Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Blackburn make move for Allardyce

Sam Allardyce
Allardyce had a successful spell in charge at Bolton

Blackburn have made an approach to Sam Allardyce over the vacant managerial position, BBC Sport understands.

However, it is not yet clear whether the former Bolton and Newcastle boss has been offered the job at Ewood Park.

Graeme Souness has ruled out a return to Ewood Park, telling the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "I'm not your man, I can definitely say that."

Paul Ince was sacked as manager on Tuesday and Rovers hope to have his successor in place by Saturday.

"We will endeavour to have a new manager in place for Saturday's game with Stoke City," said chairman John Williams.

"But there are no guarantees and we must ensure that we get the right man."

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

Rovers are second from bottom of the Premier League and have not won in the league since they defeated Newcastle on 27 September.

After a winning start under Ince's tenure, Rovers have won only three of their 17 Premier League matches this season and are on a run of 11 straight games without a victory.

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Allardyce, who has also been linked with the managerial vacancy at Sunderland, has been out of management since leaving Newcastle on 9 January.

But he was highly successful during eight years at the helm of Rovers' Lancashire rivals Bolton, establishing them in the Premier League during his time in charge at the Reebok.

Souness managed Rovers from 2000-2004 but when asked about the possibility of a return added: "I'm afraid you are talking to the wrong man.

"I don't know anything and have had no contact at all from Blackburn Rovers."

Former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has also been linked to the job, while Rovers midfielder Tugay is also in the running for a coaching role at Ewood Park.

The day-to-day training at Rovers is currently being carried out by Ince's backroom staff of Archie Knox, Ray Mathias and Karl Robinson.

"Our coaching staff and all of the players fully understand the importance of this weekend's game," added Williams.

"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."

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