MARK Hughes was officially unveiled as the new manager of Blackburn Rovers today - and two of the most forward thinking coaches in football are set to follow him to Ewood Park.

Rovers' 10 day search for a successor to Graeme Souness finally came to a successful conclusion last night when Hughes accepted an offer to take up the post.

And the Wales boss is set to bring two of his most trusted lieutenants with him as part of a new-look management team.

Former Birmingham City coach Mark Bowen and current Arsenal reserve team manager Eddie Niedzwiecki have both been lined up for roles in Hughes's backroom staff.

Both have worked alongside Hughes before, during his time as the manager of Wales and they are widely regarded as two of the brightest young coaches in the modern game.

Talks are already said to be at an advanced stage with Bowen, the man credited with helping Steve Bruce to transform the fortunes of Birmingham.

Niedzwiecki, meanwhile, is part of Arsene Wenger's coaching staff at Arsenal but it's thought he would jump at the chance of joining Rovers, where he would get the chance to be part of the first team set-up.

Meanwhile, Rovers are delighted to have captured Hughes after the 40-year-old became the overwhelming choice to succeed Souness in the Ewood hot-seat.

The Football Association of Wales gave Rovers permission to speak to the former Manchester United star at one o'clock yesterday afternoon and negotiations were then completed pretty swiftly after that.

"This is great news for Blackburn Rovers because we've got the man who was our unanimous first choice," said Rovers' chief executive John Williams.

Hughes was due to be officially unveiled at a special Press conference this morning and he's set to take his first training session with the players tomorrow.

He will then take charge of his first game on Saturday when Portsmouth are the visitors to Ewood Park and Tony Parkes has welcomed his swift appointment.

"I think it's an excellent appointment and it's great for everyone that it's been done so quickly," said Parkes.

"I'm sure he'll be involved in Saturday's game in some capacity and it's good for the players that all the uncertainty has now been removed.

"Mark has done well for Wales and though some people are saying he's not experienced at this level, how can you get that experience unless someone gives you a chance?

"He's the type of person who commands instant respect and I'm sure he'll receive a tremendous welcome off our fans on Saturday.

"The fact he's here and it's happened so quickly should give everyone a lift."

Rovers will have to pay the FAW around £250,000 in compensation for Hughes, who has agreed to stay on and manage Wales for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland next month.

After that, he will then relinquish his position with the Welsh national team and concentrate on managing Rovers full-time.