August 18 – Uncle Jack Passes Away

IN the Premiership’s 14 season history, only four different clubs have won the league, but that would have been only three, had it not been for one man: Jack Walker.

Walker lived the dream of every football fan. After making millions in the steel industry he took control of his hometown club Blackburn Rovers, redeveloped the stadium, got them promoted and then bought some of the best talent around to bring league title success to Ewood Park.

It was on this day in 2000 in the early hours of the morning that ‘Uncle Jack’ passed away aged 71 after suffering from cancer.

Walker gained control of Blackburn in 1991 and quickly set about his dream of taking them to the top. Then in the old Division 2, Walker persuaded former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to come out of retirement and spearhead the revolution.

After promotion via the play-offs in 1992 Dalglish was able to buy the best players around thanks to Walker’s millions.

Within four years of buying the club, Walker had achieved his dream by winning the Premiership.

Sadly, the success could not be sustained and a succession of managers, and more of Sir Jack’s money could not prevent relegation in 1999, just four years after they had been champions.

Rovers would regain their top-flight status in 2001 but sadly Walker would not be there to see it.

“Jack Walker’s influence on Blackburn Rovers cannot be overstated,” said Pauline Perkins, secretary of the Blackburn Rovers Supporters’ Association.

“To the vast majority he was just Uncle Jack and we shall miss him terribly.”

Here are some Rovers fans voicing their admiration for their benefactor in the time honoured fashion of a chant at an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

Be sure to come back tomorrow to find out which smug pundit’s words would come back to haunt him.