BLACKBURN Rovers is delighted to announce that responsibility for the retail operation at Ewood Park has now reverted to the club. Sports World International has held the retailing franchise for the past four years.

Sports World International will continue to provide Blackburn Rovers Kit manufactured by Umbro International but this will be the extent of their future involvement.

Rovers' Managing Director Tom Finn said: "I am sure this news will be welcomed by our supporters as it will provide us with the opportunity to reintroduce a range of club-branded products within our retail operation.

"We have been fully aware of frustrations amongst our fans, but we are now looking forward with renewed confidence."

Mr Finn stressed that it would take some time for the club to re-brand and re-stock the shop and asked for supporters' patience during this process.

"We are going to need our fans to bear with us and it is likely that the Shop will close for refitting at some stage during the close season. Details of the official re-launch - expected to tie in with the arrival of the new club kit - will be announced in due course. "

The club will also use this time to produce a much - improved online operation which will play an increased role in Rovers Retail. Regretfully until then the www.rovers-store.com website will not be operational and the club will not be in a position to offer online purchases.