Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Declan Clark
Guest(s)
Release Date
3 October 2024
Duration
71 min
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by North-West football expert Declan Clark to revisit one of the Premier League’s greatest modern fairy tales — Blackburn Rovers’ 1994–95 title triumph.
At the heart of the story lies Jack Walker, the local businessman whose fortune and passion turned Blackburn from a second-tier side into champions of England. His faith in Kenny Dalglish, combined with a vision rooted in community pride, reshaped the football landscape of the 1990s.
Built around the goals of Alan Shearer and the creativity of Chris Sutton, Blackburn’s rise was rapid, strategic, and fiercely competitive. The team’s spirit, defensive steel, and relentless consistency carried them through a nerve-shredding title race with Manchester United, culminating in that unforgettable final day at Anfield — when defeat still delivered glory.
The conversation explores the tactics behind Dalglish’s success, the pivotal roles of players like Tim Sherwood and Graeme Le Saux, and even the near-miss signing of Zinedine Zidane — a sliding doors moment in football history. Blackburn’s short but spectacular reign remains a symbol of ambition, timing, and local pride in an era before billionaire empires took over the game.
Takeaways
Jack Walker’s investment and vision transformed Blackburn Rovers
Key signings like Alan Shearer powered their rise
The dramatic final day of the 1994–95 Premier League season
Blackburn’s rivalry with Manchester United in the 1990s
The fleeting nature of their success and the club’s legacy today
Blackburn Rovers 1994–1995: The Local Lad's Dream That Beat Manchester United
The story of Blackburn Rovers’ 1994–95 season is a footballing miracle — a story of loyalty, ambition, and perfect timing.
Local steel magnate Jack Walker poured his heart and fortune into his boyhood club, determined to bring top-flight glory back to Blackburn. With Kenny Dalglish at the helm and record signings like Alan Shearer, that dream became reality.
Rovers weren’t built on flair or flash — they were built on balance. Shearer and Sutton formed the lethal “SAS” partnership, Tim Sherwood marshalled the midfield, and Colin Hendry’s defence was fearless. They combined direct football with relentless intensity — and it worked.
The title race with Manchester United went down to the wire, climaxing on that unforgettable day at Anfield. Blackburn lost 2–1, but when news came through that United had drawn at West Ham, the impossible became real — Blackburn Rovers were champions of England.
Their reign was brief, but their impact was enormous. Blackburn’s success symbolised an era when ambition, identity, and local pride could still conquer the modern game.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Jack Walker’s vision and investment transforming Blackburn Rovers
Kenny Dalglish’s leadership and tactical pragmatism
Alan Shearer and the “SAS” strike partnership with Chris Sutton
The dramatic 1994–95 title race and final day at Anfield
Blackburn’s fleeting success and Champions League aftermath
Final-day drama at Anfield securing the title despite defeat
Alan Shearer’s 34-goal season
Blackburn’s 3–2 win over Newcastle in the title run-in
The near-signing of Zinedine Zidane
Kenny Dalglish stepping aside after delivering the Premier League crown
Notable Manager
Notable Players
Alan Shearer, Chris Sutton, Tim Sherwood, Graeme Le Saux, Colin Hendry, Stuart Ripley, Jason Wilcox, Tim Flowers, Ian Pearce, David Batty, Mark Atkins, Henning Berg
Style of Play
4-4-2, Direct, Compact, Physical, Counter-Attacking, Crossing, Aerial Dominance, High Work Rate
Kenny Dalglish’s Blackburn Rovers were the embodiment of English football’s transitional era — direct yet disciplined, powerful yet intelligent. Their formation, typically a 4-4-2, was built on simplicity and execution: solid defensive foundations, quick transitions, and devastating finishing.
The “SAS” partnership of Shearer and Sutton epitomised their success — one of the most feared duos in Premier League history. Dalglish’s side often used width through Ripley and Wilcox, overlapping full-backs, and an industrious midfield led by Tim Sherwood and David Batty, ensuring balance between steel and creativity.
Defensively, Colin Hendry marshalled the backline with aggression and leadership, supported by goalkeeper Tim Flowers, whose consistency was vital. Blackburn’s game plan was pragmatic rather than revolutionary — but its execution was flawless. Every player understood their role. Every run, tackle, and cross had purpose.
While critics called it old-fashioned, Blackburn’s football was pure effectiveness — a blend of high work rate, aerial dominance, and ruthless finishing. It wasn’t tiki-taka, but it was timeless English power football at its best — and for one glorious season, unbeatable.
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