TWO popular members of the backroom team at Blackburn Rovers have bid a fond farewell to life at the club.

Academy houseparents Peter and Sylvia Barker, who have looked after Rovers' rising stars for the past 14 years, said an emotional goodbye to friends and family at a special retirement presentation.

The husband-and-wife team, who live just a stone throw away from the club's training complex at Brockhall, were presented with a bouquet of flowers from young defensive duo John Bateson and Kris Paterson.

Sylvia, 63, who also received a gold bracelet from the club at the end-of-season Player of the Year Awards, said: "I've loved every single minute of it and I will miss all of the lads immensely. I've not been afraid to give them a kiss when they've needed one and a clip when they need one too!

"They have certainly kept me young and leaving will be a big culture shock, for this has not just been a job, it's been more a way of life."

Peter, 68, added: "I'm looking forward to doing as little as possible, but it will be nice to spend more time with our daughter Keeley (who works in the commercial department at the club) and granddaughter Mollie, who turns four in June."

The couple will shortly be flying out to Tenerife, where they intend to spend four to five months of the year.

Picture Caption: Peter and Sylvia in front of the Academy training pitches