovers fans joined in with tributes to Matt of their own, including the club's social media manager, Tom Jarvis who wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "One of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, who gave so much of his time to the club he loved.

"Rest in peace mate, Ewood won't sound the same without you."

Simon Wooton, Former Mental Wellbeing Manager at the Rovers said he was "devestated" to hear the news. 

He said: "Seeing it in print still doesn’t make it any more real. Heartbroken doesn’t begin to describe it, my friend. I will miss you so much. Devastated. Enormous love to the Sillitoe family."