Paul Lambert appointed Blackburn manager

The 48-year-old succeeds Gary Bowyer at Ewood Park.

Alan Irvine, formerly in charge of West Brom, joins as Lambert’s assistant.

"I would like to thank the owners board of directors for giving me the opportunity to manage such a fantastic club," Lambert told Blackburn’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.

"After a short period out of the game, I feel refreshed and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"I bring with me a very trusted backroom team that I believe is equipped to help me create an exciting era for the club and I hope to deliver a brand of football that will both entertain the supporters and bring success."

Despite overseeing a three-match unbeaten run in what proved his final games, Bowyer was deposed with Rovers languishing in 16th in the second-tier.

Blackburn Rovers' owners added 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."