NEW OWNERS

Blackburn's new owners have given the backing for Sam Allardyce. The Rao family completed their £43m takeover of Rovers through their newly formed company, Venky's London Limited, on 19 October.

"We want results and Sam has taken up the challenge. He deserves a chance," Venky's chairman Anuradha Desai said.

The Rao family have vowed to preserve the traditions of the Ewood Park club and to build upon the legacy left by previous owner Jack Walker.