LONDON - Former Bolton and Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce was appointed the manager of Blackburn Rovers on a three-year contract, the English Premier League strugglers announced Wednesday, a day after they had sacked Paul Ince.

"Blackburn Rovers are delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager with immediate effect," a statement on the club's official website said. "Sam has signed a three-year contract."

The statement added: "A press conference will be held at Ewood Park at 4pm (1600GMT) tomorrow (Thursday)."

Blackburn are currently second-bottom in the lucrative Premier League and facing relegation, having won just three out 17 games so far this season.