ROVERS' greatest post-war player? No doubt about it, say the fans - Bryan Douglas, the demon dribbler who played more than 500 times for his local club in the 50s and 60s. We had scorers of entries for our recent competition and just over half nominated the diminutive dazzler who was barely 10st - and that on a rainy afternoon when the mud was flying. Forgetting Alan Shearer, who has been the best player to wear the blue and white halves since the war? That was the question we asked. And we offered £50 for the best entry.

Who else figured prominently in our all-time greats contest? Not surprisingly Douglas's long time colleague and pal Ronnie Clayton ran him close, easily taking second place with nearly 40% of the votes. Comfortably in third place came current hero Colin Hendry with votes for a dozen others among them Tommy Briggs, Eddie Quigley, Bill Eckersley, Bobby Langton, Mike England. And even though Alan Shearer wasn't among the "runners" he picked up plenty of votes!

Bryan Douglas, born in the shadow of Ewood Park, signed professional in April 1952.

After National Service he made his debut in September 1954 as an inside right but it wasn't long before he moved out to the right wing where his perfect balance and control and his deceptive, shuffling style delighted the faithful and dismayed his opponents.

He helped Rovers gain promotion in 1957-58 and that season won the first of his 36 England caps. Switching back to inside forward, he supplied the pin-point passes for Fred Pickering and Andy McEvoy to take Rovers to the top of the First Division.

Rovers were relegated at the end of the 65-66 season and a major factor in the dismal season was the lengthy absence of little Duggie through injuries. The last couple of years at Ewood were dogged by injuries and he and Clayton went on to play for Great Harwood.

Just imagine Alan Shearer turning out for Accrington or Darwen when his days at Ewood come to an end! ROVERS fan Keith Walton, of Monmouth Road, Blackburn, wins our £50 prize for this offering: "You couldn't wait for Saturday to come to see the skills of this little man. Silky ball control and a brilliant footballing brain. Bryan was the class act."

And here are just a few more of your comments on Douglas:

A loyal Rovers' player who not only made goals, but scored them. I'll never forget the games I saw him play alongside Fred Pickering and Andy McEvoy.

- Mrs J Brogden, Cambridge House, Darwen.

Watching Douglas was watching wing play at its finest. He would beat defenders with ease and unselfishly create chances for his team-mates.

- Frank Hawkins, Scotland Bank Terrace, Blackburn.

A naturally-gifted player with good ball control, he could make a goal from nothing. An outstanding entertainer.

- E Waldock, Lytham Road, Blackburn.

"Turn-on-a-tanner Duggie," we used to call him. Best dribbler ever. What would he be worth today, eh?

- Mrs J Starkie, Dudley Avenue, Oswaldtwistle.

An entertaining artist with a brain - which he used. He's had equals, but no betters. And he stayed loyal to Rovers.

- Michael Lang, Granville Road, Blackburn.

He was a one-club man and a great player - one of the best ever to play for either Rovers or England. Simply the best.

- Mrs I Barker, Sough Road, Darwen.

And here's just a handful of other nominations:

Ronnie Clayton: The complete player - in total command. Majestic and magnificent in the air or on the ground. A brilliant leader for club and country.

- Peter Kenyon, Carlisle Road, Accrington.

Bill Eckersley: A diminutive defender who appeared to grow 12 inches taller when tackling. He had the tenacity of a bull terrier. His enthusiasm and sense of humour on the field were infectious.

- F Smith, Richmond Terrace, Darwen.

Tommy Briggs: Blackburn Rovers' Intrepid Goal Getter Supreme!

- W Riding, Hawkshead Street, Blackburn.

And, finally, a poem for Colin Hendry's efforts from Judith Grant of Glenshiels Avenue, Hoddlesden, Darwen which summed up so many letter in praise of the strong defender:

Colin Hendry gets my vote,

He always gives his all.

Strong and fearless, brave and true,

And magic with the ball!

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.