BLACKBURN Rovers today launched the first phase of Jack Walker's plan to safeguard the club's long-term future by announcing the appointment of David Brown to the board of directors.

Brown -- a long-standing confidante and colleague of Walker -- will be responsible for liaising between the current board at Rovers and the group of trustees set up by Walker to run the club.

And chief executive John Williams believes his appointment can only help to strengthen the links between the corridors of power at Ewood and the men who now hold the purse strings in Jersey.

"Since Mr Walker fell ill earlier this year there has been increased and regular contact between the shareholders and the board and David's appointment will help build upon what is already a positive relationship with everyone pulling in the same direction," said Williams.

"It is clear that Mr Walker's message to his shareholders was the same as that to the board -- not surprising for a man who planned so thoroughly."

Rovers chairman Robert Coar has also hailed the move and welcomes Mr Brown to the board with open arms.

"We have known David for a long time, from before Mr Walker took over when Walkersteel were our main sponsors," said Coar.

"I am pleased David's position has been formalised in this way and I look forward to working with him."

Brown's links with Walker stretch back over 30 years during which time he was finance director of C. Walker and Sons Ltd until the company was sold to British Steel in 1990.

Since then, he has been an adviser and consultant to Walker across a whole range of business affairs.

He is also an adviser to Walker's trusts, including BRFC Investments -- the company set up Walker by to control and administer his major shareholding in Rovers and ensure its financial stability.

The Blackburn-based businessman is a long-time Rovers supporter who has held a season ticket at Ewood for the last 10 years.

And he is delighted to be taking up the post with a mandate to ensure Walker's legacy lives on.

"I am honoured to become a director of the Rovers," said Brown.

"The modern game of football is a mixture of business and emotion and, having worked so closely with Jack for so long, I know the special feeling he had for the club."

Jersey-based solicitor, Paul Egerton-Vernon, chairman of the shareholders, added: "The timing of David's appointment is important at this vital stage as the club sets about the task of returning to the Premier League."