Hughes named new Blackburn boss

Blackburn tonight installed Wales boss Mark Hughes as their new manager to take over from Graeme Souness.

The identity of the appointment was not a surprise but the speed in which it was announced certainly was.

It was only just before 4pm today that the Football Association of Wales revealed they had given Mark Hughes permission to talk to Rovers about the vacant position.

Less than five hours later the Barclays Premiership club were in a position to announce they had been successful in their pursuit of former player Hughes, who had always been their first choice.

In a brief statement the club said: “Blackburn Rovers Football Club announce tonight that Mark Hughes has been appointed manager with immediate effect.”

Hughes will be officially unveiled at a press conference at Ewood Park tomorrow.