Notable players who represented both West Ham and Blackburn Rovers

West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers are at opposite ends of the country. However, that has not stopped many top players from representing both sides. We take a look at those who have done so ahead of the game between the two sides this Saturday.

Many West Ham fans may forget that Downing played for Blackburn, given that he is so associated with Middlesbrough. Downing rebuilt his reputation at West Ham after a difficult spell with Liverpool. In total, he scored seven goals with 11 assists in 79 games for the Hammers.

Slaven Bilic wanted him to stay at West Ham, but Downing had the opportunity to return to his hometown club, Boro. The winger has said in interviews that he regrets leaving the Hammers so soon.

After his second spell with Boro, Downing finished his career with Blackburn. In 62 games for them, he scored three goals with 10 assists. Since retiring from playing, Downing has coached Boro's youth team, Leeds United U21s, and Liverpool's reserves. He is now a coach for the Reds.

A lot of West Ham fans wanted Bellamy to replace Nuno Espírito Santo. However, it would have been very un-West Ham to poach a manager from another team. Bellamy is now the manager of Wales and is getting ready for upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Bellamy joined Blackburn from Newcastle United in 2005. There, he was managed by Wales legend Mark Hughes and was a teammate of fellow Welsh international Robbie Savage. He had a few injuries during his time with Blackburn, but still managed to score 17 goals with four assists in 32 games for them.

The forward was with Blackburn for just one season before moving to Liverpool and then West Ham. His time with the Hammers was also marred by injuries. Bellamy has spoken fondly of his time at West Ham. However, he played for us just 26 times, scoring nine goals with one assist.

Gale joined West Ham from Fulham and went on to play for the Hammers 300 times, scoring five goals. He achieved two promotions with West Ham and had a testimonial. Gale left for Blackburn and played for them 16 times in the 1994/95 Premier League season, which they won.

The defender then played for Crystal Palace and Maidenhead United before hanging up his boots. He then had two spells as caretaker manager for the non-league side Walton Casuals, whom he also served as chairman. Gale is now a commentator and an ambassador for West Ham.

McCarthy was a good player for Blackburn and scored 52 goals with nine assists in 140 games for them. However, he was one of West Ham's biggest ever flops. In 11 games for the Hammers, he was not involved in a single goal contribution. He did score three goals in five games for West Ham's reserves. His contract was terminated, and he played for the Orlando Pirates before retiring. McCarthy is now the manager of Kenya.