Tributes pour in for ‘legendary’ Lancs football fan Rocky Mills who has died

Burnley fan Derek Mills, also known as ‘Rocky’, has died

Tributes have been pouring in for a ‘legendary’ Clarets fan who has died aged 78.

Derek Sylvester Mills, or Rocky as he was better know, died yesterday (29 June).

He was a well known character at Turf Moor and a life-long supporter of Burnley FC.

Rocky, who lived at Woodend in Reedley Hallows, was even the star of a TV documentary ‘Football’s Hardest Away Days’, where he stood out as an eccentric and passionate Burnley fan.

Lancashire Telegraph: Derek ‘Rocky’ Mills

Derek ‘Rocky’ Mills

Since the announcement, social media has been flooded with messages of support to Rocky’s family.

His stepdaughter, Nyree Jones, told the Lancashire Telegraph: “He was the best step dad ever.

“He was starting to get really poorly with his Dementia and everyone at the Burnley FC ground looked after him – I want to thank them so much.

“I’m hoping the club will put him name on his chair. We really going to miss him.”

Nyree added: “He was an amazing person and all the family will miss him so much.

“He was a massive part of Burnley football club and I’m sure everyone will turn out for him – but for now we ask to give us time.

“We will let everyone know about arrangements.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Rocky Mills with stepdaughter Nyree Jones

Rocky Mills with stepdaughter Nyree Jones

Facebook fan group, Up The Clarets, said: “Up The Clarets team are saddened this morning to hear of the passing of Derek ‘Rocky’ Mills.

“There’s scarcely a fan in history that was more Claret than Rocky and it is impossible to be a Burnley fan and not know who his.

“Let’s hope the club do something special for him at the first home game of the season. RIP.”

Back in 2018, Rocky unveiled new and improved Burnley pub The Princess Royal when it officially changed its name to ‘The Royal Dyche’ in honour of manager Sean Dyche.

Lancashire Telegraph: Rocky Mills (right) with wife Jean

Rocky Mills (right) with wife Jean

A spokesperson for The Royal Dyche said: “Really sad to hear the passing of fellow Burnley fan Rocky Mills, the man who officially unveiled us as The Royal Dyche and was a true legend amongst us Clarets!

“Thinking of his family at this sad time.

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“He was a great man, we share some incredible memories and he will always be a Claret”

A social media user said: “Rocky Mills is one of Burnley’s most well-known and passionate supporters. R.I.P Rocky. Legend.”

Another said: ”Saddened to hear the news that Rocky Mills has passed away. A massive part of the Burnley FC family anda remarkable character to be around.

“I’ll miss your chanting.”

“R.I.P Rocky Mills one of Burnley’s most well-known and passionate supporters,” said a third.

“I was fortunate enough to meet him a few times at games. In fact, I had my first season ticket seat near him.

“Really nice and funny guy. The Turf won’t be the same without him next season.”

Another said: “Was a pleasure to go dancing with you when Burnley winning away.”

David Ratcliffe said: “He will go down in Burnley history as a true Claret, loved by us all.”

“Very sad day indeed. I’ll be raising a glass later today in his honour,” said Heidi Robertshaw

Gary Wilson said: “Spent many an afternoon in his company in the ‘90s when I was a regular.

“Players, managers, even owners, they come and go but fans are a constant, and Rocky was as part of the place as a Hollands pie.

“It’s easy to use words like legend, and even though sitting in front of him at an away game could be ear splitting it was always funny, keeping the clarets spirits up as we got thrashed again.

“The turf just got a little quieter, but heaven just dialled up to 11.”