Allardyce sacked by Blackburn Rovers

Sam Allardyce has become the first casualty of the new regime at Blackburn Rovers, after being sacked yesterday.

The club relieved Allardyce of his duties leaving the rest of football shocked by their decision.

Results have been varied for Blackburn this season. They were humbled by Manchester United 7-1 at Old Trafford but still found themselves in 13^th place in the table, hence why the decision came as a shock to fans and pundits.

Allardyce told Sky Sports: “That's the world of football as it is. It hasn't really been explained to me and I'm really confused in my own mind at the moment. But the reality will kick in in a couple of days. For now it's just about me thanking everybody at Blackburn Rovers”

Allardyce, affectionately known as Big Sam, took over the club in December 2008 and helped them escape relegation, with financial constraints, in that season and last year the club finished 10^th

He previously managed Bolton and Newcastle. Allardyce’s assistant Neil McDonald has also left the club.

Players were stunned by the announcement and club captain Ryan Nelsen told BBC 5live that he found out via a text from a friend in his native New Zealand, asking for his reaction.

"I'm shocked and devastated - not in my wildest dreams did I see this coming," he said.

"What he picked up when he took over was a club in diabolical trouble, he's turned it round into an efficient streamlined club that's spent no money and done extremely well - it's the world we live in, but I just feel absolutely gutted for the man."

Sir Alex Ferguson, a good friend of Allardyce, branded the decision as ‘absolutely ridiculous’.

He said to Sky Sports: “I've never heard of such a stupid decision in all my life."

The Venky’s Group took over the running of the club at the end of October and publicly backed Allardyce as the man to lead the club forward. First-team coach Steve Kean will take over as caretaker.

Venky's Chairman Anuradha Desai said in Tuesday's Lancashire Telegraph newspaper: "We want Blackburn Rovers to be fourth or fifth in the league or even better. It is nothing against Sam but we have a different vision looking forward and we want the club to grow.

The bookmakers have made former Spurs manager Martin Jol the favourite, closely pursued by ex-Newcastle manager Chris Hughton and Cardiff manager Dave Jones.

Female First - Chris Mayer