THE departure of chairman John Williams from Blackburn Rovers really does mark the end of an era at Ewood Park, the last connection with the Jack Walker era; the era that gave Rovers their seat at the top table of the game.

It also signals another huge twist in the Venky’s evolution at Ewood Park.

While Sam Allardyce split the fans with some wanting him out while others thought he was the best thing since a baker took a knife to bread, Williams united just about every supporter of Rovers.

When Allardyce was fired in December, Williams spent the day in talks with the owners amid rumours he was to leave.

The fans were worried. Comments placed on this newspaper’s website suggested as much.

Williams was the stable and sensible hand at the tiller of the ship.

Williams would reply to letters from fans. Chairmen of Premier League football clubs just don’t do that.

As a result the family club maintained a place in the hearts of people in the town.

Williams was promoted to the role of chairman in 2005 after eight years at Ewood as chief executive.

Throughout his tenure Williams was popular figure with Rovers supporters, perceived as a competent caretaker running the club well and maintaining the work of ‘Uncle Jack’.

He worked so hard to arrest the slump in average attendances at Ewood Park, reducing ticket prices to levels that made League One and League Two seem on the pricey side.

How many other Premier League clubs could a family get in to for £15?

When Jack Walker died a decade ago, ownership was transferred to the Jack Walker Settlement, a trust set up to take care of Walker’s business interests.

The secretive trust always steered clear of publicity but made no secret of the fact they wanted to sell and investment banking organisation Rothschilds were appointed to advise and find a potential buyer.

Williams was at the heart of takeover discussions with an American ‘lifelong’ Blackburn fan by the name of Dan Williams as well as from Chris Ronnie and local property developer Nabeel Chowdery.

Neither takeover happened.

Both Ronnie and Chowdery’s bids were funded by an Icelandic bank and property company respectively.

There was a lucky escape for the club.

As the trust declined to invest Rovers were forced to sell to survive in the top flight - but under the stewardship of Williams the name of Blackburn Rovers is now enjoying its longest stay in the top flight.

It was little wonder the interest from India came with a three-way battle eventually won by Venky’s.

But their win is soured by the loss of Williams.