STEVE McClaren and Sam Allardyce have today pulled out of the race to become the new manager of Blackburn Rovers - leaving the way clear for Paul Ince to be named as Mark Hughes' successor.

Ex-England boss McClaren has accepted an offer to become the new manager of Dutch side FC Twente, while Allardyce is believed to have told Rovers that he no longer wants to be considered for the post.

McClaren told Sky Sports News: "I have this morning accepted a two-year contract to become the new manager of FC Twente in Holland.

"This is an exciting new phase of my managerial career and I can't wait to take up the challenge.

"From the moment I met the club president Mr (Joop) Munsterman and his staff, I knew this was the right club for me.

"My assistant will be Erik ten Hag and I'm very much looking forward to working with him and the players.

"Last season was very exciting for the club having qualified for the third round qualifiers for this season's Champions League.

"It's great to be back in management and I'm relishing the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead."

McClaren takes over from Fred Rutten, who has joined Bundesliga side Schalke.

He added on the club's official website: "I would like to say to the fans, about whom I have heard a lot, that we will do everything we can to bring the club further success.

"(Former PSV Eindhoven boss) Sir Bobby Robson told me that this would be a nice challenge for me.

"He also told me that FC Twente is a fantastic club and that I would feel at home."

Allardyce, meanwhile, is believed to have pulled out of the running after accepting that Ince is the man Rovers really want.

Should the Premier League decide to block Ince's bid to become a top-flight boss, Rovers are then likely to turn to Michael Laudrup, who was interviewed by chairman John Williams in Switzerland on Tuesday.