DEPARTING Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Lambert believes the club should be well on its way to finding his replacement.

Last Thursday Lambert announced he would be leaving his position following the final game of the season at home to Reading tomorrow.

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He then confirmed that Rovers owners Venky’s had been aware of his decision to activate an escape clause in his contract three weeks before going public with it.

And, speaking yesterday, Lambert said: “If they’re on the ball then they would have started it weeks ago. Hopefully they’ve done that and hopefully they get the right guy.

“If they’ve not done it, then there’s something wrong, but I’m pretty sure they would have.”

Lambert, who again stressed he does not have another job lined-up, will take his staff out for a meal after tomorrow’s match to thank them for their efforts.

But he will then hand over the Brockhall reins to assistant manager Alan Irvine and first-team coach Rob Kelly who remain under contract at the club along with goalkeeper coach Laurence Kelly.

Lambert said: “I think the two lads being here will be a massive help.

“I’m pretty sure the club will speak to them and ask them what they think about things going forward.

“Alan and Rob have been fantastic along with Laurence. The club is fortunate they have those people here.”

Former West Brom boss Irvine remains one of the bookies’ favourite to become the next Rovers manager.

But Lambert said: “I don’t think so but you’ll probably see on Monday he becomes the new manager of Blackburn!

“But if you ask me what my opinion is, then I would say no, I don’t think so.”