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Blackburn sack Owen Coyle after nine months as manager

Owen Coyle
Image: Owen Coyle took over as Blackburn Rovers manager in June 2016

Blackburn have sacked manager Owen Coyle after nine months in charge.

The Lancashire club are second-bottom of the Sky Bet Championship and three points adrift of safety with 15 games of the season remaining.

The Rovers board said it had taken the decision "in order to give the club the best possible chance of climbing to a position of safety".

Garry Monk and Owen Coyle
Image: Coyle's Rovers have won only seven Championship games all season

A statement said: "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Owen and his staff for all their efforts this season and we wish them well for the future.

"Assistant manager Sandy Stewart, first team coach John Henry and goalkeeping coach Phil Hughes have also left the club

Blackburn Rovers' manager Owen Coyle (Centre) celebrated at the end of the game with Charlie Mulgrew (Left) during the Sky Bet Championship match at Ewood
Image: Coyle's Rovers ran Manchester United close in the FA Cup

"The search for a new manager will begin with immediate effect. No further comments will be made at this stage."

Blackburn ran Manchester United close in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday, but succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Ewood Park.

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They have won one of their last six Championship games and only seven in the league all season, losing sixteen.

Former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett is not interested in the Blackburn job according to Sky sources.

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Highlights of Blackburn's 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday last week

Next Blackburn manager odds

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the early 7/2 favourite with Sky Bet to replace Owen Coyle as Blackburn manager.

The former QPR boss heads the odds ahead of experienced contenders Kenny Jackett and Steve Cotterill (both 5/1).

Former Bolton manager Dougie Freedman can be backed at 11/2 to arrive at Ewood Park and Nigel Adkins is also thought to be a contender at 6/1.

Mike Phelan and Alan Pardew, who have both left Premier League jobs this season, are priced up as outsiders at 33/1.

Posted at 1600 GMT on 21/02/17.

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