PHYSIO Alan Smith is to leave his part-time post with Blackburn Rovers at the end of the season.

Smith, who doubles up as England physio, and also looks after his own practice, has worked part-time at Brockhall since November 1995.

But Rovers believe they need the job to be full time, a situation perhaps underlined by the demands imposed by this season's massive injury problems.

The decision was announced by the club today. They stressed it was an amicable parting and they intend to advertise nationally for a successor.

Rovers will still have Mark Taylor, who is usually on the bench for matches, in the senior physio department.

"As well as his dual role working for England and ourselves, Alan also runs a private practice in his home county of Yorkshire," said Ewood chief executive John Williams.

"We believe we need a full-time person and also appreciate that it would be unreasonable of us to expect Alan to relinquish his duties with England, where he has been involved for more than five years and is continuing under Kevin Keegan.

"Alan fully understands all of that and we would like to thank him for his efforts during four years with us."

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