Hughes: I had to join Rovers

New Blackburn manager Mark Hughes admitted today the job was an opportunity he "couldn't afford to miss".

Hughes was appointed last night following a few hours of negotiations after the Football Association of Wales gave Rovers permission to speak to their national coach.

"It has all happened very quickly and I am delighted to be here," said Hughes, who played for Blackburn before going into management. "It is a club I know, I know the people here. They had an indication of what I can offer as well, they have obviously seen my work.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't afford to let pass by.

"It was important at this stage of my career to make a move and this was the right time for me."

There had been some confusion over whether Hughes wanted the job as reports on Monday hinted he was happy to stay with Wales, only for his agent to come out on Tuesday and admit he was interested.

Hughes explained: "There was a little bit in the press from quotes I had made at a different time so those were misinterpreted and regurgitated on the Monday, which caused a bit of problem for me, but since that point everyone was clear I was interested in the post.

"Once Blackburn had permission from the FA of Wales things happened very quickly."

Blackburn chief executive John Williams said Hughes had always been No1 on their list and added: "Mark has signed a contract which is a two-year fixed term followed by a 12-month rolling term, which effectively means he has a three-year stewardship."

Hughes will guide Wales through the next two World Cup qualifiers - against England and Poland - and then Bobby Robson could replace him.

If the former Newcastle boss lands the job, it would see him up against England, who he led to the 1990 World Cup semi-finals, in the Welsh leg of the 2006 qualifiers.

Robson shot to the top of the wanted list after FA of Wales councillor Alun Evans said: "I don't want to nail my name to just one candidate but we could do with having someone like Robson.

"He'd be an ideal choice with a huge amount of experience.''

Robson was sacked by Newcastle last month after the club's poor start to the season. He has indicated his desire to stay in the game and international football might suit the 71-year-old.

David Collins, the Football Association of Wales' secretary general, said: "We have an agreement with Blackburn that he (Hughes) will manage us for the next two games. Then we will have six months to assess the situation."

Collins refused to rule out the possibility of Hughes being allowed to manage the national team part-time beyond the qualifiers against England and Poland.

"A part-time position is something we will consider," he said.

Former Wales striker Dean Saunders believes the new boss should be a Welshman.

Saunders, who won 75 caps, said: "I think the Blackburn players will take to him. But as for the Wales job, I'd prefer a Welshman."

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