DAVID Dunn has told Blackburn fans ‘we need you more than ever’ after admitting Sam Allardyce’s departure has left most of the squad “gutted”.

The home-grown midfielder revealed most of Rovers’ squad were stunned about Monday’s sacking of Sam Allardyce and is now concerned about what will happen next.

While Dunn was quick to stress he does not blame the club’s new Indian owners for doing what they believe is the best way forward, he was convinced Allardyce was the right man for the job.

But ahead of a crucial clash with basement side West Ham at Ewood tomorrow, Dunn realises the importance of lifting themselves – and believes the fans have a huge part to play.

He said: “It is important for us as a team and staff to lift ourselves ahead of a very important game on Saturday. There is a funny atmosphere around the place.

“We will do our best to lift ourselves but maybe it is up to the fans to make sure they get behind us on Saturday.

“It is not easy seeing all these changes happening and hopefully the fans can give us an extra push. We have always identified the next few games as being very important and that hasn’t changed.

“The club will only carry on doing well if the players perform.

"Results always depend on our performances and it would be nice to see the new owners and let them explain what is happening.”

Allardyce’s sacking on Monday was met with disbelief by the majority of Rovers fans, and Dunn admitted the reaction from the players was no different.

The former Bolton and Newcastle man guided Rovers from the brink of relegation to safety in his first season at the club, to 10th last season, and Dunn insists they were on the right track again.

“The majority of the players are absolutely gutted and feel very disappointed by the decision,” he said. “At this moment in time my view is that the decision is very disappointing.

“Who knows what will happen in the future? At this moment as a Blackburn Rovers fan it is a results business and I personally felt Sam Allardyce was the right man for the job of getting results.

“It is the owners’ prerogative though, because they own the football club.

"I don’t blame them, if it was my money I would want to do things my way.

“But loyalty does seem to be slowly drifting away from the game for everyone.”

Dunn also believes it is important the new era doesn’t forget the achievements of the current staff at the club over the past decade.

He said: “Don’t get me wrong, the new owners could be the best thing that has happened to the club over the past 10 years.

"They will live and die by their decisions.

“A lot of people who have worked very hard for this football club are very worried about their own jobs though.

"The players will live to fight another day but I fear most for the people behind the scenes, it is the same with any big take over.

“What everyone has achieved at this club over the past 10 years has been an amazing achievement, it really has been massive.

"Look at where we have finished in the Premier League on our budget, a lot of people deserves a lot of praise for that.”