Nelsen: Big Sam to be big hit

Allardyce was appointed as Rovers' new manager on Wednesday just 27 hours after Paul Ince had been given the chop.

And Nelsen told Rovers World: "I'm very excited to tell the truth - his reputation is fantastic and I think he will be a big hit at Blackburn."

He added: "He's a big character and that's definitely what we need. He's got the experience to come in and know what we need. I'm just looking forward to getting into work, meeting him and getting some wins."

Blackburn moved swiftly to sign up Allardyce - managerless Sunderland had also been linked with the 54-year-old former Bolton and Newcastle manager - and announced his appointment on a three-year contract.

Allardyce had been in the running for the job before Ince was appointed in the summer but ruled himself out, and he explained that as "a misunderstanding".

"I am very, very pleased indeed. I'm not saying more than that at the moment," Allardyce said.

Asked about his decision to take a job he apparently did not want in the summer, he said: "That was all a misunderstanding. I'm just glad I'm here now."

Allardyce, who will be formally unveiled at a news conference at Ewood Park on Thursday afternoon, said he would "wait and see" whether funds would be made available to him to sign new players in the transfer window.

Allardyce guided Bolton to promotion to the top flight in 2001 and then established them as a top-flight force, qualifying for the UEFA Cup in 2005.