Sam Allardyce appointed new Blackburn manager

Sam Allardyce has returned to Premier League management after signing a three year deal with Blackburn.

Rovers sacked Paul Ince yesterday after a 10 match winless run in the League which has left them five points below the dotted line and facing a tough relegation battle.

Allardyce has been out of work since being sacked by Newcastle in January after failing to win over the fans in his eight month spell on Tyneside.

But he enjoyed huge success in his eight seasons at Bolton , getting the club to punch consistently above its weight, and was in contention for the England job before the FA appointed Steve McClaren.

A statement on the Blackburn Rovers website said: "Blackburn Rovers are delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager with immediate effect."

Rovers were keen to make an appointment as soon as possible - especially as Allardyce had also been linked with the vacant position at Sunderland.

Blackburn chairman John Williams had said it would be a huge advantage for the new manager to be in position before Stoke's visit on Saturday.

Williams said: "You can't underestimate how much of a boost a physical presence could have on Saturday for what is an absolutely mammoth game.

"Everyone needs to know how big this game is as this is a time the club really has to come together."

Rovers are to hold a press conference at 4pm tomorrow.

Get your hands on this week's estimated jackpot of £100,000 by playing the New Football Pools .

Find out what our resident Premier League fan bloggers think - and let them know your views.

Follow every Premier League game live with our brilliant Match Tracker .