SHEBBY Singh says avoiding ‘mediocrity’ will be Gary Bowyer’s biggest task after backing the decision to appoint him as Blackburn Rovers’ new permanent manager.

Bowyer was confirmed as Rovers boss on a 12-month rolling contract on Friday night after Singh, managing director Derek Shaw and operations director Paul Agnew all expressed their support for his appointment.

There had been delays as Ewood officials waited for Venky’s to authorise the deal, but the installation of the two-time caretaker boss on a permanent basis will now allow Rovers to turn their focus to next season.

Rovers are making attempts to cut their wage bill this summer and Bowyer, who will be unveiled to the media at a press conference tomorrow, is keen to hang on to top scorer Jordan Rhodes but some players may be allowed to leave.

Singh told the Lancashire Telegraph: “The big challenge is to now not encourage mediocrity.

“In my opinion, Gary has the support of the majority at the club unlike previous managers, who were pretty much clueless.”

Managers Steve Kean, Henning Berg and Michael Appleton left the club during the 2012/13 campaign – each time after Singh had expressed his dissatisfaction about their performance.

Bowyer won three and drew one of his four games during his first spell as caretaker boss at the turn of the year, before helping an injury-hit squad avoid relegation at the end of the season.

Rovers’ global advisor Singh added: “The advantage that Gary has is from his two different stints being in charge he would certainly be aware that he had a very good squad that played with creativity and joy first time out.

“His second stint, which went through till the end of the season, had him dealing with a decimated average squad.

“I trust Gary will also not alienate players as previous managers did.”

Singh departed Ewood for India a fortnight after Bowyer took caretaker charge for a second time in late March.

He spent seven weeks in Pune and is currently in his homeland of Malaysia on a two-week break before returning to India to advise the owners on a number of issues, likely to include possible changes at boardroom level this summer.

Terry McPhillips and Tony Grant may now continue in their roles as first-team coaches, after stepping up from the youth staff along with Bowyer.

Goalkeeping coach John Keeley still remains after being brought in by Appleton in January.

Rovers are likely to announce season ticket prices in the next two days.