BLACKBURN Rovers say they will move swiftly to appoint a new assistant manager after Alan Irvine left the club by mutual consent.

The 57-year-old was brought in as No 2 by former boss Paul Lambert when he arrived at Ewood Park last November, along with first-team coach Rob Kelly.

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He was an early favourite to take over the top job when the former Norwich chief activated a clause in his contract to quit before the end of last season.

But instead Irvine and Kelly, who were both in their second spells in coaching capacities at Rovers, stayed on to work with new manager Owen Coyle.

Irvine was present at Rovers’ Brockhall training complex on Monday to cast an eye over the squad when the players returned for pre-season training.

But the club announced yesterday that he was on his way out, with Coyle saying: “We wish Alan well, as he is a great football man and a lovely person.”

Irvine’s playing career took in Queen’s Park and Dundee United north of the border, while he starred for Everton and Crystal Palace before hanging up his boots following 58 games in a Rovers shirt.

His coaching journey started with the youth ranks at Ewood Park, before he took full charge of the senior sides at Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom.

A statement from the club said: “Blackburn Rovers wish to announce that it has been mutually agreed that assistant manager Alan Irvine will leave the club with immediate effect.

“A former Rovers player and youth team coach, Irvine returned to the club in November but has now decided to further his career away from Ewood Park.

“Rovers would like to thank Alan for his efforts and wish him well for the future.

“The club hope to move swiftly in appointing a successor, who will work alongside manager Owen Coyle and first team coach Rob Kelly.”

Coyle’s former No 2 at Burnley, Bolton, Wigan and Houston Dynamo, Sandy Stewart, is an early favourite to fill the role.