Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Robbie Savage signed for Blackburn Rovers in January 2005, for a fee of £3m and re-united with his manager from the Wales setup, Mark Hughes. It was a move that sparked controversy for the Welshman as he forced his way out of Birmingham by handing in a transfer request, citing a wish to be nearer to his family home in Wales.

Birmingham's loss was Rovers' gain, as the all action midfielder immediately became a fixture in the Rovers midfield. Savage made 13 appearances for Rovers in the remainder of the 2004/05 season, with four of them coming in the FA Cup. Rovers reached the semi finals of the latter and Savage played his part in this run. Rovers were facing a relegation battle that season, but Savage, along with the rest of his teammates rolled their sleeves up and fought to keep Rovers in the Premier League. They successfully managed this with the club finishing in 15th place.

Savage's first full season as a Rover, the 2005/06 campaign, was to be his and the club's most memorable for a while. A Rovers side with a solid spine down the middle and the searing pace of Craig Bellamy finished the season in 6th place, narrowly missing out on a Champions League place by 4 points. The club also reached another domestic cup semi final. European football had been secured and Robbie Savage played a crucial role in this achievement. The Welshman making 42 appearances in total that campaign, with 34 of them coming in the Premier League. He scored his first goal for Rovers, ironically, at St Andrews against Birmingham in a 2-1 Rovers defeat in April 2006.

Savage would often find himself paired up with the legendary Tugay in the middle of the park and his remit was simple. Win the ball and give it to Tugay.

This is something that Savage admitted that he was more than happy to do. The passion, commitment and drive on show from Savage in a Rovers shit endeared him to the supporters and to this day, he remains a Rovers' fan favourite. Savage's game wasn't just about tackling and pressing the opposition, he could play as well. He was adept at spraying the ball around, being part of team moves and was also a very good set piece taker. One such set piece led to Rovers beating Champions, Chelsea, at Ewood Park in May 2006.

The 2006/07 campaign was going well for Savage. He was a key part of the first team. He scored a superb free kick away in Salzburg as Rovers were enjoying a European adventure. Then injury struck in January 2007 away at Watford, as Savage suffered a leg break which would rule him out for the rest of the season. Savage made 21 appearances in total that season before his injury, scoring two goals.

Savage returned to fitness for the start of the 2007/08 season and enjoyed a small run of games. However, he was affected by further knee injury issue picked up against Tottenham in October 2007, which effectively ruled him out of action for two months over the course of November and December 2007. This and the form of the likes of Steven Reid, David Dunn and Aaron Mokoena spelt the end of Savage's time as a Rovers player. He was sold to Derby County for £1.5m in January 2008.

Robbie Savage will always be remembered as a whole hearted player who gave it his all in a Blackburn Rovers shirt. A battler who harried the opposition and a good footballer at the same time. A player who was part of the good times at the club. His efforts and the role he played in helping Rovers to beat the big guns and to play in Europe, won't be forgotten.

Robbie Savage made 100 appearances for Rovers in total between 2005-2008 and scored three times. Here are those goals.