BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes today explained the reasons behind his shock decision to sack Tony Parkes, writes ANDY NEILD.

The long-serving coach's 34-year association with Rovers came to a sudden end yesterday when he was relieved of his duties as the club's reserve team manager.

Hughes felt the time was right to put a younger man in charge of the reserves with the specific intention of strengthening the links between the Academy and the first team.

Wales Under 21 international boss Glyn Hodges is expected to be appointed as Parkes' successor in the next few days.

And Hughes hopes the change in personnel will help to increase the number of home-grown stars who successfully make the transition from Academy to the Premiership over the next few years.

"I've made this decision purely in football terms," said Hughes.

"I think it's the right way for the club to go and you need the right individuals in the right positions.

"If this reshuffle works, as I fully expect it to do, then the right people are in place so hopefully Glyn will be part of that and we can move the club forward.

"We are very conscious of the fact we've got a fantastic Academy here and maybe in the past that link between the Academy and the first team hasn't been as good as it needs to be.

"It needs a certain type of person who's used to working with young players and has experience of dealing with them and trying to bring them through to the first team.

"There's certain qualities that the guy in charge needs to have.

"It's a specialised role and it's important for the club that we get that right."

Hughes admitted it was a tough decision to call time on Parkes' Rovers career after such a long and emotional association with the club.

Whenever there's been a managerial change at Rovers in the past, the new incumbent has always found a place for Parkes in his backroom team.

This time, however, the axe has fallen on a man who has served the club as a player, coach and manager during the last three decades.

"It was a very difficult decision but that can't cloud my judgement," said Hughes.

"I have to make decisions that I think are the best for the club and will help me to take the club forward.

"The situation I inherited with two men doing the reserve team job really doesn't work at any other club so it wasn't a situation that could continue here.

"Tony has got great qualities but he's always really worked with first team players.

"Obviously, you have to have certain qualities to do that and he's been part and parcel of this club for a long time.

"But unfortunately we've had a reshuffle and these things happen. There's no position for him at first team level and maybe he's better suited to working with senior players.

"I don't think this is the last you'll see of him. I'm sure the fact he's now available for work will alert other clubs."

In the meantime, Hughes is hoping Hodges will accept his offer to become Rovers' new reserve manager in the next few days.

The pair know each other from their time with Wales and Hughes believes the former Barnsley coach would be a great addition to the staff.

"Events have overtaken us so there's only so much I can say but I'd like to think that Glyn will come here and start working very soon," added Hughes.

"I've known Glyn for many, many years and I like him as a coach.

"I've seen him work first hand and he's got a good manner with young players.

"He's made an immediate impact in the short space of time that he's been working with the Under 21s."