Lambert promises to entertain Blackburn fans

Mark Holmes
Paul Lambert: Replaces Gary Bowyer as Blackburn Rovers manager

Paul Lambert: Replaces Gary Bowyer as Blackburn Rovers manager

New Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Lambert has promised supporters a brand of football that will both entertain them and bring success.

The 46-year-old, who replaces Gary Bowyer at Ewood Park, had been out of work since he was sacked by Aston Villa in February with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.

Lambert arrived at Villa Park in June 2012 with a healthy reputation after taking Norwich from League One to the Premier League in two seasons but could only lead the midlands club to back-to-back 15th-placed finishes.

The Scot signed a contract extension last September after a good start to the campaign but paid the price after Villa’s form quickly deteriorated and included a dismal run of 659 minutes without a top-flight goal.

Lambert, who will be presented to the media on Monday, takes control of a Blackburn outfit currently 16th in the Championship after winning just three of their 16 games so far.

He will be joined by ex-Rovers player and youth-team coach Alan Irvine, who was named as his assistant.

Blackburn’s former head of youth coaching Rob Kelly and goalkeeping coach Laurence Batty will also join Lambert’s backroom staff.

Rovers are just four points above the relegation zone, but it is a challenge Lambert is relishing.

“I would like to thank the owners and board of directors for giving me the opportunity to manage such a fantastic club,” he told the club’s official website.

“Blackburn Rovers is a club with superb support and fine traditions, being a founding member of both the Football League and the Premier League.

“I bring with me a very trusted backroom team that I believe is equipped to help me create an exciting era for the club.

“I hope to deliver a brand of football that will both entertain the supporters and bring success.”

Blackburn’s owners, who ended Bowyer’s two-and-a-half-year reign on Tuesday, said: “We are extremely happy to have secured a manager with the experience that Paul brings.

“We are confident that he is the right man to achieve the ambitions we have for the club.”

Lambert’s first game in charge of Blackburn will be Saturday’s trip to local rivals Preston.