SAM ALLARDYCE was “shocked and disappointed” by his dismissal by Blackburn Rovers’ new owners last night following a row over the club’s transfer policy.
Four days after he was named as a potential England manager by Fabio Capello, Allardyce (with his assistant, Neil McDonald), was sacked by the Venky’s Group. The manager had objected to plans to impose players on him in the January transfer window. The Indian poultry conglomerate acquired the club, for €50 million, from The Walker Trust 25 days ago. Its chairperson, Anuradha Desai, told a local newspaper last week that Allardyce “deserved a chance” and that “the group have promised manager Allardyce funds to spend in the January transfer window”.
Those funds amounted to €6 million, a sum the former Rovers manager accepted, having worked without a budget surplus since he replaced Paul Ince in December 2008. However, Allardyce had misgivings over the influence of the sports agency Kentaro on transfer policy. The diluting of his input on transfers is believed to be behind yesterday’s events.
Kentaro, which advised Venky’s in the takeover process, last year agreed a corporate partnership deal with Sport Entertainment and Media Group, headed by the agent Jerome Anderson. Kentaro discussed transfer strategy with Blackburn’s new owners before Allardyce did and is reported to have provided a list of potential signings that may have included the Scottish international Kris Boyd and Brazilian Geovanni. Allardyce wanted to retain complete control of transfer policy. With the owners and the manager at an impasse, the club’s chairman, John Williams, was instructed to dismiss the 56-year-old.
A Venky’s statement said: “We have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for the club.”
The first-team coach, Steve Kean, has been placed in charge. Blackburn’s next opponents, West Ham United, may move for Allardyce should they choose to replace Avram Grant. The League Managers Association condemned Rovers’ decision to sack Allardyce.
Guardian Service
