Beat is over for Blackburn Rovers drummer

4:00pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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By David Watkinson »

THE Blackburn End drummer, who has entertained crowds at Rovers for more than 10 years, has retired after developing arthritis.

Bill Toland, 46, has barely missed a game, home or away in the last decade.

But his drumming was conspicuous by his absence at Rovers’ first game of the new season.

Bill, from Huncoat, said that he has two reasons for putting down his drumstick — his medical problems and the fact he wants to sit with his two young “Rovers mad” sons.

He said: “I’ve had loads of stick while drumming but for every two people who criticise there are 100 who tell me they love what I do.

“I’ve been doing it for a long time and it’s taken its toll.

“I’ve got arthritis in my fingers, hand and shoulder. My joints are just worn out.

“The time has come for me to stop the drumming and a younger person to take over.”

Bill, who now sits in the Riverside Stand with his boys Toby, nine, and Tom, four, said some days last season the pain in his right arm was so bad that he could hardly write his name the day after a match.

Blackburn Rovers chief executive Tom Finn said: “Bill has become something of a cult figure among Rovers supporters on matchdays and we are very grateful.

“Matchday atmosphere is clearly important to both the fans and the team.”

Bill, a factory worker at Unison Engine Components in Burnley, said he started after buying a small Irish drum on holiday. He said: “I brought it to the ground and there was a great atmosphere because of the drum.

“I kept going for a few weeks and the club brought me in for a chat and said they would like me to keep going.

“There are times in tight matches when the crowd getting behind the team can really make a huge difference and I know I’ve played a part in that.