BLACKBURN Rovers have sacked manager Gary Bowyer.

Bowyer's first-team backroom staff - assistant manager Terry McPhillips, coaches Craig Short and Tony Grant, and goalkeeping coach John Keeley - have also left the club.

A Rovers statement said: "Blackburn Rovers can confirm that manager Gary Bowyer has left the club.

"The owners felt that following a disappointing start to the season, they have to act in order to give the club the best chance of success in the remainder of the campaign.

"The Owners wish to place on record their sincere gratitude for the hard work and determination Gary has given the club, both in his capacity as manager and previously as Under-21 coach and within the Academy, in particular during the difficult period following relegation from the Premier League.

"Rovers' owners and board of directors will begin the search immediately to appoint a new manager.

"Assistant manager Terry McPhillips, first team coaches Craig Short and Tony Grant, and goalkeeping coach John Keeley will also leave the club with immediate effect."