The Rovers players emerged after the final whistle against Swansea City for their end of season lap of appreciation.

Boss Tony Mowbray felt it was good to thank the fans for their support throughout the campaign as Rovers achieved a mid-table finish.

Twelve months earlier Rovers had been celebrating their return to the Championship following the final day win over Oxford United and while there was no trophy this time around, Mowbray believes it has been a positive season.

Mowbray hailed the ‘magnificent’ support of the fans who have once again travelled in great number on the road, while attendance figures at Ewood have also held firm.

“I’m pleased for the players and their families because it was a good day to recognise the fans’ support and appreciation with the lap at the end, in order to show how much we care about their support, which again has been magnificent this year,” Mowbray explained.

“This year could have easily been a difficult season, because the gap between the top of League One, and the top of the Championship, is massive financially.

“With us coming in from League One, we had to compete against so many different powerhouses, with many of them having Premier League parachute payments.

“Everyone knows that this is a tough league, but I think the players gave a really good account of themselves this year.

“Hopefully the support base can appreciate that.

“However we do understand that we need to push on and improve in order to get to where we want to be.”