MP Kate Hollern's column: Why Blackburn Rovers should be hugely proud

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no expert when it comes to football, but I understand just how important it is to millions of people’s lives ­— in Blackburn and across the country.

When Sir Kenny Dalglish’s team lifted the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995 ­— led by the talismanic Alan Shearer up front ­— I saw it first-hand.

Blackburn was carnivalesque, having triumphed over Manchester United.

Jack Walker owned the club then ­— and as a local he put Rovers at the top where it belongs.

Before the pandemic, making your way over to Ewood Park or tuning into the game at the local pub or in your living room was a rite of passage for many in Blackburn.

Football is about people, it is about community, and it is about bringing people together to create communities.

I know that ethos is part of Blackburn Rovers’ identity because I’ve met with the lovely people of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and seen all the brilliant work they’re doing to support Blackburn – whether that’s tackling racism, supporting the vaccination effort, or helping our young people stay fit.

The EFL North West Community Club of the Year Award is the least they deserve, and they should be hugely proud of that achievement.

That’s why I was surprised when the European Super League came knocking – it just doesn’t feel British.

The Premier League has always been the crown jewel of European football – the best talent and the toughest competition.

Yet we’ve also got billionaires running our clubs who don’t value the fans as much as they should.

Liverpool owner John Henry rightly apologised. Manchester United’s Glazer family haven’t.

I’m pleased a fan-led review is finally under way – but it has taken far too long to get here and the Government must get a move on.

The billionaires need to know that they’re temporary custodians of football clubs – the real owners are fans who, regardless of where their club is in the league, turn up week in and week out.