Shaw gets Blackburn role

And former press officer Paul Agnew, just a few weeks after being made general manager, has had his role upgraded to operations director.

"I am delighted to be given this opportunity," said Shaw, a 54-year-old Lancashire businessman with more than 20 years' experience as a director in football.

"My goal is to do all I can to help restore Blackburn as a football force and the passion of the owners to get the club back to the Premier League in the shortest possible time is crystal clear.

"I have been invited to come on board and work alongside Paul Agnew, for whom I have the utmost respect, and the Ewood staff to produce a structure that will assist in our drive to get everything on track for success.

"It is a challenge I relish and I am determined to put my experience to good use for the common good at Ewood Park."

Anuradha Desai, the lead figure for the club's owners Venky's, hopes appointing local men into key roles will help build some bridges after fans were alienated during a dismal relegation campaign.

"We have every confidence in Derek and believe he can play a major role in bringing about a positive change for the club," she said.

"We are keen to build up a good image for BRFC among the fans, media and general populace and we feel sure that Derek and Paul can work in close cooperation to achieve this.

"It is a new start, a new era and we are very excited."