Salgado thanks Big Sam

Salgado thanks Big Sam

Published Dec. 24, 2010 1:15 p.m. ET

The veteran right-back spent 10 years with Real Madrid before being released by the Spanish giants during the summer of 2009. Allardyce invited Salgado for a trial and saw enough to offer the 35-year-old a two-year contract with Rovers. The former Spain international insists Allardyce's presence at Ewood Park was a big factor in him signing for Blackburn so he was disappointed the club's new owners took the surprise decision to sack the experienced manager last week. "I have to say thank you because I came to England because of him," he told Sky Sports News. "I think he was the main reason why I came here." First-team coach Steve Kean stepped up to take temporary charge before this week being confirmed as Blackburn's manager until the end of the season. Although Kean has coached under Chris Coleman at Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry, it is the 43-year-old's first managerial position. The Scot may now have the opportunity to bring in new players during the transfer window and Salgado insists the Blackburn squad is committed to helping Allardyce's replacement succeed. "We have to help him to fill the position," he said. "Maybe new faces will come in the winter and I'm looking forward to trying to build something great."

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