AS we survey the ever growing mess that has been Blackburn Rovers’ season, we should perhaps recall the words of the American billionaire Warren Buffett.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it,” was the phrase.

It is only a few short months since Rovers were one of the most well respected clubs in the Premier League.

They may not always have been the most popular, given a certain national disapproval over Sam Allardyce’s footballing methods, but they were respected. A man like John Williams at the helm played no inconsiderable part.

Manchester City needed years and bottomless wallets of cash to restore their own image as a club who were not merely the butts of their rivals’ jokes.

Rovers have made the reverse journey in less than a year, after a season that has brought one disaster after another.

This week’s latest developments – with manager Steve Kean charged with drink driving and the FA deciding to investigate new revelations in the ongoing Gael Givet saga – have only added to the embarrassment.

The sad thing is the supporters have done little to deserve this, yet the office jokes from rival fans have come thick and fast after a season of fiascos.

The biggest embarrassment of all would perhaps come if Rovers were relegated at Molineux this weekend, having decided to join Manchester United in a keep ball session at the end of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. It should not happen.

Perhaps then Kean’s faith in another Buffett phrase – ‘The first rule is not to lose, the second rule is not to forget the first rule’ – will be justified.

If Rovers do survive on Sunday there will be much relief, but little reason for pride or celebration.