Rovers say they are deeply saddened to learn of the death of vice president, Dr Milton Jeffries, at the age of 89.

The Doc, as he was fondly known around Ewood Park, was introduced to the club in the early 1970s and served on the board from 1975 to 1986.

He served under chairmen Bill Bancroft, Derek Keighley, David Brown and Bill Fox, and fulfilled a variety of roles.

A tribute on Rovers' website described a popular and welcoming figure in the boardroom, and after leaving his position on the board in 1986, he remained close to the club, often watching the Reserve and youth teams coming through the ranks in the early 1990s.

A personal friend of Jack Walker, Dr Jeffries was made a vice president of the club to mark his services to the club and regularly attended games at Ewood Park with his wife Margaret up until a couple of years ago.

A Rovers spokesman said: "The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this sad time."