Richie Smallwood says the Rovers dressing room he was a key part of for three years was the best of his career.

Smallwood penned his goodbyes to supporters on social media, two weeks on from his three-year stay at Ewood Park coming to an end.

The tough-tackling midfielder, signed as a free agent in 2017, was an ever-present in the League One promotion campaign and went on to make 87 appearances, in all, albeit just two this season.

The 29-year-old is now on the hunt for a new club, but will undoubtedly have suitors having twice won promotion from League One in his career.

The Rovers players were quick to pay their thanks to the former Rotherham United man on social media, as Smallwood recalled his finest memories from his time in blue and white.

They included his winning goal at Fleetwood Town in January 2018, the promotion night at Doncaster and celebrations at Ewood against Oxford, as well as his stint in goal at West Bromwich Albion in October 2018.

He wrote: “To those associated with Rovers, the last three years I’ve been part of the best dressing room I’ve ever been in, an amazing group of lads and although I didn’t get to play as much as I’d have liked to towards the end of my time at Rovers I will never forget the amazing journey we ventured on together, the goal at Fleetwood, that promotion night in Doncaster, celebrating at a full Ewood Park, a stint in the nets at WBA, survival in the championship, these are all but a few of the many memories that will live with me for the rest of my life.

“Thanks to all the staff, team mates past and present and most of all you the Blackburn fans, thanks for singing my name in the stands and supporting us every step of the way. It was a pleasure.”