Blackburn have decided to sack their third manager of the season in yet another shocking decision by the owners. The Indian owners Venky’s have been criticised since their takeover of the club a few years ago. They have overseen relegation for the club, while they have landed in yet more hot water after sacking the manager Michael Appleton. The former Blackpool manager lasted just 57 days in his job. Incidentally, he managed to outlast his predecessor by four more days. As a result, he becomes the third manager to be sacked by the club this season.
Even though results substantially improved after the arrival of Appleton, the team have not managed a victory since the 1-0 defeat of Arsenal in the FA Cup a few weeks ago. Upon joining the club, Appleton was given 15 games to prove that he was the right man for the job. As a result of the club falling way behind the play-offs position, it was thought that Appleton could be sacked. However, there were no indications on the outside about such an event. The former assistant manager Eric Black has criticised the owners at the club by saying that he is clueless to what is going on at the club.
“I am disappointed to be leaving Blackburn Rovers. I would like to thank the players and wish them all the best for the rest of the season. I would also like to say thanks to the fans who have made me feel so welcome over the past few months,” said the former Blackburn manager Appleton through his PR company. Meanwhile, the reserve team manager Gary Bowyer will be taking charge of the team duties for the remainder of the season. Bowyer already had a spell as the interim manager earlier in the season and was quite successful.