The return of the Warnock

Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock is really looking forward to visiting Ewood Park tomorrow to face old club Blackburn Rovers - due to the excellent time he had with the club.

Warnock will be making his first return to Ewood since his move with Rovers legend Brad Friedel making his second return, both of whom now play for Aston Villa.

Both are pretty certain to get warm receptions, especially Brad, due to the dedicated service both gave to the Rovers when they were here.

But Stephen in particular is excited this time round.

Warnock, speaking to the BBC said - 'I enjoyed my time there. I always felt that a move to Blackburn was a stepping stone to a move back to a big club.

'I had the chance to play for Villa, who are as ambitious as anyone to break in to the top four. I had to take it.

'I'm not sure what reception I will get but hopefully it will be quite good.'

'I was fortunate to be given a chance by Blackburn and never looked at it and thought I wasn't happy at the club.

'I tried to give everything I could for the club and hopefully that will get recognised when I go back.'

Warnock played in Europe with Rovers and also played in an FA Cup semi final which was the source of his biggest frustration whilst at Rovers.

Warnock continued - 'The disappointing thing was not reaching the FA Cup final, we played Chelsea and had a cracking chance.

'I would have loved to have gone to Wembley with the club, for the first year back at Wembley. It would have been fantastic.'

Kind words indeed from Stephen and I fully expect him to get a respectful welcome back as always gave his best when he was here.

Fair enough, towards the end he wanted to move to further his career but he never let his head drop, never moaned about not moving and never gave less than 100% even though he wanted to go.

This of course is the complete opposite attitude of a certain greedy individual who now plays for Man City (hint: he is Paraguayan and is injured a lot).

So I implore you to show your respect to Warnock tomorrow - he deserves it.

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