PAUL Lambert is aiming to usher in an exciting new era in Blackburn Rovers’ 140-year history after being named as the club’s new manager.

The former Norwich City and Aston Villa boss has signed a two-and-a-half year contract to widespread fan delight.

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Lambert, who led Norwich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, was the number one target for Rovers’ owners Venky’s and directors to replace Gary Bowyer.

They also ran the rule over Nigel Pearson, Slavisa Jokanovic, Mark Warburton, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and the club’s Premiership title-winning captain from 20 years ago, Tim Sherwood.

But reports suggesting that Sherwood, who replaced Lambert in the Villa hotseat, turned down Rovers are understood to be wide of the mark.

Lambert, who will be presented to the media tomorrow morning, was always the preferred choice.

The 46-year-old was also wanted by Championship rivals QPR and Fulham as well as clubs from abroad.

But the former Scotland international, who won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund and nine major honours with Celtic during his playing days, wanted to join Rovers.

Lambert said: “I would like to thank the owners and board of directors for giving me the opportunity to manage such a fantastic club.

“Blackburn Rovers is a club with superb support and fine traditions, being a founder 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.”

Ex-Wycombe Wanderers and Colchester United manager Lambert, who has been out of work since February after leaving Villa, has also named his backroom team.

Former Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom boss Alan Irvine will act as his assistant manager.

Ex-Leicester City boss Rob Kelly has been installed as first-team coach and, like Irvine, is returning to Rovers.

Kelly, 50, joined the club in 1997 and held the roles of under-19s coach, head of youth coaching and assistant reserve team manager to Tony Parkes.

Irvine, 57, made 62 appearances for Rovers between 1989 and 1992 and, after retiring, joined the club’s coaching staff, working alongside Terry Darracott in the youth team.

Lambert’s backroom team is completed by goalkeeping coach Laurence Batty, 51, who he worked with at Wycombe, Colchester and Norwich.

Bowyer and his coaching staff were sacked on Tuesday after Rovers, who are currently 16th in the Championship, won only three of their opening 16 league games.

Lambert becomes the fifth permanent boss appointed by Venky’s during their five-year reign as the club’s owners.

And they 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.”

Lambert’s first match in charge will be away to Lancashire rivals Preston North End on Saturday where Rovers are expected to be roared on by a 5,446 sell-out travelling support.