Damien Johnson says the Rovers Under-23s job is a fantastic opportunity for his replacement.

For Johnson, he’s relishing his new opportunity within the senior side having been appointed as first-team technical coach and head of player development.

Rovers have received healthy interest having advertised for a new Under-23s manager to replace Johnson who held the post for four years and guided them to the Premier League 2 Division Two title in 2018.

They finished fifth in Premier League last term and Johnson has helped oversee the development of a host of young prospects.

He hopes to be able to continue helping that pathway in his new role, but knows the one he has just left is an attractive prospect for the new incumbent.

“It’s a fantastic job, I really believe that,” he said.

“You have great support and above and beneath you and you benefit from both.

“It was a job I could’ve seen myself doing for a long time. I was very happy doing it.

“The opportunity to work closely with the manager and the role he offered me was a very good opportunity and one for me to push myself on and see how I can adapt to that challenge.”

Johnson was part of the first-team coaching set-up in Austria and says his new role was something discussed with Tony Mowbray last term.

He added: “It’s been different but very enjoyable.

“I won’t lie and say it was a surprise because it’s something me and the manager spoke about at the end of last season in terms of transitioning in to a new role.

“There was a lot of thinking to be done but once I made my mind up I was relishing the opportunity. It’s been hectic but I’ve really enjoyed it.”

While the Under-23s enjoyed plenty of success under Johnson’s tutelage, he was keen to praise the work of all coaching staff within the Academy.

“The Academy had success and I played my part in it,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute been back here coaching. It’s a job I felt passionate about

“This is a fantastic opportunity the manager has given me but it was tough to walk away from the Under-23s and the focus on development which is something I’m passionate about. With the nature of my role it’s something I feel I can continue with.”