Blackburn Rovers: Firing of Sam Allardyce Led to Beginning of Downward Spiral

With the relegation of Blackburn Rovers from the Premier League to the Championship on Monday night, blame began to be put on the current members of the club and their failure to perform. However, the real reason for the demise of Blackburn was the firing of former manager Sam Allardyce in December 2010.

It all started in November 2010 when Venky's took over the club and immediately looked to improve on the club's 13th position in the league table.

The first change that was made has become one of the most crucial decisions that the new ownership has made to this date.

That decision was made on December 13 when the new owners fired manager Sam Allardyce after a 2-1 loss to Bolton the day before.

Throughout the rest of the 2010-11 season and for most of the current season, Blackburn fans have protested the new ownership and current manager Steve Kean, who took over for Allardyce as caretaker manager and then as permanent manager.

The fans have protested the hiring of Kean since his appointment as manager and they have been right in doing so.

In contrast, Kean did give Rovers fans some things to cheer about this season. That being a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on New Years' Eve.

As for the man known as Big Sam, he took charge of West Ham United after they were relegated from the Premier League last season and has guided his current club into the Championship promotion playoff final.

While Kean will most likely get the boot and Blackburn are dropping down to the Championship after 11 years in the Premier League, Allardyce is close to returning to the Premier League and is enjoying success with his new club. All thanks to his surprise firing at Blackburn 17 months ago.