What do you think? Was the decision to axe Tony Parkes a right one?

E-mail us with your views and opinions by clicking the link at the bottom of the page or write to Sports Letters, Lancashire Evening Telegraph, High St, Blackburn BB12 1HT

Blackburn Rovers legends of the past and present today reacted with shock to the news that Tony Parkes has been sacked by the club he served for more than 30 years.

Kevin Gallacher said Parkes was a better caretaker manager than some of the full time bosses the club have employed during the last three decades, while Ronnie Clayton described his departure as 'the end of an era'.

Parkes' 34-year love affair with Rovers came to an abrupt end this morning when he was informed that there was no longer a role for him in Mark Hughes' backroom team.

Former Rovers striker Gallacher, who worked with Parkes from 1993 to 1999, said: "Tony was often the life and soul and would always be there for a laugh and a joke.

"I think the serious side only really came out when he took over as caretaker manager.

"That was a role he performed many times down the years and in many ways I think everyone at Ewood just accepted he had a job there for life.

"He was the one constant whenever managers came and went, whether that was a board decision or the choice of the new manager himself.

"But Tony has undoubtedly been a magnificent servant to the club and the best tribute I could pay him is that he made a better caretaker manager than some of the full time managers!"

Former Blackburn manager Graeme Souness said: "It's a sad day for him and for Blackburn Rovers. He has been a fantastic servant to the club for over three decades and it's obviously a big decision.

"Obviously, when any new manager comes it's imperative to make the changes they see fit, but Tony has been fantastic for every manager who has walked through the door at Ewood Park.

"I can't thank him enough because when you arrive at a club it's so important that you have somebody who understands the workings and has that vital inside knowledge.

"He did all that and more for me and I have nothing but admiration for everything Tony has done and achieved for the club down the years."

Current Rovers defender Craig Short said he was genuinely shocked to hear the news of Parkes' departure.

"It's a a huge shock. I've been in the game long enough myself to know that nothing should come as a surprise, but days like this still jump up and bite you and I never saw this coming at all," said Short.

"I have worked with Tony for six years and he is one of those people who is a friend to everyone.

"Obviously, his loyalty lay with the staff, but he was always there to have a chat with if you needed it and he will be sorely missed around the place.

"I know his job description has changed down the years, but even though he ended up as the reserve team manager, I think this will be a big shock to everyone.

"Tony himself will be gutted because football is his life and whenever he had something to say, you listened because of the knowledge he has gained down the years.

"I've had so many good conversations with him about the game in general."

Parkes had played for, coached and managed Rovers in three different divisions, working under 16 different managers.

Former team-mate and Lancashire Evening Telegraph columnist, Simon Garner, said: "It's a bit of a shock because Tony Parkes is Blackburn Rovers through-and-through.

"He has been a great servant for the club and he can feel proud for what he has done for Blackburn Rovers.

"It would be right to say he has saved the club on more than one occasion when he has stepped in as caretaker manager.

"Tony always had a smile on his face no matter if Rovers were bottom of the league or top of the league.

"He had a great relationship with the players, not only when he was a player but when he was on the coaching staff.

"I played alongside Tony many times and was in the team when he broke his leg at Notts County that ended his career.

"It was touch and go for a while because he was pretty ill afterwards but he battled through -- battling qualities he has shown as a coach."

Fellow Rovers legend Bryan Douglas said Parkes had never let the club down, no matter what role he filled.

"As a player, coach and stand-in manager, I think everyone would agree that Tony has done a magnificent job at Rovers.

"I wish him all the best for the future."

Those thoughts were also echoed by Ronnie Clayton, a former team-mate of Douglas's.

"Tony was very much the unsung hero and I think everyone at Ewood Park knew that because that is why he stayed so long.

"He was a much better player than a lot of people gave him credit for and his record as a caretaker manager speaks for itself."

"I am truly shocked to hear he has gone. It is certainly the end of an era."

Evening Telegraph columnist, Glenn Keeley, said Parkes was part of the furniture at Ewood Park and he admits to being slightly puzzled as to why Mark Hughes would want him out.

"Tony is a part of the furniture at Blackburn Rovers and the club has a lot to thank him for.

"Time and again he has stepped in to steady the ship when managers have left in the past and I was surprised that he never wanted to become a manager himself.

"But Tony was always happy to stay in the background and I suppose that is a credit to the man as well.

"I am very sad to hear that he is leaving and also a little puzzled as to why Mark Hughes wanted him out.

"Other managers have come in and brought their own staff and Tony has remained.

"Now it seems, Mark wants his own people around him and sadly that means the end of Tony's time at Rovers."