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Kean to get chance to replace Allardyce at Blackburn

Steve Kean is highly respected at Blackburn © PA Photos

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Blackburn Rovers' new owners, Venky's, will give current caretaker manager Steve Kean a chance to take over the role permanently if the results he gets while in charge are favourable.

Kean has been installed as caretaker after the sacking of Sam Allardyce on Monday and will be in the dug-out for their game against West Ham at Ewood Park this weekend. Some reports have suggested that the former assistant to Chris Coleman at Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry will be given two months to prove his credentials.

Venky's have already revealed that they are keen to appoint a British manager who could guide Rovers into the Premier League's top five and, although Kean may prove a shock choice to many, the owners are willing to give him a fair crack of the whip.

''He is one of the most respected coaches in British football,'' a source close to the club told ESPNsoccernet. ''For 15 years he has been at clubs like Reading and Fulham and he has been developing young payers and bringing forward exceptional talent.

'"That is the kind of policy they are looking to install at Blackburn. He is honest, straightforward and respected. The players like him and he has been given the job for the foreseeable future. Like all managers in the game, he is no different and will be judged on results; therefore that is what 'foreseeable future' means.'"

Anuradha Desai, chairwoman of Venky's, earlier insisted that the new owners have been impressed by what they have seen so far from the Scot.

"We have been studying him and have been very impressed,'' she told the Daily Record. "He works long hours and is talented at his job. He also works well with our very skilful young players and that is important."

ESPNsoccernet has been told that Allardyce was consulted all the way about prospective new signings and ultimately he was given the final say-so on who would be bought or sold, so reports of a row over transfers are wide of the mark.

"We've not got anything against anybody. This is just to improve the club and go forward," Blackburn co-owner Venkatesh Rao told 107 The Bee. "There's nothing against Mr Sam, all the best to him. This is basically to improve the management and the club.

"It's (the new manager) in the pipeline. It's too early to mention today. We'll come back to you as fast as possible. We've been talking to the chairman who is there and other people. We have a target in mind. I can't tell you right away. Please give us some time.

"We are looking forward for the best for the fans. This is for their benefit. We are concerned about the fans."

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