Full Members Cup Anniversary Dinner
17 November 2017, Ewood Park
As part of the series of Champions Celebration Dinners, the Blackburn Rovers Former Players Association held a dinner at Ewood Park on 17th November 2017 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the club winning the Full Members Cup in 1987.
Second Division Blackburn Rovers had beaten First Division Charlton Athletic 1-0 with an 85th minute winner from Colin Hendry, a young Scottish central defender-cum-centre forward, who had only recently signed for the club from Dundee and made his debut in the semi-final against Ipswich, along with Chris Sulley, another recent signing from Dundee United.
160 people attended the event, which was jointly hosted by Kevin Lynch and Andy Bayes. Kevin, a former referee himself, started the evening off by interviewing Brian Stevens, the cup final referee in 1987. He asked Brian what memories he had of the match. Brian caused much amusement by replying “none at all” but went on to entertain the audience with some recollections of his refereeing career, which had lasted well into his seventies and over 3,000 matches.
Ian Miller and Colin Hendry, Simon Barker and Simon Garner, and finally Alan Ainscow and Vince O’Keefe were interviewed by Andy Bayes, all recalling their memories of both the journey to the final and the match itself.
Andy then went on to interview Don Mackay, who had only been appointed manager in February 1987. Don commented in particular about the amazing 30,000 supporters who had travelled to Wembley and helped to cement Don’s relationship with the club and fans during what was a very successful Blackburn career for Don. Not to be left out of proceedings, Tony Diamond chipped in with his own thoughts at various times when he felt it was appropriate! There was plenty of banter amongst the players throughout the Q&A and everyone was fully entertained during a very enjoyable evening.
Funds were raised on the evening through raffles and auctions to support the Former Players Association and the committee would like to express their thanks to the evening’s sponsors and everyone who attended, which helped to make the evening such a great success.
See below for pictures from the evening.
