Blackburn Rovers will be shuddering at big Burnley news | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers will shudder at the big news coming out of Burnley, with Nicky Hayen, Ashley Barnes, and co. building ahead of 2026/27...

Few rivalries in English football carry the history and intensity of the East Lancashire derby between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley, which will return once again in 2026/27.

While both clubs have other Lancashire neighbours, meetings between these two sides are widely regarded by supporters as the standout fixture on the calendar. The geographical proximity and consistently fierce and competitive nature of the contest ensure there is rarely a shortage of passion whenever they meet.

The rivalry has become an increasingly familiar one in recent years as the two clubs have frequently found themselves competing in the same division. Burnley's stint in the Premier League prevented it until recently, but the four clashes since 2017 have seen them win three and draw one against Blackburn Rovers.

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The most recent relegation from the Premier League means another pair of East Lancashire derbies awaits in the Championship during the 2026/27 season, with both clubs harbouring ambitions of challenging towards the top end of the table.

That should make for two fascinating encounters, but there is one recent development that Blackburn supporters may not have welcomed ahead of the games in November and February.

Ashley Barnes has signed a new one-year contract with Burnley, extending his stay at Turf Moor following the club's return to the Championship.

While the veteran striker is no longer guaranteed to start every week, his experience, leadership and understanding of what the derby means continue to make him an important figure around the squad.

It is his final campaign with Burnley, having already featured in 12 seasons at Turf Moor. The 36-year-old will take up a coaching role with the club at the end of the year. For Blackburn, however, Barnes' new deal represents something else entirely.

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Throughout his career, Barnes has developed an outstanding record against Rovers, scoring four goals in his seven appearances, while also winning five of those clashes. He has only scored more against Millwall (five) and Southampton (seven), but they came in 11 and 14 appearances respectively.

Few players have consistently enjoyed themselves in this fixture quite like Barnes, who has repeatedly found a way to make life difficult for Blackburn's defence regardless of the wider context surrounding either club. Also, that record is unlikely to have been forgotten on either side of the rivalry.

Derby matches are often decided by players who embrace the occasion rather than shrink from it, and Barnes has repeatedly demonstrated that he relishes facing Blackburn. His physical style and willingness to battle with defenders have made him an awkward opponent.

Already a Burnley legend at this point, having made 320 appearances for the club, his knack for popping up with important goals in the biggest fixtures has only strengthened his reputation among Burnley supporters further.

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Of course, Barnes is no longer the player he once was. At 36, his role is expected to be more limited than during his peak years, with Burnley likely to manage his minutes carefully across another demanding Championship campaign. Even so, experience can often prove to be invaluable in derby fixtures.

Aspects like composure and an understanding of the occasion count for just as much as pace or athleticism. His presence also provides Burnley with another experienced voice in the dressing room as they look to bounce back from relegation at the first attempt.

Maintaining players who understand both the club's culture and the importance of local rivalries can be vital during a promotion push. From a Blackburn perspective, Barnes' contract extension simply adds another subplot to an already fiercely anticipated fixture.

Supporters will know his goalscoring record against Rovers speaks for itself. However, there are no guarantees that Barnes will add to his tally this season, particularly if his opportunities become more sporadic. But, given his history in the East Lancashire derby, Burnley's decision to keep him around for another year is one piece of news that Rovers are unlikely to have celebrated.