While victory for United at Old Trafford on Saturday will see them end 2011 on top of the pile, a loss for their Lancashire rivals will condemn them to bottom spot when the clock strikes midnight. With that considered, it hardly seems credible that just 14 months ago, Blackburn were safe in mid-table, even if they were about to suffer a 7-1 mauling at United's hands. Within weeks, Allardyce was gone, part of Venky's attempts to reshape the club. Before long, chairman John Williams had left as well, creating a power vacuum that still has not been filled. So, whilst Ferguson has been fully supportive of Allardyce's replacement Steve Kean, who has come in for so much abuse from his own fans, he cannot comprehend why Venky's acted as they did. "For anyone to sack Sam Allardyce, you would think they were off their head," said Ferguson. "He is such an influential and big personality. He was perfect for Blackburn. "He is an outstanding manager. You can see that with the job he is doing at West Ham. "Why did they do it? I couldn't possibly give you an answer. But a lot of experience went out of the door when they did." And that was compounded by Williams' exit in February after 14 years with the Ewood Park outfit. "John Williams was very experienced in the job," said Ferguson. "He was a Blackburn man. He looked after the Jack Walker Trust and was responsible for the running of the club. That was a loss as well."
