Paul Bell

That’ll teach me for renewing mine and George’s season ticket this morning.

@Charlotte_BRFC @Rovers No worries.

@Ossyref @Rovers Thank you - must have missed them

🎂 Happy birthday to our young winger Aodhan Doherty! 🍀 #Rovers 🔵⚪️

@Charlotte_BRFC @Rovers They were on

@Rovers Do you have the pictures that should have gone on the big screen yesterday? I didn’t notice them appear

@stevewilkes1 Threll be some referres out there who have not got an easier job on a Saturday. All the best in your retirement mate. It was always fun officiating your games.

So, after 29 years in football management, 1,330 matches, and countless hours of recruitment calls, scouting missions and preparation, I’ve decided that now is the right time to step back from the game and announce my retirement. Football has given me so much — moments, friendships, challenges and memories that will stay with me for life. Football is, and always will be, in my DNA. I would like to thank the six clubs I’ve had the privilege to manage — Darwen, Padiham, Runcorn Linnets, Ashton Athletic, Northwich Victoria, and finallyRamsbottom United — for placing their trust in me to lead their football clubs. To each and every player I’ve worked with, thank you. The relationship between a player and a manager is a special one, and the dressing room is our place. I hope that over the past 29 years my team talks have helped you develop as players — and maybe made you smile along the way. To all the coaches who have put up with me over the years, I simply couldn’t have done this without you. However, the time feels right to shift priorities and spend more quality time with my family — especially my grandchildren, Freddie, William and Emmie. To the fans of every club I’ve managed — thank you most of all. Your relentless support, home and away, through every high and every difficult moment, has never gone unnoticed. You are what makes a football club special, and I will always be grateful for the backing you’ve given me and every team I’ve led. To all the managers out there, I take my hat off to you. The job gets harder every year. I was once told: never get too high after a win and never too low after a defeat. That advice is so true — although much harder to follow after a defeat. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Ramsbottom United.  First and foremost, my thanks go to my management team — especially Rob. Your loyalty, support and tireless work over this past year have meant everything to me. Your sessions are second to none, and I have no doubt that you have a great future ahead of you as a manager. My thanks also go to Lewis Hindley, who is far more than just a goalkeeper coach, and to Tony Dunn, one of the best physios I’ve worked with. I’m hugely grateful for the backing of Phil Rose and Tony Cunningham, and for the ongoing support of the committee, including Harry, whose trust and belief were so important from day one. Phil brought me to the club with a three‑year plan — unfortunately, we didn’t quite see it through. Leading Ramsbottom United has been an honour. Special people really do achieve great things, and the commitment, honesty and togetherness shown every day created memories I will carry with me forever. It has been a genuine privilege to lead this group. I leave Ramsbottom United with nothing but fond memories and huge respect. I wish the club every success for the future — it’s a special place with real heart, and I’m proud to have been part of its journey. Finally, I want to thank my family — my children Louis,Zack and Olivia, and my wife Ali. Without your backing, love and support through both good times and bad, none of the last 29 years would have been possible. You are the people who pick me up on a Saturday night, and I love you all so much. Thank you all. — Steve Wilkes

@Rovers My 9 year old lad. He wouldn’t miss it for the world. Loves his time at the footy. @Mickwest82 and his lad too. 2 great mates made at the footy.

Who do you come to Ewood with on matchday? Tag them in the replies 👇 🎟️ 26/27 Season Tickets now on sale with prices frozen! #Rovers 🔵⚪️

@GordonRef Sorry for your loss mate

Fantastic send off for Mum yesterday, re-united with Dad 18 years on, thank you to the many friends and relatives who came to celebrate mum’s life 🙏

@Rovers RIP Tony, always willing to step in when we needed him. Loved this club through and through. You will be missed.

Blackburn Rovers are devastated to learn of the passing of Tony Parkes. A true club legend, often referred to as ‘Mr Blackburn Rovers’, Tony passed away last night at the age of 76. Everyone at the club sends their deepest heartfelt condolences to Tony’s daughter Natalie and all his family and friends at this incredibly sad time. A special tribute will be held to celebrate Tony’s life and his outstanding contribution to the club’s history at our final home game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday May 2nd.

Dreamland

@Charlotte_BRFC But Millwall and Wrexham away too

Just realised that one of oxfords games is Sheffield Wednesday so still a bit nervy

@Charlotte_BRFC Oxford will need to win 2 from 3 also

Leicester aren’t going to win their last 3 to catch us so they are done. Down to one spot now

@Rovers I liked Dolan but the definition of “legend” is being loosely applied here.

👏 We are delighted to honour seven key men with Honour Caps at Friday’s fixture: - Tim Sherwood - Tyrhys Dolan - Don Mackay - Jimmy Forrest - Bobby Langton - Rob Coar - Lawrence Cotton Be in your seats for 7.45pm to show your appreciation. #ROVvCOV | #Rovers 🔵⚪️

@_ElliottJackson Just a poor second half. First half we were relatively comfortable bar a couple of nervy moments.

Cup feels half-empty tonight and I get it. Missed opportunity and results elsewhere hammer it home. But still five unbeaten. Tough games to come but so were Millwall and Boro. Leeds and Leicester two years ago. Still a healthy-enough cushion to be positive. #Rovers🌹

@thaboy2nd @Seeley789 🤣🤣🤣

@Ossyref @Seeley789 That’s not how it works Mr Paul Bellend

Quite frankly the worst decision I’ve ever seen in football ! Running the ball into an empty to net to win a league title and he blows up ! Insane 🤯🤯🤯🤯

@MandyVal75 Nowt better to read than this

A new milestone for humankind: The crew of Artemis II are now the farthest any human has ever travelled, reaching a maximum distance of 252,752 miles from Earth. This surpasses the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by about 4,102 miles.

@pstratts @EssexReferees @IsthmianLeague Enjoy your retirement mate

Today is my last game as a referee. 8 (mostly) enjoyable years at L3 but time to stop. Thanks to all my colleagues and friends, and most of the clubs. Some fantastic games will live long in the memory. Big shout to @EssexReferees @IsthmianLeague for helping me on the journey. X

What if the Vulcans are flying past at launch #artemis2

50 years of Apple, 50 years of innovation. Thank you to our teams, our users, and everyone who’s been part of the journey. #Apple50