Clement joins Blackburn ranks

Former Chelsea coach Paul Clement has joined Blackburn Rovers as an assistant to manager Steve Kean.

Clement, 39, worked under Dutch manager Guus Hiddink and his Italian successor Carlo Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge.

Blackburn have been without an assistant manager since the departure of John Jensen in September.

Clement previously worked alongside Kean under manager Chris Coleman at Fulham.

“I’m excited to be here at a big club like Blackburn Rovers and am really looking forward to the challenge,” Clement told the club’s official website.

“It’s great to be linking up with Steve again, having worked with him previously at Fulham, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Kean, who has been under pressure from fans following Blackburn’s poor performances so far this term, welcomed the appointment of his former Fulham colleague.

“I’m delighted that Paul has agreed to join us,” Kean said.

“He is someone I know well and respect as a coach and will be on the bench with me at QPR.”

Clement had two spells at Chelsea, worked at Fulham for seven years and also spent three years as coach of Ireland’s Under-21 team.

He joins Blackburn with the team second bottom in the English Premier League after winning just one of their seven matches.

They visit promoted side Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.