Blackburn have named Sam Allardyce as their new manager just 24 hours after sacking Paul Ince.

With Rovers 19th in the Premier League, they were keen to make a quick appointment — especially as Allardyce had also been linked with the Sunderland vacancy.

The new boss begins his reign at home to Stoke on Saturday and chairman John Williams said: “You can't underestimate how much of a boost the presence of a new manager could have on Saturday for what is an absolutely mammoth game.

“Everyone needs to know how big this game is as this is a time the club really has to come together.”

Allardyce has been out of football since parting company with Newcastle in January after an ill-fated seven months in charge.

However, his eight successful years as Bolton boss, where he established the club in the top flight and guided them into Europe, have persuaded Blackburn he can save them from relegation.

Blackburn are five points from safety and have not won in the League since they defeated Newcastle on 27 September.

Allardyce, 54, was linked with the club in the summer before Ince was appointed.

Former Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher said: “It is not a surprise choice. The club need someone who can put them back together again and I think that Sam can do that.”