NO sooner had the divorce papers been signed between Blackburn Rovers and Graeme Souness than the club was seeking another long-term relationship.

And in appointing Mark Hughes, chief executive John Williams believes the club has laid the foundations for the perfect marriage.

The Wales supremo was top of the Blackburn board's wanted list as soon as Souness wended his way to the North East.

And Williams was delighted Hughes was just as keen to take on the job.

"It's been a hectic but productive 11 days since we became aware of the immminent departure of Graeme, ending in Mark's appointment, so I'm very pleased," Williams said.

"You'd have to ask Mark if Blackburn was the only club he would leave Wales for at this time, but I do feel this was the job he really wanted.

"You do get a sense on these occasions of somebody who really wants the job, and I sense that Mark does.

"It's not destiny as such, but I think it's the right job for him and we think he's the right man for us. It's a marriage.

"We had four and a half years with Graeme and I'd be delighted if we had that amount with Mark.

"There is an element of short-termism in football, you can't get away from that.

"Although we're looking for a long-term relationship, I think the fact he's familiar with the club and some of the players is something that will give us a short-term lift as well."