Blackburn Rovers appoint ex-Bolton and Wigan boss Owen Coyle as manager

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the appointment of Owen Coyle as their new manager, after the Scot agreed a two-year deal at Ewood Park on Thursday.

The 49-year-old Paisley native returns to English management after a prolonged stay with American MLS side, Houston Dynamo, which came to an end by mutual consent in May.

Coyle had previously managed Rovers’ bitter east Lancashire rivals, Burnley – who he won promotion to the Premier League with via the play-offs in May 2009, as well as brief stints in charge of Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

At Blackburn, Coyle will be assisted by Alan Irvine and Rob Kelly, as the club look to improve on last season’s position of 15th in the second-tier.

He will replace compatriot Paul Lambert, who left his managerial position after just six months, when he activated a clause in his contract.

Speaking to Blackburn’s official club website, Coyle said: “First and foremost I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to be Blackburn Rovers manager and I look forward to working with terrific people at the club.

“The ultimate aim is to give a team that is representative of the fans, a team that is entertaining and hard working, and a team that can win.”

Blackburn director, Mike Cheston, added: “We took our time and conducted a thorough search and Owen was the standout candidate.

“He brings with him a wealth of management experience, a strong track record in the Championship and we believe he will complement our existing coaching staff perfectly.

“He meets all of the criteria we were looking for and we firmly believe he is the right man to take this club forward.”

Coyle becomes the seventh manager to be appointed at Rovers, since Indian owners Venky’s took control in November 2010.