MILLIONAIRE ex-soccer star Dave Whelan is planning to say thank you to the supporters of his old club. The JJB business tycoon is laying on a New Year's Eve treat for Blackburn Rovers fans - a free pie each.

Whelan, who emulated his old friend Jack Walker in taking Wigan Athletic into the Premiership, will be forced to miss the January 31 clash between his two favourite sides because of family commitments.

But he's ordered that free pie vouchers should he handed out to visiting Rovers' fans so they don't go hungry.

The former Blackburn market stall holder said: "I would love to be there but it's my wife Pat's birthday and the family has hi-jacked me to Barbados.

"We like to make visiting fans feel at home at the JJB but they don't all get free pies.

"But I had a great time at Ewood Park, the fans were always great to me, and it's just a way of saying thank-you."

Pauline Perkins, former secretary of Blackburn Rovers Supporters Association, said: "I'm sure they will be very gratefully received by Rovers fans.

"All the people I have spoken to who have heard about this said they will be looking forward to eating one."

The 62-year-old, of Beardwood, said: "I still see him down at the Rovers from time to time and I think he is doing it as a thank you gesture to the town because it has been so good to him.

"I remember standing on Blackburn Market and visiting his stall - he has certainly come a long way since then."

Rovers season ticket-holder and Evening Telegraph columnist Jason Whalley joked: "I'll look forward to eating a pie but it would be better if he could shell out for a new striker for us!"

Whelan, whose business interests include famous Wigan pie-makers Pooles, infamously broke his leg playing for Rovers in the 1960 FA Cup final against Wolves.

He never fully recovered but went on to found a business empire which has made him one of the richest men in Britain.