Rovers target three in a row
The search for Mark Hughes’s successor begins in earnest for Blackburn but Rovers chairman John Williams insists his club will not be rushed into an appointment.
Several names have already been mooted for the Ewood Park post vacated by Hughes’s move to Manchester City – among them Rovers hero Alan Shearer.
Newspaper reports on Thursday suggest Shearer and MK Dons boss Paul Ince are on a two-man shortlist for the job.
Williams said: “We have enjoyed eight years of success and stability with Graeme Souness and Mark and now it is important that we build on our strengths.
“We must make sure it is three successful appointments in a row."
Reflecting on four years of progress under Hughes, Williams paid tribute to the outgoing Welshman.
Williams said: "We have enjoyed a first class, mutually beneficial relationship with Mark. He leaves the club in a strong position with three consecutive top ten finishes and an excellent squad of players.
"In turn, we have helped Mark to establish himself as one of the most sought after young British managers in the business, having previously had no club management experience.
"We wish him well. We would have liked him to stay on, but he made it clear he wanted a fresh challenge."
Williams admitted he first got an indication in January that Hughes might be leaving Ewood Park sooner rather than later.
"We got an indication round about the New Year when the Newcastle job became available.
"There was a lot of media speculation that promoted Mark to one of the favourites for that.
"I'd have to say that at that point in the back of your mind you are thinking about what would happen if Mark was to decide he wanted to move on.
"Whilst these things are never welcome, you can never say it's a total shock - you can't actually prepare until it becomes a fact, which it now has.” |