Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 17 December 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Allardyce named Blackburn manager
Blackburn Rovers have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The Lancashire club bag Paul Ince on Tuesday and made it clear they wanted a new boss at the helm for Saturday's home game against Stoke.

"I am very happy, I will say more at the press conference on Thursday," said 54-year Allardyce.

Allardyce has been without work since he was dismissed as manager of Newcastle United on January 9.

"Rovers are pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager," said a club statement.

The new director will be officially unveiled at 1600 GMT press conference on Thursday.

Ince was dismissed by Rovers after just 17 Premier League games in charge.

Rovers are second from bottom of the Fa Barclaycard Premiership and have not won in the league since their defeat to Newcastle on 27 September.

After a victory Ince start under its mandate, Rovers have won only three of their top-flight games this season and are on a term of 11 games without a victory.
Allardyce was also linked to the management vacancy at Sunderland.

It was successful during eight years as head of Rovers' Lancashire rivals Bolton, establishing them in the Premier League during his time in charge at the Reebok.

The Trotters also reached the final of the Carling Cup in 2004 and qualified for the Uefa Cup for the first time in their history in 2005.

Rovers play successive Premier League against Bolton and Newcastle accessories in January.

Former Blackburn striker Kevin Gallach told BBC Sport: "It's not a surprise choice.

"Blackburn need someone who can put the club back again and I think I can do."

Allardyce has also managed Blackpool and Notts County.

At Bolton, he was renowned for innovation, using scientific techniques to keep players in shape.

Sheffield United veteran midfielder Gary Speed, who played for Allardyce at Bolton, said: "He gets the best of players, it is very accessible, friendly and I am sure the players appreciate his training and his company.

Regarding the style of football Allardyce would welcome Blackburn, speed, said: "It is smart enough to know if you do not have the players to play live, you do not play live."

There was no word Rovers on the future of Ince backstage staff Archie Knox, Ray Mathias and Karl Robinson.

Graeme Souness, who managed the club from 2000-2004, has also been linked to employment, but has already ruled himself on the race.

"I'm afraid you're talking to the wrong man," said Souness in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph newspaper.

"I do not know anything and had no contact at all from Blackburn Rovers. I'm not your man, I can say."
by bbcnews.