Last Updated: Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:11
Blackburn boss Steve Kean has paid tribute to Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson for his support earlier in the campaign.
Ferguson was one of Kean's most outspoken backers when the Rovers fans' protests against him reached their height.
That came just before the Old Trafford clash, which Rovers won 3-2, when Blackburn lost back-to-back home matches against West Brom and Bolton, and Ferguson was one of a number of managers to call Kean and offer his support.
United travel to Ewood Park for the reverse fixture on Monday and they will find Rovers in a much healthier position, now three points above the relegation zone and with supporters, while certainly not universally behind Kean, having toned down their protests.
Kean said of Ferguson's backing: "During that period I spoke to him on the phone, I had a really good conversation with him, so I take my hat off to him for taking the time to pick the phone up.
"It means a lot because you know how busy these people are and the amount of strain on his time so I really appreciated that call."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
