Blackburn appoint Allardyce as new manager

(CNN) -- Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers have appointed Sam Allardyce as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The club have moved quickly after sacking Paul Ince on Wednesday and have swooped for the former Bolton and Newcastle manager, who has been out of work since leaving his Newcastle post in January.

The club said in a statement: "Blackburn Rovers are delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager with immediate effect. Sam has signed a three-year contract."

Allardyce, 54, will be officially unveiled at a news conference at Ewood Park on Thursday.

His eight successful years as Bolton manager persuaded the Blackburn board that he is the man to rescue the club from the threat of relegation.

Blackburn are currently second from bottom of the Premier League with just 13 points from 17 games.

The club were keen to make an appointment as soon as possible -- especially as Allardyce had also been linked with the vacant position at English rivals Sunderland.

Blackburn chairman John Williams had said it would be a huge advantage for the new manager to be in position before Saturday's visit by Stoke.

Williams said: "You can't underestimate how much of a boost a physical presence 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."