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1994-95

For the fi rst time in 81 years Rovers took the title, with leading their attack!

Andrew Cole tries to get past West Ham on the final day

WHY IT MATTERED THE STORY OF THE SEASON Reigning champions Manchester United Blackburn took top spot in Alan Shearer putput RoversRovers aheadahead expected a challenge from Blackburn, who November but Manchester United in the first half and then their were runners-up the previous season. were hot on their heels. United had rivals went ‚ƒ down at West Ham. Blackburn could compete with United to play half the season without United equalised in the second thanks to a wealthy local businessman, their French star Eric Cantona, who half and Liverpool drew level with Jack Walker. He became the club’s owner in was sent off for fighting with a Blackburn. United had to win but . His money meant they could buy star fan in the crowd at Crystal Palace! could not score the vital goal. In the players like striker Alan Shearer. United drew that game but they final minute Liverpool scored again. Other rich owners would make a big mostly kept winning, including a ‚ƒ Blackburn lost ‰‚ but still won the impact in English football in later years, but thrashing of Ipswich in March. title by one point! Walker was the first. On the final day, Blackburn led A week later, United’s season United by two points. United had ended in disappointment when they a better goal difference so if they lost the FA Cup final ‚ƒ to Everton. won at West Ham, Blackburn had to beat Liverpool at Anfield. But if United drew or lost, the title would Eric Cantona go to Blackburn. fights with the crowd!

Alan Shearer celebrates another goal

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k9_Blackburn_TSW_EG_TH.indd 46 16/04/2019 08:55 Man Utd celebrate scoring nine goals BLACKBURN against Ipswich WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Blackburn’s success did not last. They were knocked out at the group stage of the Champions League the following season and came seventh in the League. Important players left, including Alan Shearer who joined Newcastle in Ž. In ‘‚, just four seasons after their title win, Blackburn were relegated! They have spent  seasons in the Premier League since then but have also had a year in League One, in ‰ƒ“‚‘. Manchester United won the Premier League again in ”‚Ž and were champions another ten times while was manager before he retired in ‰ƒ•.

DID YOU KNOW? Blackburn are the only League team that play in blue and white halved shirts. They have worn their famous kit since becoming one of the founder members of the Football League in 1888!

PREMIER LEAGUE 1994-95 Top scorer Alan Shearer, Blackburn (34) Champions Blackburn Rovers Relegated Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Everton win Alan Shearer lifts the Leicester City, Ipswich Town the FA Cup Premier League trophy FA Cup final Everton 1 Manchester United 0 League Cup final Liverpool 2 Bolton Wanderers 1 47

k9_Blackburn_TSW_EG_TH.indd 47 16/04/2019 08:55