Steve Kean 'forced to resign' as Blackburn Rovers' manager

Steve Kean's reign as Blackburn manager came to an end tonight as he resigned from his role, saying in a statement that he had been "forced" out and that his position had become "untenable".

In a statement issued through his lawyers, Kean said:

"For reasons that I cannot discuss on legal advice, it is with deep regret, given my hard work and service for the club for a number of years, that I have been forced to resign as manager of Blackburn Rovers Football Club with immediate effect, due to my position as team manager becoming untenable.

"I wish to thank all the players and coaching staff for their great support and the majority of the fans, who now see their club heading towards an automatic promotion