Boro Give Blackburn More Misery!

Last updated : 17 December 2008 By Boro Mad

Rovers have had a difficult couple of days, having sacked manager Paul Ince on Monday.

Blackburn chairman John Williams: "Appointing a new manager is our total focus.

"We acknowledge that timelines are tight for we are in a very worrying situation concerning our Premier League status.

"We will endeavour to have a new manager in place for Saturday's game with Stoke City at Ewood Park, but there are no guarantees and we must ensure that we get the right man.

"In the meantime, the day-to-day training will be carried out by Archie Knox, Ray Mathias and Karl Robinson. Our coaching staff and all of the players fully understand the importance of this weekend's game.

"Our supporters can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to get the team climbing the Premier League table as soon as possible."

The search is now on for a replacement, former Rovers boss Graeme Souness the favourite to return - with possibly Tugay in a player-coach role.

Allardyce and McClaren's names have also been linked again, while former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is another to have been mentioned.

Among other contenders suggested by bookmakers include former Rovers striker Alan Shearer, ex-Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, Chelsea's former manager Avram Grant and Celtic's Gordon Strachan.