The SIMON GARNER column

BLACKBURN Rovers have appointed the perfect man to replace Graeme Souness as the club's new manager.

As a player, Mark Hughes was a ferocious competitor who regularly struck fear in the hearts of his opponents.

Now as a manager, Hughes has a reputation for being one of the most forward thinking bosses in our game and he's exactly the type of person that's needed to take Rovers to the next level.

I know the sceptics might say he's still to prove himself as a manager in the Premiership but few can argue with the job he's done for Wales and I think you can draw certain parallels with that and the task that now awaits him at Blackburn.

Wales, like Rovers, are not exactly overloaded with world class players but Hughes still managed to get them playing together as a decent, well-drilled unit.

He strikes me as the type of person who can get the best out of people and that's exactly what's required at Rovers in an era when the club can no longer afford to compete with the big boys in the transfer market.

Having said that, I still believe there's a decent squad to work with at Rovers, despite the absence of big-name signings.

All that's missing is a bit of direction and I firmly believe Mark is the man to provide that.

Some reckon he's only using Rovers as a stepping stone to bigger and better things but I have to disagree.

For as long as I've known him, Mark Hughes has always been 100 per cent committed to every side he's ever represented and I know he's desperate to bring success to his new club.

This is the start of what could be an exciting new era.

So let's give Sparky the support he deserves.