Ewood Park: Home of Blackburn Rovers(credit:
Wikipedia)
Blackburn Rovers chairman John William insists the Ewood Park outfit is “not in crisis” following the departure of Sam Allardyce.
Allardyce was surprisingly sacked on Monday, with first-team coach Stuart Kean taking over on a caretaker basis.
The decision to axe the former Bolton and Newcastle United boss has been heavily criticised throughout the week, but Williams insists it is time for everyone associated to move on.
He told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It has been a very difficult few days for everyone involved with the club.
“The departure of Sam and Neil was unexpected and I would like to add my thanks to them both for their efforts over two years. It is widely accepted that they did a very good job for us.
“However, the decision has been taken and we must move on.
“I would like to appeal to all Rovers stakeholders to fully get behind Steve, an out-and-out football man and a true professional, on Saturday.
“We are not in crisis - in fact, we are well placed in the table.
“But we know only too well how tight the Premier League is this year and we are about to embark on a spell of six major first team fixtures in under three weeks.
“We do not want negativity around the place. That could work to our disadvantage by playing into the hands of our up-coming opponents.
“We need solidarity in every area. Football is a precarious business, fuelled by opinion, but I repeat that this is a time for everyone with a love for Blackburn Rovers to really show their support.
“This is not about individuals either. It is about the club - first, second and third.”
Rovers begin life without Allardyce with the visit of the Premier League’s bottom side, West Ham, on Saturday.