Allardyce was surprisingly dismissed as Rovers boss on Monday with his team 13th in the Premier League, with club owners Venky's stating he did not fit in with their "long-term vision". But Coyle, whose side beat Blackburn 2-1 on Sunday in what turned out to be Allardyce's final match in charge, was unimpressed. He said: "Sam Allardyce has done a fantastic job at Blackburn Rovers - as he has done everywhere else - because he is an outstanding manager, and shocked is probably an understatement. "The way it was done, we know in football that that happens, but it doesn't make it any easier. "They are going to have to go some, I would suggest, to get a better replacement than what they had in Sam Allardyce. "I think Blackburn have lost an outstanding manager and, in my opinion, it is going to be very difficult to replace somebody of that stature." Stoke boss Tony Pulis was also baffled by Allardyce's departure. "It happened with Chris Hughton at Newcastle the week before," he said. "There are situations that occur now at clubs which are very disappointing. "Chris left after doing exceptionally well with Newcastle, and Sam has done a fantastic job at Blackburn and yet has got the sack, and that is really, really disappointing. "Goodness knows what is going on out there. "We're in an industry where change is made on a regular basis, but usually when you're not doing so well, for poor performances. "Those two managers have done exceptionally well with their clubs, yet have still lost their jobs. "I think a lot of clubs could look at the way (chairman) Peter Coates handles and runs this club and take a leaf out of his book." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger - who has clashed with Allardyce in the past - was surprised by the decision to dismiss the former Bolton manager. "It came as a surprise to me because I think he had done a good job there," Wenger said. "He stabilised the club last season and Blackburn are in a strong position this year. "I think they played quite well Blackburn this season." Fulham boss Mark Hughes believes it may be unrealistic for Blackburn's new owners to expect the club to break into the Premier League top five. "I think it is possible but it's more difficult year on year because of the amount of money that's coming into the Premier League and the amount of clubs that are really investing," said Hughes, who led Rovers to sixth place four years ago. "I got into sixth position one year at Blackburn and it was a huge effort, a massive effort by everybody - not just the team but the staff. "Everyone had to pull together really strongly to make it happen and we had a great season. But the key is to try and sustain that. "If owners are demanding that's the norm then it becomes even harder." Hitting out at the surprise sackings of Allardyce and Chris Hughton, he added: "It just seems to be more prevalent - that's the unfortunate thing. "And I think it's another example of a case where new owners come in and if you're not appointed by them then very quickly you find yourself in a position where your position comes under threat, not by virtue of doing the job incorrectly or poorly, but just by virtue of the fact that you weren't appointed by the new ownership. "It's frustrating and, at times, it feels unfair. "I went through that similar situation (at Manchester City). "But Sam'll bounce back, he's got a great reputation in the game. "I'm sure he'll be back very soon."
