Venky’s speak as Rovers count the cost of relegation

The owners of Blackburn Rovers have released a statement following relegation from the Championship pledging their “determination” to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Former players, including all-time record scorer Simon Garner, have spoken of their fears that there will be job losses at Ewood Park after Rovers’ relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time in 37 years.

According to reports, this year each Championship side received £2.3m, compared to £360,000 for clubs in the division below.

Rovers’ wage-bill was the ninth largest in the Championship, according to other reports.

Their statement said: “The owners of Blackburn Rovers wish to place on record their appreciation for the work of manager Tony Mowbray since his arrival at the club, during which time both the performances of the team and results have improved significantly. Going forward he will continue to have our full support.

“Notwithstanding this temporary setback, we are confident that the collective efforts of the team, under Tony’s leadership, will enable the club to achieve promotion back to the Championship next season.

“We have all witnessed the events of recent years, where teams have been relegated but have turned their clubs around and emerged stronger, and we are determined to see Blackburn Rovers do the same.