Blackburn want British coach to replace sacked Sam

Blackburn said on Tuesday they would ideally like another British coach to step into the shoes of sacked Sam Allardyce, given the boot on Monday after barely two years in charge.

The chairman of the club’s new owners, India-based poultry firm Venky’s, said the plan was to secure someone who could provide more entertainment from the team, as well as a top five finish – but also someone British, which would rule out potential candidates such as Dutchman Martin Jol and Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson and Diego Maradona.

Anuradha Desai told Tuesday’s Lancashire Telegraph: “We want good football and Blackburn to be fourth or fifth in the league or even better.

“The fans should trust us because this is in the best interests of the club. Our thinking now is that it will be a British manager.

“But we are open if there is an outstanding candidate, someone who would be really, really good for the club.”

Venky’s dumped Allardyce after a weekend loss at Bolton which left the side 13th in the English Premier League and less than a month after completing their purchase of Blackburn for 23million pounds (30 million dollars).

Allardyce replaced Paul Ince in December 2008 and last season led the side to a 10th place finish.

Desai revealed the decision to dismiss Allardyce was taken before the Bolton reverse.

She said: “It has been a long time in our minds. It is nothing against Sam but we have a different vision looking forward and we want the club to grow.”

Desai insists they are not looking for a quick fix and are happy to leave the team in the hands of caretaker Scottish coach Steve Kean for the next couple of months through the transfer window.

She said: “We have been studying him and have been very impressed. He works long hours and is talented at his job. He also works well with our very skilful young players and that is important.”

Meanwhile, former captain Tim Sherwood, said he was surprised at the sacking of Allardyce.

“It was a surprise to hear about Allardyce but can you ever be shocked these days? A manager’s position is always dodgy when a club gets new owners,” said Sherwood, who led the side to the title in 1996.

He added he had not been approached by Rovers’ new owners and is happy to continue in his role as assistant coach at Tottenham.

Bookmakers have installed Martin Jol and just dismissed former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton as favourites to take over.

According to Sherwood, Blackburn can target the league’s upper echelons but sees the title as beyond them these days.

“They will never win the league again – that would take Roman Abramovich and Sheikh Mansour combined, but Blackburn have got reasonable players.

“They are good enough to get safety every year and knock on the door of six, seven and eight in the Premier League.”