A “shocked” Sam Allardyce was sacked as manager of Blackburn Rovers with immediate effect on Monday after nearly two years in charge, the English Premier League club announced on their official website.

Also on the way out of Ewood Park was Allardyce’s assistant, Neil McDonald, with first team coach Steve Kean placed in temporary charge.

A statement issued by Venky’s, the Indian-based poultry business that took over the north-west club last month, said: “The Venky’s Group, owners of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, has today (Monday) 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 (currently first team coach) 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.”

A stunned Allardyce, in a statement issued via England’s League Managers’ Association (LMA), 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.”

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said Allardyce, as happened when he was at Newcastle, had paid the price for being in the post when the club had been sold.

“When new owners take over a club, sadly, the manager’s position often hangs by a thread,” Bevan said.

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