Rovers owners defend sacking decision

New Blackburn Rovers’ owners the Venky Group said Sam Allardyce’s lack of ambition was the reason he was sacked on Monday.

Allardyce’s dismissal has shocked the football world, with Blackburn sitting in 13th place in the English Premier League.

The 56-year-old was sacked a day after Blackburn’s 2-1 loss to Bolton at Reebok Stadium on Sunday.

First-team coach Steve Kean has taken over as caretaker coach until a permanent replacement for Allardyce can be found.

In the statement, Venky Group chairwoman Anuradha Desai said they viewed the club as a potential top-four side, and that this was not a view shared by Allardyce.

“We want good football and Blackburn to be fourth or fifth in the league or even better,” the statement said.

“It is nothing against Sam but we have a different vision looking forward and we want the club to grow.”

“The fans should trust us because this is in the best interests of the club.”

“We wanted good football, wanted the games to be interesting and of course wanted to win and to have good players.”

“It is not about the Bolton match. It has been a long time in our minds.”

“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.”