Rovers' new owners the Venky's Group dispensed with Allardyce's services despite the team sitting relatively comfortably in 13th place in the Barclays Premier League. Allardyce, 56, took over at Ewood Park in December 2008 and, having guided Blackburn out of the relegation zone to safety in that campaign, led them to a respectable 10th place last season. Although the results this term have been mixed so far, a win over Bolton on Sunday would have seen Rovers move within touching distance of a European spot. As it was, the 2-1 defeat to 10-man Wanderers proved to be Allardyce's last game in charge following a decision which Nelsen feels none of the players could have seen coming. "I am devastated for Sam," Nelsen told Sky Sports News. "He had an absolutely fantastic relationship with all of the players. "Everyone respected him. He took the club out of the doldrums really. "We were in massive trouble with no money. He solidified us and put us into a top-10 position, and again he did it on a shoe-string." He added: "I'm just getting over the shock of it. We've got to get over it, but at the moment I want to say, and I can speak for nearly all the players I'm sure, that they will be devastated. He was a very likeable character." Allardyce's assistant Neil McDonald will also depart, with first-team coach Steve Kean stepping into the breach temporarily. In a statement released by the League Managers Association (LMA), Allardyce said: "I am very shocked and disappointed to be leaving Blackburn Rovers. "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." Venky's, an Indian poultry company, have taken the action less than a month after completing their purchase of Blackburn for £23million. A statement on the club's official website read: "The Venky's Group, owners of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, has today confirmed the departure of manager Sam Allardyce and assistant manager Neil McDonald with immediate effect. "First team coaching duties will be taken on by Steve Keane for the immediate future. "We have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for the club. "We would like to put on record our thanks to Mr Allardyce for his contribution to Blackburn Rovers Football Club." LMA chief executive Richard Bevan lamented the plight of Allardyce, who had previously fallen victim to a takeover when he lost his job under Mike Ashley's regime at Newcastle. "When new owners take over a club, sadly, the manager's position often hangs by a thread," Bevan 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."
