• Premier League

My job is not under threat - Kean

Steve Kean has issued a rallying cry to Blackburn's supporters © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Blackburn can't afford to play me - Salgado
  
• News: Cech clanger hands Wigan a point
  

Blackburn boss Steve Kean insists the club's owners Venky's have not given him an ultimatum, instead revealing a lengthy chat was solely regarding the fitness of his squad.

Rovers' troubles continued on Saturday when they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to West Brom, leaving them four points from safety in 19th place in the Premier League.

Blackburn host relegation rivals Bolton, who prop up the table, on Tuesday and, with the pressure mounting on Kean, speculation is rife that the club's owners have told the manager his job is under threat.

However, when asked if owners Venky's gave him an ultimatum during their discussion on Sunday, Kean told Sky Sports News: "No, not at all.

"I spoke with the owners for about 45 minutes. We had a real good conversation, mentioning again the health of some of the players because we have got a few that are falling at the moment.

"We will look forward to the transfer window opening and see if we can get a few bodies in that can hit the ground running straight away and make an impact."

Kean is fully aware of the difficult task ahead, but the Scot is hopeful Rovers' supporters can have a major impact in the club's revival.

He said: "Stick with us. With a game that is as important as this, stick with us. When we scored [in a 2-1 defeat by West Brom on Saturday], I felt the momentum swung in that game and they were with us then.

"Obviously when you get a late goal against you it's disappointing, we were all disappointed. But if they could stick with us for this game, I think it could make a massive difference.

"I'm not trying to pretend that I don't understand the magnitude of this game. I'm not enjoying where we are in the table. But when I look at the players and I get out on the training ground and they are giving a response, they are certainly behind what we are trying to do. That gives you a massive boost."

In an interview with ESPNsoccernet, Kean said he is shocked that both he and Bolton boss Owen Coyle are supposedly in danger of losing their jobs. "I am really surprised that the game with Bolton is being built up as if the manager who loses will get the sack, because Owen has the backing of his chairman and I've got the backing too," he said.

"I think this is coming from the outside of the club, but I am trying to prepare for a big game. I don't like what is being said and done from outside, but there is nothing I can do about it, and quite honestly I am not interested in it.

"The most important thing is the result against Bolton, and I am sure people understand how many players I have lost through injury, but they should also understand that I have the players behind me and that has always been the case.

"At times we have lost an entire back four, it makes it tough, but we have got to hang in there, and we will."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.