AS Ewood Park gets set to mark the passing of Ken Furphy, one of the greatest players in Blackburn Rovers’ history has paid tribute to the manager who helped put pride back into the club just when it needed it most.

Rovers were at their lowest ebb when Furphy, who died aged 83 this week, walked through the Ewood doors in the summer of 1971.

The then 40-year-old, flush with success at Workington and Watford, was tasked with reviving the club’s flagging fortunes after it suffered the ignominy of relegation into the Third Division.

And, while Furphy did not achieve the promotion he set out to before he was tempted away by Sheffield United in December 1973, he certainly succeeded in breathing new life into Rovers.

There were the players he brought to the club, genuine legends like Mick Heaton, Tony Field and John McNamee.

And there was the then record-breaking 19-game unbeaten league midway through the thrilling 1972-73 campaign run that took the club within touching distance of a cherished place back in the Second Division.

Gordon Lee did manage to get Rovers back up within 18 months of his predecessor’s departure to the Blades.

But Derek Fazackerley has no doubts that Furphy played his part in laying the foundation for the memorable 1974-75 promotion season.

Fazackerley was a promising 20-year-old, with just 14 first-team appearances to his name, when the former Darlington defender took over the Rovers reins from Johnny Carey in July 1971.

But under Furphy he truly established in the heart of the Rovers defence, going on to become the club’s record appearance holder.

Fazackerley will not be at Ewood for today’s FA Cup tie with Swansea City when Furphy’s death will be marked by a minute’s applause before the 12.45pm kick-off.

But his former manager will not be far from his thoughts.

“The club was at a low ebb with the relegation and Ken came in and brought a fresh enthusiasm to the place and a real belief that we were about to improve,” said Fazackerley, who is now assisting ex-Rovers boss Michael Appleton at Oxford United.

“At the time it was quite a big coup for Blackburn Rovers to get a manager of his stature as he had done very well at Watford, beating Liverpool in the FA Cup if I remember.

“He was one of the bright new managers on the block and it showed intent from the board in the direction the club wanted to go in.

“It didn’t quite happen for us straight away and there were a lot of players coming and going but he eventually sorted the wheat from the chaff and he brought in some really good players like Tony Field and Terry Garbett.

“As a young player at the start it was concerning because when a new manager comes in you never know whether you’re going to be part of his plans.

“But he kept faith and persevered with me and brought in John McNamee who was a massive help.

“It was a great experience to play alongside John. He was a no-nonsense centre-half who had the big physical presence that I needed at that time.”

McNamee left Rovers at the end of 1972-73 campaign and by the end of the year Furphy had gone too, lured to Bramall Lane by the prospect of First Division football.

“We may have missed out on promotion under Ken but things certainly improved and the club made a lot of progress,” said Fazackerley.

“Had he stayed another season who knows what would have happened? But Gordon Lee came in and picked up the mantle and took the club on.

“But Ken will be remembered in a good light. He was a very positive person and he was very good for Blackburn Rovers.”​