Blackburn sack Allardyce

Blackburn have announced they have sacked manager Sam Allardyce.

In a shock move, new owners the Venky's Group have dispensed with the former Bolton boss' services despite Rovers sitting relatively comfortably in 13th in the Barclays Premier League.

"We have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for the club," Rovers said.

Allardyce's assistant Neil McDonald will also depart, with first team coach Steve Kean stepping into the breach temporarily.

The full statement from Rovers said: "The Venky's Group, owners of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, has today 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."

Blackburn lost 2-1 away to local rivals Bolton on Sunday, with their opponents down to 10 men. However, that defeat left them still five points clear of the bottom three and in no obvious danger.

One bookmaker did reveal a flurry of sizeable bets on Allardyce to be the next top-flight manager to vacate his post and slashed odds from 33/1 to 3/1 today.

William Hill also revealed many of the gamblers betting on Allardyce were also placing money on Avram Grant to leave West Ham, leading them to conclude Allardyce may be headed for Upton Park.