Blackburn fire Allardyce

SAM Allardyce was fired as manager of Premier League side Blackburn on Monday, less than three weeks after being assured by the club's new Indian owners that his job was safe.

The experienced Allardyce's two-year spell at Ewood Park came to a surprise end 24 hours after a 2-1 defeat at Bolton, its third loss in five matches which left the team in 13th place in the standings.

The announcement was made by Venky's Group, the Asian poultry giant who bought Blackburn for 46 million pounds (S$95 million) on Nov 19. A week after the takeover, the company's chairman Anuradha Desai gave his backing to Allardyce, insisting 'he deserves a chance,' and added he would be happy with a top-12 finish.

Since the buyout, Blackburn has won three matches but among its three defeats was an embarrassing 7-1 thrashing by Manchester United at Old Trafford. 'We have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for the club,' Venky's said in a short statement.

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