Allardyce shocked by departure

Published Dec. 13, 2010 1:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

Despite Rovers sitting comfortably in 13th spot in the Premier League new owners the Venky's Group announced they had axed Allardyce. "I am very shocked and disappointed to be leaving Blackburn Rovers," Allardyce said in a statement released by the League Managers Association. "I am extremely proud to have managed this club and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, my staff and the supporters during my time in charge. "I now wish them and the football club every success for the future". Allardyce's assistant Neil McDonald will also depart, with first-team coach Steve Kean stepping into the breach temporarily. LMA chief executive Richard Bevan lamented the news, with Allardyce falling victim to a takeover for the second time having lost his job under Mike Ashley's regime at Newcastle in 2008. "When new owners take over a club, sadly, the manager's position often hangs by a thread," he said. "To Sam's great misfortune this has now happened twice and, on both occasions, it has been extremely difficult to understand the thinking behind the dismissal. "It is ironic that one minute Sam can be proposed as the next England manager and the next, he finds himself out of work. "He is widely acknowledged within the game as one of the most progressive and forward thinking managers, embracing new concepts and technologies to create an environment which leads to success for his club. "It will not be long before Sam, with his exceptional management experience, is back in a managerial post." Blackburn lost 2-1 away to local rivals Bolton on Sunday, with their opponents down to 10 men. However, that defeat left them still five points clear of the bottom three and in no obvious danger.