Whelan thanks Rovers fans

Dave Whelan: Thanks to Rovers fans

The JJB owner is handing out free pies to the away fans. Whelan said: "I had 10 great years at Ewood Park and I could never wish for a better time at a club. The fans were always great to me, so when their supporters come here for the first Premier League match between the sides, we are saying to them `we're giving you a little piece of Wigan - a pie!'

"That's me saying thank you to Blackburn for the time I had there. We like to make visiting fans feel at home at the JJB - but they don't all get free pies."

Whelan joined Rovers in 1953 aged 17 from Wigan Boys Club and made his debut for the club three years later, cementing his first team spot at full back.

His career was cut short in the 1960 F.A. Cup final against Wolverhampton Wanderers when Whelan, aged just 23, suffered a broken leg. The injury was too severe to continue playing professional football.

He did have a short spell with Crewe but never fully recovered. Whelan recovered enough to become one of the most successful business men in the country and is offering free pies to Rovers fans as his way of thanks for their support.

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