ROVERS: New chief executive for Ewood

Rovers have announced the appointment of 48-year-old Granada Leisure high-flyer John Williams.

And in a further development, secretary Tom Finn joins the new Chief Executive on the Ewood Park board.

Mr Williams will take up his new appointment on July 1 - the same day as new boss Roy Hodgson arrives to take charge of team affairs from Tony Parkes.

Vastly experienced in the entertainment field after 18 years with Granada TV and Leisure, Williams' appointment represents a major step forward for Rovers as they continue the restructuring of the club.

Williams will oversee the development of commercial operations at Ewood Park and help to increase the overall profile of the company.

Chairman Rob Coar observed: "We believe the appointment of a new Chief Executive will greatly enhance Blackburn Rovers' commercial and business standing.

"John Williams will bring tremendous experience to the club.

"The football industry has moved on tremendously and this appointment will put us at the forefront of that business.

"We see John Williams' arrival as an extremely crucial appointment."

The new Chief Executive observed: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am looking forward to the challenge.

"Blackburn are an extremely progressive club and I detect total commitment to the cause, on and off the field.

"I see many opportunities outside the obvious to increase the commercial opportunities to Blackburn.

"I've many ideas to pursue and funds have been made available to pursue those targets." There is a great momentum building with the arrival of a new manager imminent and there are very exciting times ahead."

Secretary Finn joined Rovers from Wolverhampton Wanderers last October and he added: "It is a great honour to be asked to go on the board and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. I will be working closely with John and Roy Hodgson."

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