Rovers support for Kean

Steve Kean has been told he could be the Blackburn Rovers manager "for ever" by the club's new owners.

The Scot has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs following the sacking of Sam Allardyce earlier this week.

Venky's, the Indian firm which recently bought Rovers, are now beginning their search for a new manager but say the job is Kean's to lose and plan to let the 43-year-old influence January's transfer policy.

The company's chairperson Anuradha Desai said: "We are not making any choices now and when the time comes we will give Steve two to three months to prove his mettle.

"Suppose he turns out to be good, then he continues as the manager - it is as simple as that.

"The option is open for Steve, it is very clear. He has been given the time and if he does well and proves himself, there is no doubt in our mind he would be the manager for ever, then.

"Then we will not look at anybody. We will be keeping our options open but if he does prove himself to be good, which we are hoping he will, then he is the manager for a long time to come."

This latest strong backing for Kean suggests he is likely to be given an extended trial at the helm.

Venky's, who paid £43m to take control at Rovers, have previously expressed a preference to appoint a British manager but warned the process would be a thorough and lengthy one.

With Blackburn 13th in the Barclays Premier League, it could be a good opportunity for Kean to prove his managerial credentials.

The former Celtic player was brought to Ewood Park as first-team coach by Allardyce last year and turned down the chance to take over as manager at Kilmarnock in the summer to stay with Rovers.

He has earned a good reputation in coaching after spells at Reading and with Chris Coleman at Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry.

Venky's already seem happy to let him have a say on potential new signings when the transfer window opens next month.

Desai added: "It will be discussed with him and certainly he will be the final decision-making bit because he knows the team, he has worked with the club for a long time.

"He will be involved and he will finally decide."

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