Kean lands Rovers extension

Steve Kean has signed a long-term contract to remain as manager of Blackburn until 2013.

The 43-year-old took over in a caretaker capacity following the sacking of Sam Allardyce in December, and was later given a contract until the end of the season. However, club owner Anuradha Desai had signalled her intention to give Kean a long-term deal earlier this month, and has now delivered.

"I am delighted to commit my future to Rovers at the start of what I see as a massively exciting new era for the club," Kean told the club's official website.

"The owners have shown great faith in me and I will do all I can to repay them.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I intend to grasp it with both hands."

Kean first joined Rovers as first-team coach in 2009, but has quickly found himself thrust into the limelight, with Desai clearly impressed by what she has seen so far.

"We have great confidence in Steve, someone who impresses us with his work ethic, enthusiasm, positivity and football philosophy," she said.

"We feel that the playing squad is in very safe and capable hands and we look forward to working with him.

"Stability is very important to us and this contract is further evidence of our desire to achieve such stability at the club."