A ROVERS mad pensioner "who lives and breathes football" had a birthday to remember when he finally met his idol.

The perfect present - a visit from Ronnie Clayton - was arranged by staff at Longfield Residential Home, Blackburn, for 92-year-old Harold Wright.

Harold had a trial in his youth with Rovers and played at Ewood Park in 1935 representing Blackburn Cooperative during the final of the Infirmary Cup.

He has watched Rovers ever since, sneaking under the turnstiles as a schoolboy to avoid paying the threepence entry fee and is looking forward to next weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea!

Meeting ex-England captain and Rovers right half Ronnie - complete with replica Blackburn shirt for the World War Two veteran - was the icing on the cake for Harold.

After chatting with Ronnie, the father of five said of his dream day: "I thought Ronnie was a great player and it was lovely to meet him, it has made my day. I love Blackburn Rovers and have watched them all my life."

Harold served as a soldier with the 6th Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders, and the majority of his working life was dominated by retail.

After failing to catch the coach's eye during a trial with Rovers as a teenager, Harold worked his way up to be manager with the Blackburn Cooperative Society - latterly based in Johnston Street.

The pensioner lived with his wife Alice in Stansfeld Street and later Preston Old Road, but she died in 1985.

Their daughter Sheila Philips, 60, said: "He lives and breathes football and has been going to see Rovers since he was a boy when he went down there with his grandad.

"He would sometimes sneak under the turnstiles to get in!

"He actually had a trial in his youth with Rovers. And he played at Ewood Park in 1935 representing Blackburn Cooperative during the final of the Infirmary Cup."

Asked why he loved Rovers and football Harold said: "Well it's the only thing I know."

And Ronnie, 20 years young-er at 72, joked: "He is looking well, I hope I look the same at 92! It was great to be invited to help him enjoy his day."

Tracy Collins, assistant manager of the home in Preston New Road, said: "Harold has been here since last October and I came up with the idea as he is Blackburn Rovers through and through.

"I was delighted when Ronnie agreed to come."