Players ‘devastated’ as Rovers axe Big Sam

BLACKBURN club captain Ryan Nelsen last night said he was“devastated” for Sam Allardyce after the manager’s shock sacking.

Rovers’ new owners, the Venky’s Group, dispensed with Allardyce’s services despite the team sitting relatively comfortably in 13th place in the Barclays Premier League.

The 56-year-old took over at Ewood Park in December 2008 and, having guided Blackburn out of the relegation zone to safety in that campaign, led them to a respectable 10th place last season. Although the results this term have been mixed so far, a win over Bolton on Sunday would have seen Rovers move within touching distance of a European spot.