BLACKBURN Rovers have confirmed that Michael Appleton has been appointed as the club's new manager.

Appleton spent today in talks at Ewood Park and leaves his job as Blackpool boss to take over at Rovers, with assistant Ashley Westwood also making the move.

The duo have put pen to paper on two-and-a-half-year deals as Appleton succeeds Henning Berg as boss, although caretaker manager Gary Bowyer will take charge for the final time at Wolves tonight.

Rovers were granted permission to speak to Appleton and Westwood on Thursday night and the duo arrived at Ewood this morning, accompanied by their lawyer, before finalising personal terms.

Appleton said: “I am delighted to be joining such an historic club.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am excited about the challenge we have ahead of us.

"I can’t wait to start working with what is a very talented group of players.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Blackpool for their efforts during my time there and the chairman for allowing me to come here.

"I wish them all the best for the future.”

Rovers’ managing director Derek Shaw said: “We are delighted to welcome both Michael and Ashley to the football club.

"They are both highly regarded within the game and we are confident that they have the drive and ambition to take this club forward.

"We will do everything in our powers to support them in our quest to make an instant return to the Premier League.”